Inspiration

Five of our favourite coastal cottages in Scotland

Sawday's Expert

5 min read

With the remote western isles, the beaches of North Berwick and the long coastline of the Firth of Forth, there’s a huge variety of experiences on offer from coastal cottages in Scotland. Some will take you days of trekking and boat trips to arrive at, some are a short hop from the city centre. Here are just a few of our favourites, to whet your appetite some windblown whisky days.

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Holiday cottages

Ballantrae Harbour Cottages

With three coastal cottages near Ballantrae to choose from, it’s a perfect getaway for families or larger groups looking for a combination of outdoor activities and comfortable spots to settle back down into at day’s end. There are miles of pebble beach to take long, wind-swept walks along, and historic buildings to visit along the way – and when you return, toasty floors, wood burners to huddle round, and large kitchens to feed the hungry masses.

Guest Sandra

“We stayed in the Old Fishermans Cottage and loved it. Very well equipped, spotless, and a perfect place to relax. Would definitely recommend it and we will be returning!”

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Arrowdale

Arrowdale might look impossibly remote, but it’s a decent A road most of the way and the wildness of the place once you arrive is breathtaking. There are a family of seals who live on the local beach, coastal trails just through the woods and a sense that you’ve wandered off the world for a while. It’s exactly the blend of awe-inspiring nature and calming comfort that you want in a coastal holiday cottage.

Inspected by Nicky

“There’s so very much to do from here you might need quite a long stay. Or you could do very little except gaze out of the windows and feel very happy that there are still places as remote and peaceful as this on the planet.”

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New Orleans Cottage

Set against the rugged beauty of the sea and wild landscape of the peninsula, the Kildalloig Estate, home of New Orleans Cottage, spreads over a mile of coastline and beaches, rising gradually to spectacular views over the islands from its 1200 ft peak. There’s a fine distillery tour in Campbeltown, a great restaurant over the water on the island of Ghigha and at the centre of it all, the crisp, white comfort of your beautiful Scottish holiday cottage.

Inspected by Karen

“There are sheep in the field who are incredibly laid back so you might need a little bit of patience to let them amble off the track, but by this time you will be in West Coast of Scotland mode and definitely not in a hurry.”

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Treshnish Farm

In a remote and dramatic setting on Mull’s wild northwestern coast, Treshnish Farm’s a phenomenal example of a coastal cottage. Set in 1900 acres, you’ll find cattle and sheep roaming the hillsides, and the fields dotted with orchids. It’s just a ten-minute ramble to the coast, and only three miles to Calgary beach for a day out – where you’ll find otters and red-throated divers putting on displays for the beachgoers. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy all the peace and quiet of a remote retreat, with all you need at home to relax and enjoy it.

Guest Peter

“The Isle of Mull is beautiful and quiet with extraordinary wildlife. Treshnish Farm is situated at a lovely part of the Island. We have stayed in cottage Duill with a stunning view over the sea and the coastline.”

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Captain’s Rest

Completed in 2020, this modern Skye Bungalow’s awash with luxury at every turn. Beautifully furnished, you’ll pad around on heated floors, enjoying plush beds, gliding glass doors and a night by the wood burner after wild swimming nearby. Wake up to breathtaking views revealed by touch button roll-up blinds and settle down with dips in a hot tub when the sun goes down. There’s no way to come away from this space, not thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated.

Guest Sue and Nick

“The moment we walked through the door we knew we were going to love our week’s stay at Captains Rest, and we were not disappointed. The view from the house was stunning.”

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Christopher Wilson-Elmes

Sawday's Expert

Chris is our in-house copywriter, with a flair for turning rough notes and travel tales into enticing articles. Raised in a tiny Wiltshire village, he was desperate to travel and has backpacked all over the world. Closer to home, he finds himself happiest in the most remote and rural places he can find, preferably with a host of animals to speak to, some waves to be smashed about in and the promise of a good pint somewhere in his future.

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