Showing posts with label Birdwatching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Birdwatching. Show all posts

Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Croftend, Shieldaig, Doireaonar, Wester-Ross


Croftend – Tranquil Self-Catering Retreat Overlooking Loch Shieldaig
Croftend offers charming self-catering accommodation with breathtaking views over Loch Shieldaig and the majestic Torridon Mountain range in the background. Situated in a truly stunning part of Wester Ross, this peaceful retreat provides a perfect base for those seeking to explore the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The nearby village of Shieldaig is just a short distance away and offers a shop, hotel, public bar, and a welcoming café.

Accommodation Overview
Nestled at the end of a private road in a secluded and tranquil setting, Croftend comfortably accommodates up to four guests. The property has been finished to a high standard, seamlessly combining traditional character with modern comfort.

The original part of the house has been transformed into an open-plan space with a vaulted ceiling that includes the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas. A bright and airy conservatory overlooks the loch, offering a perfect vantage point to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

The well-equipped kitchen includes a fridge freezer, electric cooker with ceramic hob, double oven and grill, toaster, coffee machine, microwave, and washing machine—ideal for home cooking. After a day of adventure, guests can unwind in the cosy sitting room, complete with satellite/cable TV, a DVD player, a log burner, and comfortable seating.

Accommodation includes two tastefully appointed bedrooms: one double and one twin. Both rooms share a family bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower. Bed linen and towels are provided.

Outside, a private garden with outdoor furniture invites guests to relax and soak up the serene surroundings.

Exploring Shieldaig & Wester Ross
Adjacent to Croftend is a sheltered harbour featuring a convenient slipway, perfect for launching canoes or accommodating dinghy trailers—making it an excellent location for watersports enthusiasts. The property is set within the historic crofting township of Doireaonar, surrounded by tranquil woodland rich with local wildlife.

Guests can enjoy scenic woodland walks, birdwatching, and nature photography in this picturesque part of the Highlands. With its peaceful setting, stunning views, and access to both land and water activities, Croftend offers an exceptional Highland getaway.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/westerross/2826

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      



Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Watsons Farm Cottage, Eye, Fressingfield, Suffolk


Watsons Farm Cottage – A Secluded 17th-Century Retreat in Rural Suffolk
Set at one end of a 17th-century Grade II listed farmhouse, Watsons Farm Cottage offers peaceful and private self-catering accommodation in the heart of rural Suffolk. Nestled between the villages of Fressingfield and Cratfield, near Eye, this charming timber-framed cottage is surrounded by open fields and paddocks, a third of a mile from the nearest road—providing a truly tranquil escape from everyday life.

Charming and Comfortable Accommodation
This historic cottage has been thoughtfully furnished to offer comfort while retaining its rustic character. Oil-fired central heating and a cosy log fire in the sitting room create a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the year.

Kitchen & Dining: The well-equipped kitchen/dining room features an electric oven and microwave, with lovely views over a kitchen garden on one side and a peaceful pond on the other.

Living Room: The sitting room is a perfect place to unwind, with an extensive library of books, a DVD player, Freeview TV, a CD player, and a Hi-fi system.

Bedrooms & Bathroom: The bathroom, located on the ground floor, includes a shower. Upstairs, accessed via steep, narrow stairs, are one double bedroom and one twin bedroom, each offering serene views and peaceful surroundings.

Additional Features
Bed linen (duvets), towels, logs, and electricity are all included in the rental price.

A cot is available on request.

Guests have access to the owners’ washing machine in a separate utility room and may use a washing line located in the orchard.

The south-facing garden features a lawn bordered by a hedge on two sides and a pond on the third. Garden furniture and a barbecue are provided for outdoor enjoyment.

Ample parking is available on-site.

Exploring Suffolk & The Heritage Coast
Watsons Farm Cottage is ideally located for those wishing to explore the beautiful Suffolk Heritage Coast. Popular destinations such as Southwold, Walberswick, and Dunwich are all within easy reach.

Southwold offers a traditional seaside experience with beach huts, a lighthouse, charming bookshops, and an award-winning pier. Fresh fish can be purchased at the harbour from local vendors.

