Guests say
Ceol-na-Mara is a well-loved cottage in the Northern Highlands, praised for its peacefulness, stunning sea views, and wildlife. Guests enjoyed the cosy atmosphere, hot tub, and garden, despite some noting minor maintenance issues. The location offers a tranquil retreat with opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
The majority of guests found the cottage clean and comfortable, with only a few remarks about minor cleanliness issues. The overall impression is that the property is well-kept.
The location is highly praised for its stunning views, tranquillity, and proximity to nature, with many guests appreciating the wildlife and scenic drives. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Highlands.
Guests found the cottage cosy and the beds comfortable, with a warm and homely feel. Some guests mentioned the furniture could be updated for added comfort.
Facilities like the hot tub and log burner are highlights, though some guests noted maintenance issues that need addressing. The garden and views add to the enjoyment of the property.
While guests have had memorable stays, there is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, this category cannot be scored.
About this property
Dunbeath 4.5 miles. This delightful two-bedroom cottage in Newport near Dunbeath and Helmsdale, is an idyllic getaway for families or couples. With wonderful sea-views, a traditional décor and a woodburning stove you'll feel right at home, and there's an enclosed garden with a hot tub for you to reax in. Arrive at Ceol-na-Mara by a single-track road before being greeted by off-road parking and splendid coastal sights. Enter the living/dining room, with plush sofas and a TV for some downtime, as well as a telescope for enjoying the amazing views on offer, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky! Savour mealtimes together at the dining table or if the sun is shining, why not have an alfresco affair in the large garden? The kitchen is well-equipped with an electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer to keep your clothes fresh. After a day of exploring, unwind in the bathroom with a soak in the bath or a rinse under the overhead shower. There are two well-appointed double bedrooms to choose from, both benefitting from sea views, so you can curl up with a hot chocolate and escape into a good book. Ceol-na-Mara is located in the sheltered village of Berriedale, home to a beautiful beach, the stunning Berriedale Viewpoint, and National Trust land, where you can enjoy scenic walks through nature. The cottage also benefits from being just half a mile off the renowned NC500, where you can soak up incomparable scenery for just over 500 miles, before returning to the comfort of Ceol-na-Mara. Visit the village of Dunbeath for all your amenities, as well as the beautiful Dunbeath Castle and the Dunbeath Heritage Museum, which is perfect for history buffs. The picturesque and historic Highland village of Helmsdale is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Timespan Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area and the Emigrants Monument is a moving tribute to those who left Scotland in search of a better life. Within the village you will also find lovely shops, welcoming pubs and restaurants, a picturesque harbour, and the Helmsdale War Memorial Clocktower. Venture further afield to John o’Groats, with attractions such as the John O'Groats Signpost and Duncansby Head Lighthouse, there is something for everyone to enjoy. For a remote setting in the Scottish Highlands, choose Ceol-na-Mara. EPC Rating: Band F
Dunbeath, Caithness, is the birthplace of author Neil Gunn, who set many of his novels there. Rich in history, this area has many Iron Age Brochs, and Dunbeath was once a booming fishing village with 100 boats in the harbour. Today, it has a shop, pub, and an excellent community museum in the old village school. The A9 provides easy access along this rugged and dramatic coastline, with Helmsdale to the south and John O'Groats to the north.
Accommodation
Single-storey.
Two double bedrooms.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living/dining room with woodburning stove.
The property is both child and pet friendly.
Gas central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer.
TV, WiFi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburning stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair available.
Off-road parking for 3 cars.
Enclosed rear garden with lawn and hot tub.
One well-behaved pet welcome, dog bed, blanket, bowels and a towel can be provided.
Please be advised that dogs are not allowed on soft furnishings.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 4.1 miles, pub 4.5 miles.
Note: This property is accessed by a single-track road.
Please note, the owners are happy to accept short breaks but require one week's notice.
If notice is shorter than this, please contact Sykes Cottages as it may still be possible to facilitate.
Reviews (17)
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David
The cottage was clean and cosy, and the view's from the windows were absolutely beautiful looking out towards the sea. We saw some amazing sunrises. The kitchen is well equipped, including a good set of sharp knives, plenty of cooking utensils, pots and pans. There is plenty of room in the kitchen cupboards for putting stuff in, and a good sized fridge freezer. The bed mattress was soft, but comfortable enough, unlike the sofas in the sitting room. One was so low to the ground, it was difficult to get up, and wasn't comfy at all. The other wasn't much better, and we both ended up with bad backs. The back garden is very large, and enclosed by a dry stone wall. In some places this is very low, and a medium sized dog could easily jump over, especially as there are rabbits running about everywhere. I find it a good idea to do an online shop to be delivered to the cottage for when you get there, it saves time driving around looking for shops for bread and milk etc. All in all, we had a great week, visiting Brora, Dornoch Thurso and beyond. The dogs loved the beaches, and long walks. The only negative us as I mentioned earlier is the extremely uncomfortable sofas.
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Joshua
Loved the views, and the peaceful location. While there we got to experience fantastic show from the northern lights and some beautiful sun rises. Despite low temperatures outside, the house was warm and cosy. The hot tub and log burner were great to come back to after days out exploring. The only downside was having to clear up in the garden after previous guests dogs, but thatâs not the owners fault. Highly recommend this property, and canât wait to go back again.
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Rhona
Also the table and bench are also very uncomfortable and the double bed is also needing new mattress. We also had only 1 bath towel each and no hand towels also 1 hand towel in bathroom between 3 adults this was for a 2 week holiday celebration for my mother-in-laws 90th birthday, also we left a day earlier as vacating for 9am would have been a rush. Also we have been around that area for years and itâs the only one that when you arrive there was nothing in cupboards ie seasoning cleaning products we had to buy it all normally I leave this for guests who are arriving but I took it all home.