Bydand Cottage

You enter Bydand Cottage through planted gardens that frame views across Tongue Bay, and those same vistas follow you into the living room. The ground floor holds a bright kitchen and dining space looking out over the back garden, a double bedroom, and a bathroom with bath and shower. Upstairs are two further bedrooms—one double and one with twin singles—giving room for five guests. The fenced, level gardens provide a sitting-out area with furniture; a quiet spot for a dog on lead, given the surrounding crofting land.

This traditional stone cottage stands alone in a small hamlet, genuinely rural but within walking distance of a country pub. Melness has a local store half a mile along the lane, and the town of Tongue (with shops, bars and restaurants) is nearby. The coastline here draws walkers and outdoor visitors: Ben Hope and Ben Loyal rise inland, sandy beaches dot the shore, and a slipway and harbour sit close by for anyone with a boat or kayak. Electricity, bed linen and towels are included. One dog stays free; smoking is not permitted.