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19th Century Millers Cottage with stunning views, beautifully renovated.

Photo gallery for 19th Century Millers Cottage with stunning views, beautifully renovated.

Charming old stone cottage in its garden
A summer garden (photo by guest A Havinden, July 2020)
Fireplace end of the sitting room.
Alcove end of the sitting room (Photo by guest A Havinden, July 2020)
Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in February 2023 - photo by guest Eva Pijpers

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 102152.8 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Glenglass Road, Evanton, IV16 9XW
  • Fyrish Monument
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Dalmore Distillery
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Inverness Castle
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Inverness (INV)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Blue Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Main Bedroom

1 King Bed

Office 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Tartan Room

1 Queen Bed

Travellers Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Blue Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Main bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upstairs bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

19th Century Millers Cottage with stunning views, beautifully renovated.

We have been short term rental hosts for several years with Premier Host status in our personal family homes in Scotland and in London. You can also check out our other 5-star-rated listing called: "Your Central London Home Base" with over 150 reviews. Pricing is simple: seasonally adjusted base price for 4 guests, then GBP 20/extra guest/night. No hidden cleaning or other fees from our side - just the VRBO guest service fee in addition to the fees we pay them as hosts..

The cottage stands in its own large garden, with open fields in front and a small wood and lake behind, about 1 km from Evanton village. It has stunning views in front down over the Cromarty Firth, and behind up to Fyrish Hill with its famous monument. Deer, stoats, pheasants, woodpeckers are among regular visitors in the garden (check out our online feed for more photos: @balavoulin_cottage). The Black Rock Gorge, filmed in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is just a 10 minute walk.

Contactless self-check-in is standard. Ideal for family Staycations, with lots of room to spread out and relax indoors and out in the safe garden. Nearest neighbours are 300 metres away. For people needing/wanting to Work From Home, there is good fibre-optic WiFi; a printer/fax/scanner/copier; dedicated spaces with desks/tables (we have regularly operated 3 workstations in parallel in the house); ergonomic desk chair.

Sleeping arrangements: The cottage is ideally suited for large family groups, and sleeps up to maximum 10 guests (adults or children). It has two large bedrooms on the ground floor (one with a superking-size bed, one with two single beds that can be moved together), a full bathroom with separate shower and bath, and a second bathroom with large shower. Upstairs there are two further bedrooms with king-size beds, a bathroom with bath and toilet, and a TV room area with a double sofa bed. All bed linen and towels are provided. We also have a baby travel cot.

The large kitchen and dining area is fully equipped for 10 guests, with crockery, cutlery, dishwasher, tea and coffee, etc. Off the kitchen is a laundry room with washing machine and separate clothes dryer. The main kitchen window looks onto the back garden, where you can often watch deer and pheasants while eating your breakfast

The large sitting room runs the whole length of the cottage, with a beautiful old stone open fireplace at one end. A glass door leads out onto the front lawn, where you can enjoy the long summer evenings.

The cottage has all the amenities you would expect: washing machine, clothes dryer, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, TV, DVD, fibre internet & WiFi, kitchen equipment (espresso machine, filter coffee machine, Kenwood blender, dishwasher etc.) 100% Renewable Energy - Heating via an air-source heat pump; electricity supply 100% renewable.

Pay-as-you-go smart charging point, type 2, with maximum power output of 7.2kW, for the exclusive use of our guests.

Occasional Little Visitors – Please note and excuse:
Balavoulin is a rural cottage and surrounded by beautiful flower gardens so on occasion, and despite our best efforts, a stray bug, spider, or other nature-loving creature may wander inside, especially if a door is left open.

Property manager

Piers Cumberlege
Premier Host

Languages

English, French, German, Italian, Russian
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please note that the Cottage base price is for 2 guests, and that there is an Additional Guest Fee of £20/additional guest/night above that.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number HI-20016-P

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Evanton

Located in Dingwall, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a river. Dingwall Museum and Strathpeffer Pump Room are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Wildwoodz Paintball and Lasertag Park and Black Isle Wildlife Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Evanton

What's nearby

  • Fyrish Monument - 2 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Dalmore Distillery - 8 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Inverness Cathedral - 23 min drive - 29.1 km
  • Inverness Castle - 24 min drive - 29.2 km
  • Chanonry Point Lighthouse - 24 min drive - 27.7 km

Getting around

  • Alness Station - 11 min drive
  • Inverness (INV) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dalmore Farm Shop & Restaurant - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cookies chinese - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪The Storehouse - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪3G's Lounge - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The County Tavern - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is 19th Century Millers Cottage with stunning views, beautifully renovated. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 19th Century Millers Cottage with stunning views, beautifully renovated.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 19th Century Millers Cottage with stunning views, beautifully renovated.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 19th Century Millers Cottage with stunning views, beautifully renovated. located?