Across the estuary, Walberswick enchants visitors with its dunes, large sandy beach, and picturesque village setting.

The surrounding countryside is perfect for walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a peaceful rural getaway.

With its secluded setting, historic charm, and close proximity to the coast, Watsons Farm Cottage is a delightful retreat for couples, families, or friends looking to enjoy the best of Suffolk.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/suffolk/9178

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      



Monday, 19 May 2025

Foinhaven, Orphir, Stromness, Orkney


Foinhaven – Self Catering & B&B Accommodation near Stromness, Orkney

Foinhaven provides a welcoming base for visitors to Orkney, offering both self-catering apartments and B&B accommodation in Orphir, close to Stromness. Whether guests are couples, friends, or families, Foinhaven’s comfortable and homely holiday apartments—sleeping up to six—are ideal for exploring the natural beauty and heritage of this stunning island.

About Foinhaven
Foinhaven features three high-quality self-catering apartments, thoughtfully designed to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Each apartment includes a spacious open-plan living area with a kitchen, dining, and lounge space, complete with Wi-Fi access and spectacular views across the landscape.

Northern Lights – A 1-bedroom apartment with a double bed and a single bed.

Scapa View – A 2-bedroom apartment featuring one double bed and two singles.

Wideford Hill View – A 3-bedroom apartment comprising two double rooms and one twin room with two single beds.

All apartments are furnished to a high standard and designed for comfort and convenience. Foinhaven also offers long-term lets by arrangement—guests are encouraged to call directly for more information.

Discover Orphir & Explore Orkney
Foinhaven enjoys a prime location for discovering many of Orkney’s natural and historical attractions. Nearby highlights include Kirbister Loch, Scapa Flow, the historic Orphir Round Kirk, Hobbister Bird Reserve, Waulkmill Bay, and the towns of Stromness and Kirkwall. From birdwatching and coastal walks to archaeological sites and maritime heritage, guests will find plenty to see and do during their sta

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/orkney/14875

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      


Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Corner Cottage, Causer, Nethy Bridge, Speyside


Corner Cottage – Cosy Retreat in the Heart of Nethy Bridge, Speyside
Once a traditional blacksmith’s cottage, Corner Cottage now offers charming self-catering accommodation for up to four guests in the peaceful Speyside village of Nethy Bridge. Blending historic character with modern comfort, the cottage features a wood-burning stove for winter cosiness and French doors leading to a sunny garden, perfect for summer barbecues and outdoor fun.

With a newly refurbished shower room, a large cast iron bath, comfortable beds, and a well-equipped kitchen, this inviting property ensures a relaxing stay in every season, making it a place guests will want to return to again and again.

Accommodation Overview
Ground Floor:

Timber-lined entrance porch and hall

Comfortable lounge with bed settee and wood-burning stove

Kitchen/dining room with all essential appliances

Utility room

Modern shower room

First Floor:

Double bedroom

Twin bedroom with additional pull-out bed

Bathroom with a large cast-iron tub

Cottage Features
Appliances: Dishwasher, washing machine, fridge, and fridge/freezer

Entertainment: TV, DVD player, CD/radio, and free Wi-Fi

Comfort: Double-glazed throughout

Outdoor Space: Large secure sunny garden, BBQ, fire pit, and a large shed for bike storage

Discovering Nethy Bridge & Exploring Speyside
Corner Cottage enjoys a quiet yet central location in Causer, within easy reach of everything that Nethy Bridge has to offer. The village provides all essential amenities including:

Pubs and hotels for dining out

A well-stocked Post Office and shop

A 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a local park

The surrounding Speyside region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as walking, cycling, fishing, skiing, and birdwatching readily available.

Popular nearby attractions include:

Abernethy Forest

Strathspey Steam Railway

Loch Ness

Castle Roy

The Old Kirk

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/speyside/10305

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      


Wednesday, 19 March 2025

The Old Gravel Pit Lodges, Allerthorpe, East Yorkshire


The Old Gravel Pit Lodges, Allerthorpe, East Yorkshire

The Old Gravel Pit Lodges offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern convenience, nestled within 30 acres of a private nature reserve. This secluded retreat provides the perfect escape for those seeking to step away from the pressures of modern life. The growing trend of digital detoxing is catered to with two one-bedroom unplugged cabins, allowing guests to switch off their devices and rediscover the beauty of a slower pace. For those who need to stay connected, two two-bedroom cabins come equipped with Wi-Fi and smart TVs, offering the best of both worlds.

