Fair View

A mile outside Lairg, Fair View sits on open ground where the landscape dominates in every direction. The Highlands around here are sparse and dramatic—moorland stretches to the horizon, the sky is enormous, and the lack of light pollution has earned the area Dark Sky recognition. Red deer, pine martens and wild cats inhabit these hills; the bird life changes with the seasons. This is a genuine crossroads for exploring the north: the North Coast 500 is accessible by branching off in multiple directions, and the A838 puts most of the region within reach.

The bungalow is single-storey and spacious. Four bedrooms sleep seven: two doubles at 4ft 6in, two single beds in one room, and one single. The two bathrooms include a bath with shower. The farmhouse-style kitchen/dining room has an island counter and a large table facing the views; the living room is double-aspect with an open fire and a 40-inch TV. All rooms are on the ground floor. An enclosed, lawned garden with sitting areas surrounds the property, and there is a small unfenced pond about 5 yards from the house. Parking for five cars is on site. One pet stays free.

Essentials—heating, electricity, wi-fi, bed linen and towels—are covered; initial logs for the fire are included. The kitchen is equipped for cooking. No smoking is permitted. Lairg itself offers a few shops and services; beyond that, you're in the wild country of Sutherland, where isolation and scale are the whole point.