Guests say
Mey Bee cottage offers a peaceful and cosy retreat in a stunning, remote location near Thurso. Guests consistently praise its unique charm, well-equipped kitchen, and welcoming atmosphere. The cottage is ideal for those seeking tranquillity, beautiful walks, and wildlife spotting, with friendly and helpful hosting from Fred. While some found the directions tricky and noted the wood-burning stoves require attention, the overall experience is highly positive, with many guests eager to return.
Multiple reviews highlight the cottage as very clean and well maintained, with guests describing it as spotless and tidy throughout their stay.
The location is frequently described as beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for exploring Caithness and the surrounding area. Proximity to the sea, harbour, and local attractions is highly valued.
Guests found the cottage spacious, cosy, and comfortable, with a warm atmosphere and good beds. A minor note was made about the sofa bed not being ideal for long periods, but overall comfort is rated very highly.
The cottage is praised for being well-equipped, especially the kitchen and bathroom. Facilities such as wood-burning stoves, books, DVDs, and a washing machine are appreciated, though some mention the stoves require a little skill to use.
Fred, the host, is repeatedly described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, making guests feel at home. While gifts are not specifically mentioned, the thoughtful touches and hospitality are frequently noted, but please note that such gestures are not guaranteed.
About this property
You will love everything about Mey Bee. The beautiful interiors make the most of the land and seascapes, and the gardens are unique and lovely - zen garden and private veg patch is a real treat.. Mey Bee is a gem of a cottage in the far north of Scotland enjoying views across rural Caithness and out to see to the Orkney Islands. The owner has done a marvellous job creating this peaceful, attractive cottage from what was once a ruin. Mey Bee is now a beautiful cottage and one that anyone staying in will wish they had more time in the place, it’s that lovely. You may wish to book for longer than you think, you’ll be pleased you did so.
The setting is inspiring and calming. Set within an acre of wildflower meadow the cottage sits under the large Caithness skies because the landscape in the far north is relatively flat, meaning that the views are vast from the cottage. The cliffs of Hoy can be seen when clear and if the light is right The Old Man of Hoy can be made out. Dunnet Head rises above the surrounding landscape., and generally sea views are enjoyed out of most windows of Mey Bee - thankfully, the owner has created window seats to enjoy said views.
Arriving at Mey Bee you’re immediately struck by the tranquillity of the place. It has a calmness which is epitomised not only by the wonderful surrounds but also the Zen garden to the rear of the property. Before going into the property, you’ll no doubt want to explore right round the cottage. The owner has created lovely curving paths of local stone and little footpaths through the plot to explore. There are many places to erect a tent as well if you wanted to spend a night under the grand skies and stars as well. The front garden has a lovely sitting area, a vegetable patch for guests use, and a firepit nestled within the wildflower meadow. It’s a beautiful place to be.
Entering the cottage via the back door there’s a utility room which is excellent for leaving boots and drying coats, as well securing bikes and other sports equipment. There is a woodshed outside that also serves as a bike shed. Beyond the utility is the amazing open plan living/dining/kitchen space. There are two wood burners in here, one in the fireplace in front of the sofa, and another by the dining/kitchen area, the latter being the solid fuel central heating and also an extra oven. This space also enjoys lots of lights coming in the windows with window seats, sea views are wonderful from here.
There’s a large bathroom with great bath, and the owner has thoughtfully erected large candles in here for guests to enjoy a peaceful, comforting bath. And finally, the double bedroom is yet another relaxing space with two large windows bringing in the landscapes.
It’s a lovely, peaceful, comfortable cottage that you won’t want to leave once you’ve arrived. However, it is recommended you do a bit of exploring of course. The walks locally are tremendous, you can explore the coastline for as far as you wish in both directions from just down the road at the marvellous Harrow harbour. The Castle of Mey is the neighbouring property to Mey Bee and can be seen across the fields from the rear of the cottage. The NC500 is only a minute away so you can tour till your heart’s content to amazing sights across the north coast and northeast coast. It’s a truly outstanding cottage to spend a week, two or three.. All on the
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: Freeview TV, Woodburner, Sofa Bed (Double) (Flexible Sleeping Only)
Dining area: Woodburner
Kitchen area: Gas Cooker, Fridge, Washing Machine
Bedroom: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Solid fuel central heating, electricity, bed linen and towels. Initial fuel for wood burner included. Bike store. Grounds with meadow (shared with owner). Front garden with fire pit, garden furniture and vegetable patch Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking.
Suitable for up to 1 pet
Reviews (26)
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Lesley Motion
Great wee cottage.. perfect for a peaceful break away.. cottage was equipped with all you need..such a homely feel about it.. views were stunning. Fred the owner is such a lovely man and very knowlegable of the area. Loved the log burner and once it got started and heating kicked in it was so cosy. We.ll defo be back.. directions on website wrong . Take turning for harrow harbour and meybee is 2nd cottage on the right. Thank you fred for having such an amazing wee cottage in such a stunning place
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Alan Jones
Excellent base for exploring the north east of Scotland. Most wonderful locations within 20 miles of the cottage. Just to say though that the directions to the cottage are wrong on the website. As per a previous review you need to enter the village of MEY and take the first left signed “Harrow Harbour”. The cottage is the second right. Fred the owner greeted us on arrival and explained a few things regarding the wood burners but there are written instructions either on the table or in a drawer. The sofa in the living room area is a sofa bed so not the most comfortable to sit on for long periods of time, say in the evenings, but generally the cottage has some lovely features.
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JACKIE CLARK
A 6hr drive was worth every minute/ mile . Beautiful cottage with quirky detail & obviously restored to a very high standard. It was wet .windy & wild at times but oh so peaceful - a real getaway for those in need. There was no wifi - absolute bliss for me ! The host was very pleasant, eager to help when needed but not intrusive in any form. Chatting with him was great as his knowledge of the area & it's history was fascinating . The bed was comfy , the bedroom warm with 2 great windows to watch the lambs & other beasties lol 😆!An excellent holiday, trips to Dunnet Bay & lighthouse & of course John O Groats were easily found , there was a harbour within walking distance from the cottage with plenty of shells & stones to collect?Sadly I am unlikely to come back to MeyBee as the drive was a little too much for me at my age.........