Each cabin opens to the natural world through double French doors leading onto a private veranda, creating an ideal space to relax and absorb the tranquil surroundings. The cabins are thoughtfully furnished with fully equipped kitchens, cast iron gas stoves, and laundry facilities, ensuring every comfort is met during your stay.

The property features meandering paths that weave through the landscape, with charming bridges crossing over serene bodies of water. The large lake known as Digby offers designated fishing pegs, perfect for those looking to enjoy a quiet day of fishing. Every cabin contains a comprehensive guide filled with essential information about the lodges and the picturesque setting.

This tranquil haven is a sanctuary for wildlife, hosting a variety of fish, wildfowl, and birds, exclusively available to guests for an uninterrupted experience of birdwatching, fishing, and immersing in nature. Meticulously maintained walking paths invite guests to explore the heart of this wildlife sanctuary, with benches strategically placed for sketching, photography, or simply enjoying the environment.

For avid birdwatchers, a dedicated hide by the lake and a plant and wildlife identification book in each lodge enhance the observational experience. The lakes, covering nearly half of the estate, feature private fishing platforms for each lodge, ensuring convenient access for angling enthusiasts looking to catch Rudd, Roach, Tench, Carp, Bream, and Ide.

Whether you’re seeking a getaway for two or planning a memorable group escape, The Old Gravel Pit Lodges provides a welcoming and versatile setting for all visitors, combining the allure of nature with the comforts of home.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/EastYorkshire/10105

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      






Thursday, 19 December 2024

Boltslaw Cottage, Ramshaw, Blanchland, Durham


Boltslaw Cottage, Ramshaw, Blanchland, Durham

Boltslaw Cottage is a self-catering getaway set in the peaceful surroundings of the North Pennine Hills near the picturesque village of Blanchland. Nestled within easy reach of Hexham in Northumberland, the cottage retains many of its original features while offering modern comfort, making it the perfect base for a relaxing countryside escape.

The living and dining room is cosy and welcoming, featuring two comfortable sofas arranged around a traditional fireplace, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring. Guests can enjoy entertainment options including a flat-screen TV with Sky Freeview, a DVD player, a music centre, and a Wi-Fi hub. A landline phone is also available for guest use.

The well-equipped kitchen includes a washer/dryer, fridge-freezer, and food processor, making self-catering convenient and hassle-free. The cottage comfortably accommodates up to four guests in two beautifully furnished bedrooms: one with a king-size bed and the other with twin beds, providing flexibility for families or friends.

The garden surrounding the cottage offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and is perfect for al fresco dining with its garden furniture and barbecue area. With plenty of outdoor space to explore, children and adults alike will enjoy the nearby burn, ideal for dam-building and play. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate sightings of red squirrels, curlews, lapwings, and owls, with rare moorland birds such as snipe and woodcock occasionally making appearances.

Visitors can explore the local area directly from the cottage, with scenic walks starting right from the doorstep. The nearby Pennine valleys of Weardale and Teesdale offer a wealth of walking and cycling routes, complemented by charming coffee shops and traditional restaurants. A short drive away, the famous Killhope Lead Mining Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial heritage.

The nearest village of Blanchland, only two miles from the cottage, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in the North East of England. Originally a monastery, the village still reflects its medieval layout and historical charm. Visitors can explore the still-functioning Abbey, enjoy a meal at the renowned Lord Crewe Arms hotel and restaurant, relax at the Felon’s Bar or the local coffee shop, and browse essentials at the post office/store. Children will love the well-maintained playground and scenic riverside walks.

The Derwent Reservoir, only 15 minutes from the cottage, is a haven for birdwatching and water-based activities, including sailing at the Derwent Sailing Club. The nearby Pow Hill Country Park offers perfect picnic spots surrounded by nature.

