Highland Retreat
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Nestled in a breathtaking 23,000-acre wilderness reserve in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Highland Retreat offers an oasis of tranquility and stunning na...
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Nestled in a breathtaking 23,000-acre wilderness reserve in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Highland Retreat offers an oasis of tranquility and stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by rugged hills, dense forests, and meandering rivers, this remote escape provides complete privacy, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the untamed charm of the Highlands. With easy access to picturesque coastal towns like Dornoch and Ullapool, renowned whisky distilleries, and challenging golf courses, there’s plenty to explore beyond the reserve’s enchanting landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Highland Retreat is a luxurious, well-appointed three-bedroom cottage ideal for families or groups of friends. Designed for ultimate comfort, the cottage features two stylish master suites with double beds and ensuite bathrooms, along with a loft-style family room that includes a double bed, two single beds, cozy seating, and a family bathroom. The open-plan living space invites relaxation, with a wood-burning stove, vaulted ceilings, and large windows that capture stunning views. A charming, fully equipped kitchen complements the dining area, which includes a telescope for wildlife spotting. Outside, a private terrace provides sweeping vistas for alfresco dining or stargazing.
Guests can indulge in a catered package of delicious daily meals freshly prepared by the reserve chef, featuring locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Start each day with easy breakfast items, followed by two-course lunches and three-course dinners ready to heat and serve. Enjoy these Highland delicacies while focusing on relaxation and a variety of activities available on the reserve, from hiking and wild swimming to wellness treatments and 4x4 tours.
What you should know…
- The cottage is quite remote, enjoying total privacy, but please bear in mind the nearest village is 19km away! We also recommend that you have a 4-wheel drive to get around the Reserve during your stay.
- For larger groups, there are 2 other properties available for stays on the Reserve. Caledonian Lodge sleeps up to 14, whilst Glen Rest can accommodate 4.
- Self catered options are available on request. Please enquire at time of booking.
This home is a part of our Sustainable Collection!
- Set on a 23,000-acre wilderness reserve
- Aquaponic gardens, orchards and vegetable patch
- Bee hives and fishing ponds
Property Features
Highland Retreat
Ground Floor
- Large living and dining area
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Bedroom with double zip & link bed and ensuite bathroom with shower and bath
- Bedroom with double zip & link bed
- Bathroom with shower and bath
- Laundry room
- WC
- Boot room
First Floor
- Family bedroom with a double bed and twin single beds (sleeps up to 4)
- Bathroom with a shower and bath
Exterior Grounds
- Outdoor terrace space
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Underfloor and wall heating
- Wood burner
- Dishwasher
- Large TV, and DVD / Blue-ray player, CD-player
- Washer-dryer
- Nespresso coffee machine
- Coffee grinder and cafetiere
- Juicer
- Nutri-bullet
- BBQ
- Iron and iron board
- Hair dryer
- Travel cot & highchair available on request
- Parking
- Mountain bikes
Location
About the surrounding area of Highland RetreatHighland Retreat, nestled within a Highland Wilderness Reserve, offers a stunning getaway in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Ardgay. Surrounded by forests, mountains, and rivers, this idyllic location boasts breathtaking views and rich wildlife. Guests can engage in various outdoor activities, including fabulous walks through the Glen, mountain biking, foraging, wild swimming in pristine ponds, and off-roading on 4x4 tours. For ultimate relaxation, wellness facilities are available, offering yoga sessions and sound bathing experiences. The reserve is truly stunning and has so much to offer.
Just under an hour away, Dornoch features a beautiful cathedral, a sandy beach, and the historic Royal Dornoch Golf Course, where golf has been played since the 16th century. Guests can explore local distilleries like Glenmorangie or visit the unique Carnegie Whisky Cellars. Horse lovers will appreciate the Hollingwells Equestrian Centre, which offers equestrian tuition and scenic treks through the countryside.
For thrill-seekers, a day trip to Aviemore provides opportunities for white-water rafting, quad biking, and skiing. Loch Ness and the Black Isle offer additional adventures, including boat cruises and charming seaside villages to explore. Experience the ultimate Highland escape at Highland Retreat, where adventure and relaxation await!
Local Amenities | |||
---|---|---|---|
Nearest Airport |
Inverness Airport
(78.8km) |
||
Nearest Airport 2 | Aberdeen International Airport | ||
Nearest Train Station |
Ardgay
(19.7km) |
||
Nearest City |
Inverness
(68.2km) |
||
Nearest Village |
Ardgay
(19.7km) |
||
Nearest Beach |
Nairn Beach
(90.7km) |
||
Nearest Supermarket |
Ardgay shop
(19.7km) |
||
Nearest Golf |
Royal Dornoch
(42.6km) |
||
Nearest Tennis |
Tain Tennis Club
(44km) |
||
Nearest Town/City |
Dornoch
(41.8km) |
Region
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in the Highlands
Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey to the Scottish Highlands with Oliver's Travels, where fabulous, characterful homes await in this rugged and enchanting slice of northern Scotland. Mist-shrouded mountains, deep-blue lochs and ancient castles are the name of the game. It is like stepping into a fantasy novel, but with fewer dragons and more kilts!
First up on our Highland hit-list is Ben Nevis, standing at a whopping 1,345 metres. Climbers and hikers worldwide flock to its trails, ready to conquer the mountain and be rewarded with the most incredible views. If you are not up for an epic uphill battle, fear not! The Great Glen Way offers a more chilled stroll along the Caledonian Canal, connecting Fort William and Inverness. It is like a leisurely stroll through nature, with bonus canal vibes.
