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Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings.

Photo gallery for Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings.

Interior
Exterior
Nighttime
Sunrise
Snug sitting room

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 51227.1 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Durness, SCT
  • Loch Inchard
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Smoo Cave
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Durness Beach
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Shower room 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings.

Renovated, but retaining its original character, the cottage is compact, well maintained and comfortably furnished. Located equally, only 11 miles from the small crofting village of Durness and KInlochbervie, this unspoilt corner of Scotland, offers a wide range of activities. This is eagle and red deer territory and there are more often than not, opportunities to spot some of the rare and varied wildlife from outside the front door of the house. The famous Dionard fishing river is just down the track opposite the cottage. Munroes can be conquered from the front door as Cranstackie beckons you over. Long golden sandy beaches in either direction, trout fishing in the lochs and as much fresh air as you want! Easy parking by wooden deck outside french windows at the back door.On entering the bootroom there are ample shelves and hooks for boots and coats. A sofa too makes getting those boots on easier! The wheel barrow is for collecting wood from the shed along the road for the fires. A small cloakroom is off this room.
The utility room houses a fridge freezer,washing machine and separate drier. Ironing board and iron, pegs and washing basket. The kitchen end of the large room has an oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, larder fridge, toaster & coffee machine .Optional underfloor heating .Various cupboards contain a large selection of cooking utensils. crockery,cutlery and glasses. A large picture window and breakfast bar give massive views up the glen. The other end has a woodburner fire with overhead slatted drier, four comfortable chairs,dining table and chairs. The only bathroom which has a shower, basin,shaver plug and toilet is downstairs . The tiled floor has optional underfloor heating & a heated towel rail.
There is also another sitting Snug room with another wood burning fire and free sat television. A DVD player and videos also available along with a large selection of board games for adults and children. A three seater sofabed with chaise long plus other comfy chairs are a perfect way to relax after a long day walking, fishing or sightseeing. The under stair cupboard holds the hoover.
The stairs are quite narrow and steep. Plenty of handrails are there to be used. There are two carpeted attic bedrooms , one with two single beds which can push together and another with a 5 foot bed king size bed. Both rooms have hanging spaces for clothes and shelves.
Dormer windows look out over the hills

We have a large collection of empty whisky boxes on display . Please feel free to add to this if you want . All the downstairs floors are wooden painted floors. Dogs should not be left unattended in the cottage.
The rooms are heated with either the log fire or oil heaters which have got timers . There are fan heaters as well. Electricity is charged at the end of your stay according to the units used. Meter readings are read at the beginning and end of your stay. It works out at 29per unit depending on the Hydro electric rates..This will be taken off the deposit plus any damages and the rest returned to you within 14 days of your holiday. We do not charge you for the daily rate of electricity.
The meter cupboard is at the bottom of the stairs in a box at ceiling level.

Please remember to switch off heaters and underfloor heating when you leave.
The water supply is now through a borehole near cottage. The water is pumped up to a filtration unit with ceramic and ultraviolet filters in the milk house adjoining the cottage.The hot water tank is also in there and is left on all the time when guests are staying. We do have the water tested regularly . It has been passed safe to drink by the Highland Coucil. We do provide IL of water. There are two grocery stores in Durness. The Spar shop is extremely well stocked with a large selection of fresh vegetables,fish, bread and alcohol.Fuel is also available 24hrs. Walking and camping gear available too plus a post office.
There are also food and hardware stores in Kinlockbervie and fuel.
We allow up to two dogs per stay.They should not go upstairs or sit on the furniture.Please bring dogs bedding. £25.00 per dog is charged per week. Water bowls, old towels and poo bags provided. As cottage on a working farm, please keep on a lead if you can see sheep in nearby vicinity. There is an outside tap on milkhouse for washing off boots and dogs. Hosepipe on decking. Enjoy the cottage, relax and make the most of each day .Keysafe entry. Check In 1600 Check out 0900.