For those interested in history and culture, the historic town of Hexham offers a wealth of attractions, including Hexham Abbey, riverside walks, a charming park, and the family-friendly Wentworth Leisure Centre, which features a swimming pool, ten-pin bowling, and soft play facilities.

Further afield, history lovers can explore Hadrian’s Wall, Roman forts such as Housesteads, and the Roman sites of Corbridge, all within easy reach. The Northumberland National Park and The Sill Visitor Centre also offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor exploration and learning.

The Pennine dales of Weardale and Teesdale provide even more attractions, including the charming market town of Stanhope, known for its shopping facilities, Tourist Information Centre, open-air swimming pool, and fossilised tree. Additional highlights include the Killhope Lead Mining Museum and the Beamish Open Air Museum for a unique cultural experience.

With its combination of historical charm, modern comfort, and spectacular surroundings, Boltslaw Cottage is an exceptional choice for those seeking a relaxing and enriching countryside escape in Northumberland.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Northumberland/2930

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots      






Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Dragonfly Cottage, Earsham, Bungay, Norfolk


Dragonfly Cottage, Earsham, Bungay, Norfolk

Dragonfly Cottage is a beautifully converted barn located in the rural village of Earsham, near Bungay, on the scenic border between Norfolk and Suffolk. This charming property offers stunning views of the River Waveney and is adjacent to a 17th-century farmhouse owned by the hosts. Surrounded by countryside, it serves as an ideal base for walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty.

The cottage is thoughtfully designed on a single level, crafted with high standards to provide a harmonious blend of modern amenities and serene views. Large picture-frame windows in the lounge allow ample natural light to flood the space, offering unobstructed views of the river and its vibrant wildlife. The open-plan lounge, kitchen, and dining area provide both comfort and convenience, making this a cozy and practical home away from home.

The bedroom features a luxurious king-size bed, ensuring a restful night’s sleep, and is complemented by a modern shower room with a spacious shower, vanity unit, and WC. A complimentary welcome pack greets guests upon arrival, while the kitchen is fully equipped with an electric cooker, fridge freezer, dishwasher, and microwave, with a washing machine also provided. The lounge and bedroom are each fitted with a TV, and a DVD player and internet access are available for added entertainment. Heating is provided by gas central heating and a wood-burning stove, with an initial basket of wood included. Fresh bed linen and towels are provided, adding to the comfortable experience.

Outside, guests have access to a private patio and lawn, fully furnished with outdoor seating, a hot tub, fire pit, and BBQ, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and dining. The grounds feature scenic ponds and direct access to the river, offering tranquil spaces to unwind and connect with nature. Ample off-road parking is available, and a games room provides additional entertainment, complete with a full-size pool table, dartboard, and various outdoor games.

Dragonfly Cottage’s nine-acre grounds extend down to the riverfront, inviting guests to explore the beautiful landscape and enjoy peaceful walks by the water. The location is also a great base for discovering nearby attractions. A short drive brings guests to the popular coastal towns of Southwold, Walberswick, and Aldeburgh, where the stunning beaches and coastal charm await. The market towns of Bungay, Beccles, and Halesworth provide local flavor, while the nearby RSPB flagship reserve at Minsmere and the historic town of Dunwich offer excellent opportunities for nature and history enthusiasts alike. For those interested in a day trip, the city of Norwich is less than an hour away, with its wealth of cultural and historical attractions.

Next to Dragonfly Cottage, the River Farm Wetland Centre allows guests to encounter rare breed animals, such as Suffolk Punch horses and tame fallow deer, within a serene environment that is free to enter. Dragonfly Cottage combines a peaceful and restful escape with convenient access to some of Norfolk and Suffolk’s most scenic landscapes, making it an ideal base for exploring the region or simply enjoying a quiet countryside getaway.

For more information please visit our website:

https://www.theholidaycottages.co.uk/Norfolk/18000

The Holiday Cottages is a user friendly online directory for self catering accommodation in the UK & Ireland. To keep up to date with properties on our website join us on our social media pages below:

https://www.facebook.com/HCDirectory/   https://twitter.com/TheHolidayCots