Sanctuary Cottage

Applecross sits between mountains and sea on one of Scotland's remotest peninsulas, reached over the Bealach na Ba, one of Britain's highest road passes. The village itself was declared a sanctuary in the 7th century and remains surrounded by some of the country's most dramatic terrain—ancient Caledonian pine forest, nature reserves with golden eagles and pine martens, and a deeply indented coastline where seals surface regularly. To the north lie the Torridon mountains and Inverewe Gardens; to the south, Plockton and Skye.

Sanctuary Cottage is a 19th-century building that has been substantially renovated and sits right on the water's edge. It has four bedrooms and four bathrooms, sleeping eight, with decking that leads directly down to the shore. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, there's a utility room with washing facilities, and the essentials—linen, towels, heating and wifi—are all provided. The cottage is yours alone; smoking is not permitted.

The location suits families and those who want to walk the coastal paths, explore rockpools, or watch for wildlife. The award-winning Applecross Inn, known for local seafood, is a ten-minute walk away. A shop lies a mile inland. Sandy bays are within five miles. Kayaking, mountaineering and land rover trips can be arranged locally.