Situated by the sea, this holiday home is 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Fyrish Monument and within 6 miles (10 km) of Alness Golf Club and Dalmore Distillery. Dingwall Museum and Blackmuir Wood are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 38 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 38 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 38 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marcus R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay, will come again!

Greate cottage in a nice area. Vey good comunication with the owerner. Would come again.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ulf K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Evanton

We had a very good stay, Everything worked perfect. The enviromnt in the local area was excellent
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vicki B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely Cottage in the Scottish Highlands

Amazing authentic cottage in the highlands of Scotland. Beautiful gardens surround the cottage. The only regret we have is not staying longer. Very clean and comfortable with great attention to detail taken by the Host. We hope to be able to come back one day and stay longer! The Blankenships, USA
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage with beautiful view of the firth

Perfect for a group of all ages with upstairs and downstairs bedrooms and bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and three sitting areas, two with views of the Firth of Cromarty. Piers was a very helpful host, responding quickly to our enquiries. We would love to stay again and see more of the area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jim V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful experience

So much to like - a beautiful house in a serene setting, but still close to a charming village, and with easy access to sightseeing in all directions. Very comfortable living arrangements, with a kitchen and dining room that invite cooking and eating in.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming family cottage

It’s a lovely cottage. Very wellsnd equipped with everything you need. A pretty rural location with a great sense of space and freedom, nature abounding. Lovely views. The house is large and full of delightful personal details - great art on the walls etc.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bob W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Golfing in the North

This was an outstanding cottage for our foursome of wandering aged golfers. The most well equipped kitchen of any home I’ve rented and scrupulously clean. Sitting by the fire after a day on the links was bliss
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maggie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous in every way!

Beautiful home with everything you could possibly need (except perhaps a cheese knife). Very comfortable with a beautiful relaxing view from every room. Some wonderful walks in the area and a great location for day trips across the Highlands. Highly recommend!
Stayed 16 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

James L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Home and much more than the photos on VRBO..

We will be back. Perfect location especially if you want to travel in the Highlands. Perfect for family and friends and if you want quite time the size makes it easy to find! The Evanton Woods are a wonderland! Finally the owner is easy to work with and is a fine fellow’.
Stayed 20 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

P A K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

10 Star place

Amazing farm house. Well stocked and comfortable settings. True gem. Quiet with walks nearby. Piers, Diane and Chris are wonderful hosts. High recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miriam V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Juli 2022

we had a wonderful week in Millers Cottage.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Cottage

Perfect for our group. Beautiful home, nicely equipped, plenty of space. Beds comfy, shower powerful, yard nicely kept. Historic feel with all the modern amenities. Amazing views, especially at sunrise. The host was thoughtful, kind and responsive to any inquiries. So thankful for the flexibility.
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Neil H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Outstanding

The perfect rural highlands cottage for up to 8 people…. Well equipped and an outstanding location surrounded by beautiful perennial gardens. There is no flaw….
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelley G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A perfect Highland

Amazing! A beautiful property with wonderful views. Two families travelling with teenage boys, this cottage gave everyone the space and amenities that they needed and more. Our host was responsive, considerate and patient. We hated to leave the peace and comfort of this spot! Thank you, Piers…we hope to come back again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven

This was the perfect place for a peaceful, quite, slowed down holiday. It was a great contrast from being in the middle of St. Andrews or Edinburg. This is the country and we loved it. We had some home cooked meals and some cozy game nights by the fire. This made a fabulous home base while we explored the west coast highlands and played some golf. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone interested in some time in the country. It is not unlikely that I will be back, I'm dreaming of it at least!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

DEANNA T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Don't hesitate, book this stay!

