Taigh na Fraoch (House of Heather)
Taigh na Fraoch, gaelic for House of Heather, is 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. 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. Unfortunately no pets are allowed as there are a lot of sheep on the surrounding land. The accommodation is on 2 levels, with good access.
The cottage sleeps a maximum of six in three bedrooms. It has total control central heating. As mobile phone reception can be limited there is a payphone for the use of guests. There is also free Wi Fi internet access.
Ground floor
- Bedroom with single bed and guest bed underneath
- Shower room
- Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
- Well equipped kitchen
- Lounge with leather couches, freeview satellite television, dvd player, option of electric stove or open fire
- Dining area with additional comfortable seating
- Porch
First floor
- Twin bedroom
- Bathroom
- 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.
What’s included
Electricity, heating, a starter pack of logs and kindling, cleaning/laundry products, bed linen and towels are included in the rental price. Basic staples such as tea, coffee, salt, pepper, olive oil, sugar are also included.
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. During the summer there are ranger led walks in the area.
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 Tourist Information in Lochinver. There is also a stocked rainbow trout fishery at Lagg and salmon fishing in the area. Mackerel and Pollack can also be caught either from the shore or by boat.
Lochinver has a small gift /outdoor shop, picture gallery and also is the site of the Highland Stoneware Factory where you can watch them making pottery. There are also restaurants and a leisure centre (without swimming pool) in the village. Throughout the year the village hall hosts various concerts/events. Every summer the village also runs the Assynt Highland Games for those who are athletic or just like to watch others getting tired!
By road : From the south, take the A9 to Inverness . Though not a motorway, many parts are dual carriageway. From Inverness, it will take you 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 as the scenery is stunning.
By rail/bus : Inter-city services to Inverness, thereafter by bus to Lochinver, via Ullapool and finally local bus or taxi from there to Clashnessie.
By air : Fly direct from Gatwick, Luton, Glasgow or Edinburgh to Inverness.
For those with satellite navigation the postcode is IV27 4JF and the grid reference is NC 05320 30970.
There are a number of travel information and route planner websites which you may want to use:
"We had a wonderful time, restful location, very good weather, the house was perfect and well equipped"
"Three nights is not enough in this lovely house and beautiful location"
"Lovely cottage, tastefully decorated and thoughtfully equipped"
"Another great holiday here"
"Warm and cosy, well equipped with everything we needed for a memorable Christmas"
"A really wonderful cottage in a wonderful area. Enjoyed the beaches and mountains"
"Very thoughtful with a lot of consideration given"
