Foresters Cottage

The Cromarty Firth is a magnet for wildlife: tens of thousands of wading birds and wildfowl winter on its salt marshes, bottle-nose dolphins patrol the Moray Firth, and raptors—buzzards, kestrels, peregrines, red kites and ospreys—hunt overhead and from the garden. Two RSPB reserves with hides are within reach, at Nigg Bay and Uldale Bay. Loch Fleet nature reserve, 18 miles north, shelters birds, seals and butterflies. This former forester's cottage sits on a quiet Highland country estate, close to a hamlet but set apart, with woodland and riverside walks leading down to the shore.

The property has three bedrooms—one double, one with two singles, one single—and a bathroom with a bath and shower. The ground floor contains the living and dining room (with a log burner and wood included to start), kitchen with electric cooking and a dishwasher, and a conservatory. Parking is on site. Essentials like electricity, heating, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi are included. One dog stays free. The garden is enclosed with a patio, furniture and a barbecue. No smoking inside.

The Black Isle's fishing villages and coastline lie nearby; Loch Ness is easily reachable for a day trip. Golf courses are 5½ miles and 16 miles away. Cromarty offers a summer ferry and wildlife cruises. The NC500 route passes through the region.