Guests say
The Grain Store is a beautifully presented cottage in a stunning, peaceful location overlooking Loch Ruthven. Guests consistently praise its immaculate cleanliness, cosy and comfortable interiors, and well-equipped kitchen. The property offers breathtaking views from every window and is ideal for nature lovers, walkers, and families. Thoughtful touches such as binoculars, a telescope, and occasional welcome treats are appreciated, though not guaranteed. The cottage is dog-friendly and features modern amenities, including an EV charger. Minor issues, such as an ageing lock safe and bees near the windows, are mentioned but do not detract from overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Multiple reviews highlight the cottage as spotlessly clean, immaculately maintained, and exceptionally comfortable. Only one review mentions the cottage being 'clean enough', but overall, guests are highly satisfied with the cleanliness.
The location is repeatedly described as stunning, peaceful, and picturesque, with beautiful views of the loch and surrounding nature reserve. Its remoteness is seen as a positive, offering tranquillity and access to nature, though guests note the lack of nearby amenities.
Guests find the cottage warm, cosy, and comfortable, with spacious rooms and thoughtful furnishings. The log burner and window seat are particular highlights, and beds are described as comfortable, ensuring restful nights.
The cottage is praised for being well-equipped, with a fully stocked kitchen, EV charger, games, and modern appliances. Occasional minor maintenance issues, such as a jamming lock safe and bees near windows, are noted but do not significantly impact the overall experience.
Guests appreciate thoughtful touches such as binoculars, a telescope, comprehensive welcome information, and occasional treats for both guests and dogs. Please note that these gifts and extras are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Luxurious accommodation in a characterful Highland cottage overlooking an rspb nature reserve. Surrounded by rolling hills, mountains, loch and forest, this is an idyllic position.. 2 steps to entrance.
All on the
Ground Floor:
Living room: 55" Smart TV, Freesat, Woodburner
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, American Fridge Freezer, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine, Washing Machine
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, 32" Smart TV, Freesat
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link Super Kingsize Bed (2 x Singles On Request), 32" Smart TV, Freesat
Shower Room: Walk-In Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Air source heat pump central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Initial logs for wood burner included. Travel cot and highchair. Welcome pack.. Communal quad garden (shared). Electric car charging point (charging via 7 kilowatt Type 2 plus can be arranged on request at cost. There is a 3 meter charging cable on-site). Private parking for 1 car. No smoking. Please note: There is a natural water supply from loch a’Choire nearby.. This fabulous historical holiday cottage, fully renovated in 2021, is set in an elevated position overlooking Loch Ruthven, an rspb Nature Reserve. As well as being famous for the Slavonian grebe, the nature reserve is home to many other amazing wildlife including red kite, buzzard and red deer. The loch shows the signs of glacial activity with scarred boulders dotted along the water’s edge and up into the woodland to the summit of Stac Gorm towering over the Ruthven. Fly fishing is available in other lochs nearby.
Loch Ruthven is situated in the upper parts of Strathnairn, and a few rugged miles south from Loch Ness. The area around the loch and The Grain Store is a relatively unknown part of the Highlands, and many say a hidden gem because of its off-the-beaten track feel yet close proximity to Inverness only 25 minutes’ drive away and a great starting point to explore the North Coast 500 route. The cottage is 240 metres above sea level and has Stac Gorm rising to 430 metres just across the loch. The views of both together from the cottage are awe-inspiring. The walk into the nature reserve, round the loch and up Stac Gorm is brilliant and highly recommended when you visit. Views to the south and south west from the cottage show a brooding landscape of hills. What you see are the Monadhliath Mountains stretching from Strathnairn to the south into the Cairngorms National Park. There are four Munros in these mountains, which keen hikers will be want to explore. The Monadhliath Mountains are not technically mountains, but high hills with many parts of the area being over 900 metres above sea level. It’s a remote, desolate, naturally treeless wilderness, and a breathtaking part of the Highlands.
From the cottage, following Strathnairn east downstream, you reach the main road which takes you to the Cairngorms National Park where there’s an endless list of brilliant things to do for the whole family. From skiing and walking with wild reindeer in the winter, through to walking up some of the UK’s highest mountains in the summer. To the north of the cottage is Loch Ness, the southern side of Loch Ness, which is very different from the northern shore. It’s quiet, and offers the best chance to spot elusive Nessie.
Further afield, you have Inverness which is a wonderful little city at the mouth of the Ness River right on the Beauly and Moray Firths. The Firths are one of the best places in the world to see bottlenose dolphins! And from Inverness there are roads stretching in every direction into different parts of the Highlands. The cottage is also in a ’dark sky’ area with a telescope provided at the property to enjoy the night sky. Shop 6½ miles.
Free WiFi
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (14)
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Confirmed Guest
The Grain Store is a fab place to stay, especially if you want to be in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The cottage is fully equipped with everything you need, a few days before, I received a comprehensive email that covered everything from arrival to departure. The area is very peaceful, the window seat in the lounge is amazing, the little touches like the binoculars and the two bird books enhances the experience. During our stay we spotted an Osprey who had supposedly returned for the summer. We visited Inverness, which is more than accessible for supplies, and definitely worth a visit; a walk through the ness islands and along the canal is a must if you have time.
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Confirmed Guest
Concerned that the lock safe is getting old as it jammed on us.
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Confirmed Guest
Really wonderful place, view and location. Very comfortable, clean and well-equipped and well-designed with regard to layout, room sizes and accessss to spectacular views.