Now, who hasn't heard of Loch Ness? Home to historic castles such as Urquhart Castle, this legendary spot invites you to channel your inner detective and search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Nessie might be shy, but the views are anything but! You will enjoy ruins, mystery and just maybe, a friendly monster waving from the depths.
Inverness, the unofficial Highland capital, is where historic charm meets modern pizzazz. The River Ness weaves through the city, tickling the feet of Victorian buildings. It is a sophisticated dance of old and new. You can stroll along the riverbanks, explore Inverness Castle and soak up the local vibes at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Heading west is the hidden treasure of Plockton which boasts landscapes so picturesque, you will think you are in a watercolour painting. Whitewashed cottages add a touch of charm and the sheltered bay is the perfect spot for daydreaming. You can take a boat trip to nearby islands or just bask in the coastal serenity. In Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal plays meet and greet with Loch Ness, boating and water-based antics abound. The locks of Fort Augustus are like a watery staircase, a fascinating engineering marvel that turns boat journeys into a spectacle.
The Highland Folk Museum near Newtonmore invites you to step back in time. This living history museum spills the secrets with reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters and demonstrations of age-old crafts. Another wonder, Eilean Donan Castle is a real-life fairytale fortress perched on a tiny island where three lochs have a meet-up. It is so postcard-perfect that even Hollywood could not resist its charm. History buffs and Instagram enthusiasts, this one is for you!
Of course, we cannot forget the whisky. The Highlands are the holy grail for whisky aficionados. Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries open their doors for guided tours, where you will learn the magic behind crafting Scotch whisky. Sip, swirl and savour – it is a Highland happy hour!
Whether you are scaling castles, conquering peaks, fishing, boating or just lounging by a loch, the Scottish Highlands invites you to a land where nature and history come together in a brilliant way. It is a timeless tale that leaves you in awe. Step into the magic as adventure awaits!
Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide – so read on and enjoy!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesHighland Retreat is the ultimate family getaway, featuring a delightful loft room that sleeps up to four, perfect for kids' sleepovers. Children will love exploring the vast reserve, spotting wildlife, and using the dining area telescope for a closer look at the breathtaking scenery. Days spent biking or taking 4x4 tours will ignite their adventurous spirits, followed by cozy family movie nights or board games at home. Cots and highchairs are also available for younger guests.
In nearby Dornoch, families can embark on exciting boat trips that include dolphin spotting, where kids can marvel at these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Dornoch Beach is ideal for building sandcastles and splashing in shallow waters, while Cromarty Beach offers fantastic fossil-hunting opportunities.
Inverness is home to numerous family-friendly attractions, including the castle, Ness Islands Walk, and the Landmark Forest Adventure Park, ensuring a fun-filled holiday for kids of all ages at Highland Retreat!
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Amusement park
- Kid-friendly excursions
- Water excursions/Boat trips
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
Onsite Facilities
- Board games
- Bicycles Provided
- Indoor Games
- DVD
Services Available
- Catered
- Chef/Cook Included
- Breakfast Included
- Catered
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Yoga Classes Available
- Transfers Available
- Chef/Cook Included
- Breakfast Included
- Catered
Catering
Highland Retreat is a fully-catered property, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the rental rates. Please note that alcoholic drinks will need to be pre-ordered and pre-paid for.
Activities
Guests can enjoy a variety of exciting activities available on the Wilderness Reserve (some activities may incur an additional cost):
- Walking and hiking through the Highlands
- Nature watching
- Fly fishing
- Mountain biking
- Foraging
- Wild swimming
- Whisky tasting
- Clay pigeon shooting
- 4x4 reserve tours
- Wellness and spa treatments
- Yoga and sound bathing
- Pickleball
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Security deposit | There is no security deposit, but should there be any damage or loss caused by you or your guests during your stay you will be liable for the cost. |
Arrival time | 4pm |
Departure time | 10am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
Security deposit | There is no security deposit, but should there be any damage or loss caused by you or your guests during your stay you will be liable for the cost. |
Arrival time | 4pm |
Departure time | 10am |
Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. |
Internet access? | Yes, Wi-Fi is included in the rental price |
Changeover day | Flexible |
Minimum stay | Please note that there is a 7-night minimum stay |
Pets welcome? | Highland Retreat is located within a nature and wildlife reserve. To protect local habitats, we do not generally encourage dogs or other pets on the reserve. However, exceptions may be made upon request. Please enquire at the time of booking. A £250 fee per stay applies to any permitted pets to cover additional cleaning costs. |
Smoking Allowed? | Smoking is permitted outdoors only. Please dispose of waste responsibly. |
Insurance | Guests are required to be in possession of a valid insurance policy, which covers them for cancellations, personal belongings and any accidental damage caused during their stay. |
Stag & Hen Do Allowed? | Yes, on request. Please enquire at time of booking. |
Other Ts and Cs | Highland Retreat is a catered accommodation. The rental price includes daily pre-prepared breakfast items, two-course lunches, and three-course dinners, freshly made by the Estate chef in the lodge kitchen with local, seasonal ingredients. Meals are delivered daily with simple instructions for heating and serving. Alcoholic drinks need to be pre-ordered and pre-paid. Please enquire if you would like any further information. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 4 people: For every additional guest up to 8, it will cost an additional £54 per person per night.
Rental period | Weekly |
---|---|
Nov 18th 2024 - May 1st 2025 | £5,053 |
May 1st 2025 - Nov 1st 2025 | £7,257 |
Nov 1st 2025 - May 22nd 2026 | £5,053 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.