Property manager

Gillie Elliot
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 10 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
No animals upstairs. £25 per dog per week
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Please could you smoke outside.
Please could you take a meter reading as you arrive and when you leave and send me the photos to my mobile 07801271371.
Any dog fouling must be sensibly disposed.
No dogs upstairs and bring blankets if sit on chairs

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 10
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property
Map
Durness, SCT

What's nearby

  • Loch Inchard - 6 min drive - 8.5 km
  • Smoo Cave - 14 min drive - 18.0 km
  • Oldshoremore Beach - 15 min drive - 16.9 km
  • Durness Beach - 26 min drive - 16.9 km
  • Sandwood Bay Beach - 32 min drive - 19.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Old School Restaurant & Rooms - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Spice Route - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Worth a Look - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 10 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. ?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. located?

Located on a river, this family-friendly cottage is within 12 mi (20 km) of Loch Inchard, John Lennon Memorial Garden and Durness Beach. Oldshoremore Beach and Balkaniel Beach 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. 71 out of 78 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 78 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 78 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 78 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 78 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elaine M.

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

Our Easter break at Carbreck cottage

We had a fabulous break during the Easter holidays staying 7th-11th April at the cottage it had everything you wanted including a slow cooker which was very handy and used the fire at night as it was so cosy while we played cards with our kids. We felt we settled in really quickly and scenery was stunning all around the cottage. It felt like a proper escape from our busy life back home. The weather was fantastic too where we explored a lot of the beaches nearby including our favourite Balnakeil beach.& climbed a Munro too Ben Hope on of the sunniest & warmest days of the year so far! Gillie was so helpful on answering any questions we had too. We will be back to stay at the cottage for sure.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol F.

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

Fantastic Cottage

Great place, stunning views. We had the best weather for April … downside, there was no BBQ!Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

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

Perfect getaway

Carbreck is a magical place - set along a magnificent highland glen. The perfect place to rest and reset - we didn’t want to leave
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne A.

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

New Year Stay

Spent 7 days over new year in this lovely property. It was remote and had stunning surroundings, just the break we needed. Excellent communication with host.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrea W.

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

Stunning scenery in beautiful cosy cottage.

We wanted to get away from it all for a few days and what better way to do so than to stay at Carbreck Cottage. The drive along the A838 was an adventure in itself - remote single track for about 40 miles (but plenty of passing places should you meet another car). The views from the cottage are spectacular in all directions. It felt homely as soon as we walked in. The two woodburners were brilliant and were more than ample to keep us warm in the evenings. The cottage was well stocked with everything you needed to hole up and switch off. Mountains, lochs, beaches - it really did have it all. A pity we couldn’t walk on Cranstakkie or Fornarven due to deer stalking taking place but it gives us an excuse to come back. The host, Gillie, was amazing and popped by to check everything was okay and stayed for a nice chat. As we said before we left: we’ve found a little piece of heaven up here in the highlands. Thank you for a wonderful stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Iain M.

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

Mr,

Lovely comfortable cottage Gillie on hand for any problems which there were none.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Helene C.

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

Cosy out of time stay

We were 2 couples age 55+ and we enjoyed the house which is fully equipped and really comfy. The view and the surroundings are stunning. The location is really quiet, although a few miles away from Durness and its beautiful beaches. Gillian always was always available to answer our questions.We shall return!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

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

Carbreck

Very comfortable in a spectacular location.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edward D.

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

Fantastic property

Cottage was fabulous, clean and well provisioned. Location is breathtaking and quiet, a great base to explore the North of Scotland. Communication with Gillie was fantastic too, made to feel very welcome. A true gem of a property!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Fraser C.

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

Great time at Carbreck

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Carbreck cottage. It was exactly what we were after - a traditional Scottish cottage in stunning scenery. The cottage was very clean and tidy. Gillie was a very good host who made sure we had everything we needed. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sally E.