I cannot say enough about Piers and his amazing cottage in Evanton. The house is adorable, the views from each window are amazing, and our host, Piers, was very attentive. This house has everything you need. It's tucked away for plenty of privacy, but close enough to town to get food and visit the local shops. I highly recommend the Scottish Breakfast at Batty's Baps in Dingwall. And at the end of your day of travels, you can head back to the cottage and play cards while warming by the fireplace in the family room. The beds are comfy, and the kitchen is well supplied for all types of cooking. We will certainly stay here again when in the area :)
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael S., LINO LAKES

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Country Home

Immaculate cleanliness. Well stocked. Be sure to take the walk recommended very nearby to the Gorge. Our group wants to to return for a longer stay. Just Perfect. Kitchen has Everything. The view was wonderful sitting on the couch, looking out the window across beautiful field and the Firth. Literally and Figuratively “picture perfect”.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sigrid E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous

House and location could hardly be better. Greatest communication with the owner. Excellent base for day trips (Spey side area, east coast, west coast) and nice local hikes (we went up to the Fyrish twice to enjoy the fantastic view). The house is perfectly equipped (even a salad spinner!) and we loved sitting outside in the beautiful garden with view to the black island. We only had a week which was way too short. Would love to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael L., Minneapolis, MN

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Better Than Advertised!

We selected The Cottage in Evanton because it looked to be located in a nice area. We were blown away at the location, and the property was more than we expected. This cottage is a treasure that we will remember for quite some time, as it fulfilled our desire to be in the Highlands and taste the local area. It provided us a time to relax, and also take in the area's historical places. We highly recomment this place for spending quality time in the Highlands. Also, the cottage is supplied with up-to-date kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Well taken care of by the owner, and access is good from the road.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tami N., Moyie Springs, Idaho, United States

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful country home

Large, lovely country house with gorgeous views from every window. Amazing kitchen with all the amenities and modern bathrooms. The only sounds you hear are the birds singing and one very mouthy pheasant! Piers, the owner, could not be more gracious and kind and Diane, the caretaker is great at what she does (and funny too!). Even Rebecca, the gardner, invited me to tour the gardens with her and the flowers are beautiful! If I ever come back to Scotland, I will definitely stay here agai n!
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ian W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most charming cottage in Scotland

Our stay at Balavoulin was wonderful. The cottage is well appointed and tidy. The view overlooking fields of sheep towards the Cromarty Firth is spectacular. The kitchen and bathrooms are modern and practical, and the rest is all charm with interesting artwork on the walls and lovely books everywhere. The stone fireplace is a wonderful place to end the day. Having a ladder already stocked with pasta and soup saved us on our first night, too (replace what you use of course)! Piers was so accommodating for our group, which included a one-year-old, procuring a high chair for us on short notice. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emadch M., Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning holiday rental

Balavoulin House is one of the nicest holiday rentals I have ever stayed in. It had everything we could possibly need, with many extras that made our stay that much more comfortable. We cooked up some great feasts in the beautiful big kitchen and I can't say I've stayed in too many holiday rentals with a larder! It was nice to have separate bathrooms as well, and I enjoyed my daily baths after our days out in the cold. The rooms were beautifully decorated and had a wonderfully eclectic mix of art and books. The beds were extremely comfortable and I had some of the best night's sleeps. The views from the property are breathtaking, and there is a nice walk you can do nearby. The location was remote enough to have a bit of privacy but still close to everything. Our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jen G., Kansas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Evanton house for vacation

My husband and I did not want to leave this house. It is a large home for just the two of us, but it was worth it. The house was well stocked, very clean and having a washer and a dryer seperate was a huge benefit. The home shows a personal touch to it, and we loved it. Books everywhere, and I could sit all day with just that. We completed the 8 mile hike from the front door to Fyrish Monument and were blown away at both the hike and the destination. We absolutely loved the surrounding areas, including Black Rock Gorge for hiking. The owner communicated with us a few times, and it was good to have such a good connection, but there was never anything we needed. It was a very nice home with so much to do for us. Thank you so much for allowing us to use your home for our Scotland Vacation. Vic and Jen, Kansas, USA
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sally S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best of Both Worlds

