Lower Brae Kilmachalmack

Lower Brae is in Kilmachalmack, up in Sutherland. It's a detached cottage at the end of a quiet lane, with fields and hills right there. I live next door on the farm.

It sleeps six. Three bedrooms, one bathroom. It's got a 3 Star rating. It's clean and comfortable. The owner built a lot of it himself, so you'll see the pine panelling and solid wood kitchen. It's just how it is.

You come in through a conservatory that runs along the front. The main room has windows on three sides, so you get the views. There's an open fireplace that works. The kitchen has everything you'd need, plus a table.

One double bedroom and the bathroom are on the ground floor. Two more bedrooms are upstairs. The stairs are normal.

The garden is yours to use. It's enclosed. You can park right there.

The River Oykel is about two hundred yards away. It's known for salmon fishing. You can walk straight from the door onto the hills. You might see deer, buzzards, that sort of thing. The owner's farm animals are around sometimes.

The nearest shop and pub are in Lairg, about ten miles away. It has the basics.

If you want to go out, the Falls of Shin are about a 20 minute drive. You can watch the salmon leap there. Royal Dornoch is half an hour away. It has a famous golf course, a good beach, and a nice cathedral. Inverness is just over an hour if you need a city.

For facilities: it has a washing machine, TV, and WiFi. Bedding and towels are included. There's a cot, highchair, and stairgate if needed. There's a shower over the bath. No pets, I'm afraid.

Some links if you're planning: The Wildlife Trusts for general spotting, and Visit Scotland's nature page for ideas.