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

Wonderful stay

Myself and four friends had a wonderful stay at Carbreck. It was the perfect base for us, with everything we could have wished for in the property. The log burner in the main room is a great size, easily heating the room! We enjoyed walks and swimming at the local beaches, visiting the craft village in Durness, and some lovely local walks during our visit. We would definitely book again on a return visit to the area! We had some high winds during our stay, which was quite loud upstairs in the property overnight and made the log burner quite a challenge one evening but that’s the nature of the highlands! Would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a quiet getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Loz P.

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

Great location!

Carbreck cottage is set in an idyllic location, quick access to Durness, with its fab beaches and walks. The kitchen lounge area is very comfortable and cosy with underfloor heating and log fire with great supply of logs. The second lounge isn't quite as comfy and would also benefit from log fire (if it’s possible to install one) but to be honest the kitchen/ lounge area is where we spent all our time. Kitchen is well equipped with everything you need for a great stay. If we visit the area again we would definitely rebook.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim J., Eastkilbride

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

peacefull break

much neededbreak
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

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

Carbreck

Stunning views comfortable accommodation
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alison A.

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

Lovely house

Great trip , very comfortable house
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

adam m.

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

Perfect get away

Lovely cottage, 3rd time staying here and it never disappoints. If you’re after a great getaway & want to make some great memories then this is the place for you. Highly recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anthony F.

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

We loved it - thank you.

Excellent
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alison A.

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

Very comfortable cottage

As ever the cottage was warm comfortable and well equipped.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne A.

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

A wonderful escape

A lovely getaway , isolated , fantastic views from the cottage , near some idyllic beaches
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ian Y.

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

A peaceful retreat

We really enjoyed the location, the property and the people we met. The house is characterful whilst having everything one might need for an outdoors holiday.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Wendy R.

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

Very comfortable stay, owner was exceptional with communication.

We had a lovely experience and stay at this property.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jane B.

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

Enjoyable stay

Amazing walks behind the property with stunning views. Log burner was lovely on a cold evening, and lovely powerful shower.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steven M.

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

Fantastic cottage in a beautiful location

The cottage was exactly what we where looking for and lived up to all out expectations. Wild Stags in the Glen in the morning, visiting beautiful beaches during the day with the dogs, then the fantastic clear skies at night to see the stars, then back into the cosy cottage to sit round the the log burner.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karis R.

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

Outstanding

Staying at the Carbreck house made me feel lucky. Such a cozy home with all you need - every detail thoughtfully added and placed. The blackout curtains in the bedrooms, extra blankets, in floor heating, conveniently placed firewood, accessible hosts, local contacts, GORGEOUS LOCATION and modern amenities all at the edge of the world. It was quite possibly the best vacation I've ever had. Was it the best sleep of my life? Yes. Was it adventurous? Yes. Was it restful and rejuvenating? Yes. Were the hosts interesting and delightful? Yes. I'll spend the rest of my life wanting to return. Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jim M.

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

Awesome

Loved it from the moment we walked in the door and got the wood burner going. Warm as toast, comfortable and amongst the best scenery you’ll ever see.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

About the host

Hosted by Gillie Elliot

Host profile image
My husband's family are well known sheep breeders here and in the Borders and have farmed in this area since 1906. David and Gillie and their family have been coming up to Durness for 40 years. Rhigolter is a working farm with 1100 sheep. Carbreck was always a shepherd's cottage on the farm. The father of several of the families in Durness was the last shepherd to live in the cottage with his wife and children.We bought this cottage in 2006.

Why they chose this property

Carbreck was always a shepherd's cottage on the working farm and is still used for shepherds when needed.
.
Severel of the families in Durness whose father's where shepherd's on Balnakiel lived in the cottage.

What makes this property unique

It's huge three foot thick walls certainly make alterations a challenge!
The views across the valley are awe inspiring.You can go out and climb the hills,except 1-20th October when stalking is in progress or you can stoke the woodburner,put your feet up and read your book.Take time out to enjoy the pleasures of as little internet as possible.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests