Guests say
Barn Owl Cottage receives high praise for its immaculate presentation, comfort, and tranquil rural setting near Tain. Guests consistently highlight the well-equipped interior, peaceful atmosphere, and abundance of local wildlife. The cottage serves as an excellent base for exploring the Highlands, with easy access to shops and attractions. Hosts are described as welcoming and helpful. While some guests noted limited local dining options and minor preferences for larger furnishings, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, making it a highly recommended retreat for couples seeking relaxation and nature.
Cleanliness is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, with guests describing the cottage as spotless, very clean, and well maintained throughout their stay.
The location is widely appreciated for its peacefulness, proximity to Tain, and suitability as a base for exploring the Highlands. Some mention the need for a car and limited nearby eateries, but overall the setting is highly valued.
Guests consistently report the cottage as comfortable, cosy, and warm, with particular praise for the bed and relaxing atmosphere. Minor suggestions for larger furnishings do not detract from the overall comfort.
The cottage is described as very well equipped and furnished, with all necessary amenities provided. A few guests suggested a larger TV or sofa, but most found the facilities more than adequate for a pleasant stay.
Many guests mention a warm welcome, helpful hosts, and thoughtful touches such as a welcome tray or pack. Please note that such gifts or extras are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
An ideal base for couples wishing to explore the wild beauty of the Highlands, with beautiful beaches just 10 minutes away.. All on the
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: 28" Freeview TV, DVD Player, French Doors Leading To Garden
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher, Washing Machine
Bedroom: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Electric panel heaters (underfloor heating in shower room), electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack.. Enclosed lawned garden with patio and garden furniture. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: There are two steps to the garden (can also be accessed by a slope).. Situated on a quiet lane and overlooking open countryside, Barn Owl Cottage is a detached, single-storey cottage. Set in the grounds of the owner’s home, it has its own private garden and enjoys lovely views across fields to the hills beyond. It is situated in a small hamlet which lies between Portmahomack and Tain, in the heart of rural Ross-shire. This bright accommodation is beautifully presented throughout and provides an ideal base for couples. An entrance porch leads through to the main open plan living area, and French doors open onto the pretty sandstone patio with lawn beyond - an ideal spot for alfresco dining or relaxing with a glass of wine. Adjoining the main living area is a very attractively presented kingsize bedroom with colour co-ordinated soft furnishings. An en-suite shower room with underfloor heated tiles completes the picture.
The region is justly famed for its wild beauty and there is plenty to explore in every direction. The pretty seaboard villages of Portmahomack, Shandwick and Balintore, with their lovely sandy beaches, attractive harbours and pretty stone cottages, are just 10 minutes’ drive away. The more energetic might prefer to walk directly from the cottage to the shoreline in the nearby hamlet of Inver. There are numerous forest walks and mountain bike trails in the locality. The cottage is also close to the renowned North Coast 500 route. Golfers are spoilt for choice, with traditional and well known links courses at Royal Dornoch, Tain, Golspie and Brora. Wildlife is abundant in the area, including deer, pine marten, osprey and red kites all seen locally. On Loch Eye, just 15 minutes’ walk from the cottage, there are numerous birds to be seen, including a large number of resident swans on this Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The area is renowned for its archaeological sites, and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pictish, Norse and Medieval artefacts. Just 3 miles away lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland, Tain. Predominantly built of local mellow sandstone, this charming historic town offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs, as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, including tennis courts, gardens, golf club and bowling club, all of which are available to visitors. Nearby places of interest include the whisky distillery centre, home of Glenmorangie single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places nearby to see salmon leaping, and the enchanting town of Dornoch with its magnificent cathedral, sandy beach and championship golf course. Beach 1 mile. Shop, pub and restaurant 3 miles.
Free WiFi
Reviews (26)
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John Bibby
We had a comfortable stay in Barn Owl Cottage, it is in a great location for exploring the north. We didn't see much wildlife during our stay but it is in a nice, quiet location.
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Confirmed Guest
Accommodation very nice, host very nice Lodge very clean
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Confirmed Guest
Only two little niggles, one is a larger TV would be nice, as after a full day out and about, its nice to come back and relax with a bottle of wine and watch some TV, particuarly as we came in autumn and ot was npt possible to sit outdpors in an evening, TV was very small, also a larger sofa would be more comfortable , space is limited in the lounge area but maybe an L shape sofa would work but these are personal preferences, fab cottage in a great location, amazingly comfy bed! The whole cottage was spotlessly clean and well equipped,i highly recommend Barn Owl Cottage