Find cottages and self catering and close to a sandy beach in Highlands Scotland

Taigh Uaine, Lochinver, Sutherland, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from: £280 to £475

Self catering accommodation in Lochinver sleeps 4.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Beach close by • Fire or Woodburner • Easy Walking • Parking Available • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: This pretty detached single storey cottage is set in its own grounds at the end of the Achnacarnin township road on the Stoer Peninsular - one of the most breathtaking beautiful locations on the renowned north west coast of Scotland. With views across the sea to the Assynt Mountains beyond, this cottage has been built to maximise its idyllic location. Whilst it is a modern property, the main living area takes its inspiration from a traditional croft house and byre, with high ceilings and lovely open fireplace, surrounded by Caithness stone. The Gaelic name translates at The Green House; this alludes not only to the outside paintwork, but also to its eco friendly green credentials - even the heating is extracted from the ground using an innovative ground source heat pump.

Beechwood Cottage, Brae Tongue, Sutherland, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from: £270 to £445

Self catering accommodation in Brae Tongue sleeps 4.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Pets allowed • Parking Available • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: This coastline is renowned for its miles of sweeping white sandy beaches which are always quiet, whatever the time of year.  The area is a paradise for surfers, body boarders and beach lovers generally.  The pretty village of Bettyhill, above Torrisdale bay, has good local facilities including pubs and a restaurant, as well as an excellent indoor swimming pool and leisure centre. There is also a museum documenting the fascinating history of the Highland clearances and by following the Strathnaver Trail visitors can experience life in the Highlands from Neolithic times through the Viking era to the modern day.  The area is a wild-life watchers paradise.  Whales, basking sharks, porpoises, seals and otters are all seen in the area.  At Melvich just along the coast there is also a colony of puffins which can be seen and at Forsinard, Strath Halladale, there is an RSPB nature reserve, where local rangers will take visitors to explore the bird life, flora and fauna close to hand.  Nearby Borgie forest has a number of superb woodland trails, ideal for walking or cycling.  Golf, canoeing, cycling, hill-walking, climbing and horse riding are all available locally.  Heading south is the Strath of Kildonan, site of a 19th century gold-rush where it is still possible to pan for gold in the River Helmsdale - some visitors even claim to have paid for their holiday by selling the gold - but you must stake your claim by posting the date and amount of gold found in the old stone letter box!  There are a number of excellent local restaurants, pubs and cafes in the small towns and villages along the coast.  Beechwood provides an ideal base for exploring this spell-binding and unforgettable region of the UK.

Bairlinnean, Thurso, Caithness, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly prices from: £301 to £582

Self catering accommodation in Thurso sleeps 4.

Features include: Non smoking Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Pub near by • Pets allowed sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: Spectacularly located overlooking the turbulent waters of Pentland Firth and just 20 yards from a lovely sandy beach these recently refurbished and very comfortable fishermen's cottages offer a cosy base from which to explore the far north and Orkney. The surrounding area is a haven for wildlife and perfect for bird watching fishing and surfing. Served by a rail link (cycle hire is also available) Thurso is Britain's most northerly town whose seaward views are dominated by the cliffs of Dunnet Head and the Old Man of Hoy – its harbour offers a gateway to Orkney. The Castle of Mey is 8 miles. John O Groats 20 miles. Shops pubs restaurants and fishing tackle hire are in walking distance.

Sitting room with electric fire dining area with sea views and doors to garden. Well equipped kitchen. First floor: Master bedroom with 6' zip and link bed (twins by arrangement). Double bedroom. Bathroom/W.C. with corner bath and separate shower cubicle.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Summer Cottage, Brora, Sutherland, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 10
Weekly prices from: £618 to £1397

Self catering accommodation in Brora sleeps 10.

Features include: Short Breaks • Multi bathrooms • Non smoking • Detached Pool Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Easy Walk access • Pub near by • Pets allowed Luxury accommodation sleeps 1

Accommodation overview: Perfect for family holidays and relaxing short breaks this exceptional property is situated just two minutes' walk from a glorious sandy beach and links golf course in the charming seaside village of Brora. Beautifully furnished and boasting a lovely spacious interior it stands within its own attractive well tended and fully enclosed garden beside the Royal Marine Hotel where Summer Cottage visitors enjoy full use of the leisure club's superb facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool gym and steam room. Stunning coastal scenery and an unspoilt rugged landscape provide a wonderful backdrop for wildlife spotting bird watching walking and fishing and sea angling is available from the village harbour. The Clynelish Distillery (2 miles) Dunrobin Castle Loch Fleet Nature Reserve the Castle of Mey (the late Queen Mother's home) and day trips to Orkney are all easily accessible. The adjacent hotel restaurant is excellent and visitors will find good shops restaurants and a famous ice cream maker within a short stroll.

Spacious tiled open plan sitting room with doors to garden dining area and fully fitted kitchen divided by central fireplace with wood burning stove. Utility room. Sun porch. Cloakroom/W.C. Twin bedded room with ensuite shower room/W.C. leading into second sitting/dining room fitted kitchen and separate sun porch. First floor: Master double bedroom with 6' zip and link bed (twins by arrangement) and ensuite bathroom/W.C. and separate shower cubicle. Double bedroom with 5' bed and ensuite period bathroom/W.C. (shower attachment). Attic twin bedded room. Open plan landing with sofa bed (for + 2) and TV for DVDs and games.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Bunrside Croft, Portvasgo Tongue, Sutherland, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 2
Weekly prices from: £300 to £631

Self catering accommodation in Portvasgo Tongue sleeps 2.