This was a wonderfully secluded property surrounded by peaceful fields and nearby forest, with no neighbors or industrialized human-made junk to interfere with its serene views. Flowers and herbs surround the house. Walking trails immediately nearby add to the immersion in the natural world. On the inside, the house is very nicely appointed. From the spacious and well-designed kitchen to the eclectic artwork, and from the eco-friendly policies to the functional technology, everything reflects thoughtful and selective modern convenience. Linens and beds were comfy, hot water was plentiful even with all 3 bathrooms in use during our stay, and all appliances were working well. Piers was a consummate host, providing detailed information about the property in advance and readily available for consultation during our stay. When one of our party fell ill, he was able to recommend good local medical services and kindly checked in several times. Great stay with the beauty of nature all around and the conveniences of modern life within!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andreas D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Urlaub in der schottischen Stille

Wir hatten eine sehr schöne Woche in diesem netten und charaktervoll ausgestatteten Haus. Die Ausstattung lässt nichts vermissen. Wir konnten Ausflüge in die nähere Umgebung machen, Wanderungen unternehmen und haben sogar Pilze gefunden. Ein herzlicher Dank an den Vermieter, der gerade in den ersten Tagen auf alle Fragen rasch eine Antwort wusste. Vielen Dank auch für die Vermittlung der Bekanntschaft von Dave, von dem wir die Grundzüge des Fliegenfischens in Theorie und Praxis gelernt haben! Wir kommen gerne wieder.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by Piers Cumberlege

Host profile image
This is a relatively recent listing for another family property that we have renovated following the departure of a family friend tenant, joining the two others that have all been in our family for generations. These are our personal homes, and we love welcoming leisure and business travellers in each location, when we ourselves are away. The reviews will show you that we really do want to offer you a homelike experience in a place with nice family furniture, our own books and belongings - not an impersonal letting property.

Our whole family have been described as global nomads, having lived and travelled extensively around the world. We have long experience of and affection for emerging economies, in which we have lived, studied, invested and done business.

Although it may sound a bit corny, the notion of lifelong learning is strong for us all - probably the closest thing to a motto, along with a strong focus on values and human dignity. We welcome all people here, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, dis/ability, etc.

Why they chose this property

Ideal for family groups visiting the Highlands of Scotland, and fully equipped for staycations/Work From Home)

A beautiful 19th century miller's cottage, standing in its own large garden with stunning views over Cromarty Firth. In our family for over 50 years. Fully renovated interior with 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fully equipped large kitchen and dining area, separate laundry room/larder, very large sitting room with open fireplace, TV room with sofa bed. 500 metres from our other 5 star rental cottage.

Several wonderful varied walks right next to the cottage to keep you exercised during your stay - here are just some examples! Along the Glass River from the Black Rock Gorge down to Evanton village (1 hour round trail - mainly flat); Up the top of Fyrish hill and the Monument (2 1/2 hours round trail - steady climb); along the shore of Loch Glass (30 minutes to 3 hours - mostly flat); along the shore of Cromarty Firth from Kiltearn Church (45 minutes - gentle flat stroll).

What makes this property unique

Situated on the famous North Coast 500 route, we are ideally placed as a base to explore the Highlands. Just twenty kilometres north of Inverness and the amenities of the city, but the pleasure of the country, with easy access to Loch Ness itself.

Deer, stoats, pheasants, woodpeckers are among regular visitors in the cottage garden (as you can see from the photos of deer taken on 30 June 2020). Balavoulin is a rural cottage and surrounded by beautiful flower gardens so on occasion, and despite our best efforts, a stray bug, spider, or other nature-loving creature may wander inside, especially if a door is left open.

Note that the cottage itself is a 25 minute walk from shops in the centre of Evanton village - it is not really practical to stay here without your own vehicle.

A beautiful road leads off to the West Coast and the Isle of Skye. Or head up the East Coast right to the tip of Great Britain.

Evanton also has some of its own features:
• Fyrish Monument. This is the stone ruin you can see on top of the nearest hill. It represents the gates of Negapatam in India and was built in 1782 by General Sir Hector Munro, a local landowner, in order to provide employment for local people. There is a path up to the monument on the other side of the hill.

• The Black Rock Gorge, just 1/2 km further up the Glenglass Road, is a very deep and narrow natural river gorge. It is a rather spooky place and was used for filming one of the scenes in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

• Ben Wyvis is a small mountain (big for Scotland) between Evanton and Dingwall to the north. It is a Nature Reserve and can be walked. Despite only being 1000 metres high, some parts of the mountain have snow all year round.

There are also many great places to walk just in the nearby countryside and guests will find links to trails we and others have loaded onto Wikiloc in the house manual.

Languages:

English, French, German, Italian, Russian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests