A modern house built in the style of a traditional Highland cottage, it nestles into the heather/grass covered moorland of beautiful, remote Assynt on the west coast of Sutherland, about half a mile from the sweeping sandy beach of Clasnessie Bay and on the NC500 route. The house commands views of Quinag and by walking to the top of the garden and climbing the stile it is possible to see the classic Assynt arc of hills and Clashnessie waterfall.
Around two hours drive from Inverness it is only around eight miles from the popular fishing village of Lochinver with its shops and restaurants.
The cottage has a large enclosed garden which is mainly grass, heather and rock. The accommodation is on 2 levels, with good access and sleeps a maximum of six in three bedrooms. The heating and hot water is by air source heat pump and an EV car charger is available.
As mobile phone reception can be limited there is a payphone for the use of guests and also free Wi Fi internet access. On the ground floor there is a bedroom with a small double bed, a shower room, a utility room with a washing machine and tumble dryer, a well equipped kitchen, a lounge with leather couches, freeview satellite television, dvd player and stove, a dining area with additional comfortable seating, a porch with space for coats, boots and fishing rods.
On the first floor there is a bedroom with twin single beds, a bathroom and a large double bedroom. The house has a selection of dvds, books, cds, games and jigsaws for the enjoyment of guests. For those who enjoy walking and birdwatching there are also binoculars and maps. There are several stone seats in the garden to sit and enjoy the view.
The area is ideal for hill walking with some of the most beautiful hills in Scotland such as Suilven, Quinag, Foinaven to name but a few. For those who prefer low level walks there are a wealth of peat roads and paths. The area is also rich in wildlife, with regular sightings of deer, seals, dolphins, arctic skua, black throated divers, puffins, razorbills and guillemots among others. For those with canoes or boats there are numerous opportunities for canoeing, sailing and other watersports in the area both on the lochs and in the sea. The Summer Isles are within travelling distance. Cyclists are also attracted to the area as the Assynt coastal road is said to be one of the most challenging road routes in Britain. Geologists will also find a lot to interest them with the Moine thrust and may wish to visit the NW Highlands Geopark at Knockan Crag. Keen fishermen /women will enjoy fishing for brown trout in the many hill lochs. Permits are available from the Chandlers in Lochinver. There is also salmon fishing in the area and mackerel and pollack can be caught either from the shore or by boat. Lochinver has a small gift /outdoor shop and is the site of the Highland Stoneware Factory where you can watch pottery being made. There are also restaurants and a leisure centre (without swimming pool) in the village. Every summer Lochinver village also runs the Assynt Highland Games for those who are athletic or just like to watch others getting tired!
Getting there by car:-
From the south, take the A9 to Inverness . Though not a motorway, many parts are dual carriageway. From Inverness, it takes approximately two hours. Take the A835 to Ullapool, then leave Ullapool on the A835 north and carry on for 18 miles to Ledmore junction. Turn left here and take the A837 to Lochinver. To get to Taigh na Fraoch, you turn right towards Achmelvich on the B869 just before you enter the village of Lochinver. This last 7 miles of your journey is on a single track road, which makes the going somewhat slower, but the scenery is stunning.
Getting there by railway:-
Inter-city services to Inverness, thereafter by bus to Lochinver, via Ullapool and finally local bus or taxi from there to Clashnessie.
Getting there by aeroplane:-
Fly direct from Gatwick, Luton, Glasgow or Edinburgh to Inverness, then hire a car or go by bus (as above).