Features include: Short Breaks Non smoking • Detached Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pets allowed sleeps 2

Accommodation overview: Set in a tiny hamlet only 300 yards from the rocky shoreline at the end of a crofting strath grazed by sheep and cows this is the perfect spot for a relaxing 'get away from it all' holiday. With its wooden and terracota tile flooring lack of television reception and cosy multifuel stove heating it provides a wonderful opportunity to step back into a more peaceful traditional way of life. Lovely beaches and a stunning coastline are a joy for walkers and nature lovers to explore in all weathers the region's dolphin whale and seal watching boat trips are popular and day trips might include visits to the Castle of Mey – home of the late Queen Mother – and to John O'Groats. Shop and pub serving food 3 miles.

Cosy sitting room with multi fuel stove (runs CH) with wooden floor. Kitchen with dining area. Cloakroom/WC. Sun porch with dining area and sea view. Steep stairs first floor: Bathroom/WC (shower over bath). Double bedroom with sloping ceilings.

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Torgorm, Strath Gairloch, Wester Ross, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from: £349 to £839

Self catering accommodation in Strath Gairloch sleeps 6.

Features include: Short Breaks • Multi bathrooms Detached • Wheelchair access • Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Pub near by • Pets allowed sleeps 6

Accommodation overview: Commanding far reaching views across Gairloch and its loch this smart newly built property makes an ideal base for enjoying the surrounding area's lovely coastal scenery and excellent hill walking and bird watching. Finished to high standards and offering very comfortable accommodation Torgorm sits within a short walk of shops pubs and other village amenities and just ½ mile from the beach (pictured). Golf horse riding cycle hire and sailing are all found locally. Boat hire for sea angling is available from the harbour.

Sitting room with electric fire and sea views. Spacious kitchen with dining area. Double bedroom with 6' zip and link bed (twins by arrangement) and ensuite shower room/W.C. First floor: Twin bedded room. Double bedroom. Bathroom/W.C. (shower over bath).

Phone enquiries: 0844 847 1143

Beauly, Beauly, Inverness-shire, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 6
Weekly prices from: £365

Self catering accommodation in Beauly sleeps 6.

Features include: Fishing nearby Wheelchair access • Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pets allowed Parking available Golf near by Garden • sleeps 6

Accommodation overview: Spectacularly situated high above the pretty village of Beauly, this cottage enjoys magnificent views out to the Beauly Firth and Inverness. The property is furnished, equipped and decorated to a very high standard and offers comfortable warm accommodation. There is ample parking, a secure fenced garden with sun-house and a lockable shed for storing bikes. As one double bedroom and bathroom are on the ground floor, it may be suitable for guests with limited mobility. The pretty village of Beauly is 1.5 miles away - its floral displays have won many awards and there are shops and many good places to eat out. Beauly is very centrally positioned, 14 miles from the Highland capital of Inverness and less than an hours drive from the West Coast. Loch fishing, golf and pony trekking can be arranged locally, for skiing Aviemore is within easy reach, and in summer there are the lovely beaches of the Moray Firth coastline. Local attractions include Glen Ord Distillery and the Moniack Castle Winery, or take a boat trip on Loch Ness for a pleasure boat trip. 2 double and 1 twin bedroom (cot and high chair available); living room with open fire, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, shower-room. All electric with central heating plus open fire. Fridge, freezer, microwave, auto washing machine, television, DVD, CD player, video. Bed linen and towels are provided.

Talmine, Lairg, Sutherland, Highlands Scotland

Sleeps 5
Weekly prices from: £330

Self catering accommodation in Lairg sleeps 5.

Features include: Fishing nearby • Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Open Fire or Wood Burner Stove Pub near by • Pets allowed sleeps 5

Accommodation overview: Talmine is a small hamlet, one of several in this peaceful fishing and crofting community which look north east across the picturesque Tongue Bay. This traditional stone croft house is in a beautiful situation on the clifftops and has the best views in the village to the Rabbit Isles and along the North Coast. Visitors come here to enjoy the peace and quiet as well as the warm welcome from the friendly locals. Talmine village has a beautiful sandy beach with a harbour and jetty - the rocky outcrop that forms part of the harbour is studded with black and ruby garnets. Shops and hotels can be found in the pretty village of Tongue only three miles away. Boat trips to the Rabbit Islands are popular for good diving and for picnics on the beautiful sheltered beach there. This is an ideal base for touring along both the North and West coasts. The local area is packed with history and many interesting landmarks to visit. The cottage is comfortably furnished and well equipped. Parking on the driveway leading to cottage. Shop and hotel within 1 mile. Upstairs: 1 double, 1 single and 1 twin bedroom(travel cot available on request) with en suite w.c./whb; Ground floor: living room, kitchen, dining conservatory, bathroom with bath and large separate shower. Cooking by electricity, oil- fired central heating and open fire. Fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, colour television, DVD, CD player. Bed linen and towels are provided.