Culnaskeath Farmhouse Cottage

Culnaskeath Farmhouse Cottage is an extension built in 1993, and blends in with the original house, built in 1860. It's a cozy house, with a wood-burning stove, two double bedrooms and a new kitchen and new bathroom. The private garden is large. The house has views over to the Black Isle, the Cromarty Firth and across to the Cairngorm mountains in the south. Behind our house are six miles of forest tracks. From these, you can see Ben Wyvis in the west. History: There has been a Culnaskeath on this site since the 12th century. The family who originally lived here, the Reids, were leech doctors to the Munro family in Foulis Castle, two fields away (just visible). Practical: The heating is oil fired - each room has a radiator. The stove uses coal and wood, some of which will be provided. The garden attached to the cottage is very big and fenced in. It has some play equipment, i.e. swings, sand pit, and a see saw. There are also toys and children's books available if needed. There are also two bikes which can be borrowed. Guests have access to whole cottage and garden. There is an extensive herb garden in the back, which guests are welcome to. In season, some vegetables and herbs may also be available. We will greet you to give you the key and show you the cottage. We are generally very quiet, so you may not see or hear us the rest of your stay. If we are away and you have a problem, our daughter lives next door. There are five houses on our hill, and we are surrounded by crop and sheep fields. Interesting places within five miles include: - Kiltearn beach (with mysterious ruins of chapel and paths along shore which loop up to the village) - Fyrish Hill (with fabulous views and intriguing monument at top reminiscent of India) - Black Rock Gorge (appears in a Harry Potter film) - Evanton Community Woodlands (with playground and well marked paths.) - Foulis Castle (visible from upstairs), 12th century and still occupied by the Munro clan. - Glenglass - a lovely loch hidden in the glen - Ben Wyvis - (visible when you walk up our hill) a Munro mountain, one of the easier to climb. - The Novar Arms - the village pub, which serves meals and hosts occasional musical jam sessions - Large cup marked stone, from Pict era. This is on ordinance survey maps, and can be viewed a short walk from the cottage. - Storehouse. This is a very popular gourmet food and gift shop, as well as a restaurant, set on the shore of the Cromarty Firth. Perfect for breakfast or lunch. - Aviemore ski resort is about 46 miles south - an hour and 15 minutes. (Ok, outwith the five mile radius, but well worth it if you like skiing.) By foot, bike or car is probably best. (We have bikes you can borrow.) We are about a mile from the A9. There is no public transport to the house. Many people use the local taxi firms. The closest train station is Dingwall, about 4 miles. Inverness is 17 miles away, with an airport and train station. Our closest village is Evanton, at 3 miles away. It has a shop, pub, post office, school. We live up a hill, at the snow line. Bring warm clothes and sensible shoes. Wellies and boots! If you bring a dog, be aware there are sheep and hens close by. We have a golden labrador. This is dog heaven, with miles of walks at our doorstep and no traffic. Please also note we only have parking space for a maximum of two cars.