Sheaf Dale

Sheaf Dale is a single-storey stone cottage standing on a quiet lane within open countryside above Portmahomack. Everything happens on the ground floor: a living room with views across fields, a well-equipped kitchen and dining space, three bedrooms (one with a kingsize bed, one double, one with bunks), and a bathroom with both bath and shower. The essentials—heating, electricity, Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels—are provided, and one dog stays free of charge, though the property sits on a working farm so pets must be kept on a lead.

The enclosed garden features a patio and a private hot tub that fits six. Parking at the rear accommodates two cars and a trailer, making this useful if you're arriving with canoes, bicycles or other kit. Portmahomack itself lies a mile away: a village with a sandy beach, backed by mountains, where you can walk, swim or launch kayaks. The North Coast 500 passes near by. No smoking inside the cottage.