#{ServerName}
1 / 31  
2 / 31  
3 / 31  
4 / 31  
5 / 31  
6 / 31  
7 / 31  
8 / 31  
9 / 31  
10 / 31  
11 / 31  
12 / 31  
13 / 31  
14 / 31  
15 / 31  
16 / 31  
17 / 31  
18 / 31  
19 / 31  
20 / 31  
21 / 31  
22 / 31  
23 / 31  
24 / 31  
25 / 31  
26 / 31  
27 / 31  
28 / 31  
29 / 31  
30 / 31  
31 / 31  

Quarryside Farmhouse

Castletown, The Highlands
holidaycottages.co.uk logo

This property is managed by holidaycottages.co.uk info_outline

Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1
Change Sat
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Downstairs bedroom
Waterside views
Enclosed garden / patio
Open fire / wood burner
Internet access
Working farm
Shop nearby
Beach within easy reach
Fishing on site / nearby
Family friendly
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Travel cot available
Highchair available
14 more

At a glance

  • Spacious comfortable and peaceful farmhouse surrounded by countryside with lovely views from every window
  • Close to glorious Dunnet Bay for fun on the beach or visit the beautiful Castle of Mey or take a ferry across to Orkney
  • Ideal location for touring the spectacular North Highlands coast, visit John o’ Groats, the most northerly point in the UK
Property code: CA416

This stunning farmhouse occupies an elevated position with views across beautiful Dunnet Bay in the far north coast of Scotland. It is the ideal property for families looking to explore Caithness with the low-lying countryside in the east and the dramatic coastline in the north. It also lies on the breathtaking NC500 route. You will find it easy to relax here, but if you enjoy outdoor pursuits, you will have a range to choose from including surfing in Dunnet Bay.

Situated on a working farm, this homely farmhouse has large rooms with plenty of space for everyone. Original features, period decor and traditional furniture harks back to a time gone by, but its mod-cons bring it up to date and a pale colour palette creates a light and airy feel.

On the ground floor, the large lounge is a great place to relax of an evening in front of the open fire. There’s even a piano for those who like a tinkle. The kitchen/diner is also spacious with vaulted ceilings adding to this sense of space. It is well-equipped with everything you’ll need to cater for everyone and there is a handy utility room for all your outdoor gear. On this floor, you will also find a good-sized twin room.

Upstairs, there are two lovely double rooms, both large, but one is particularly spacious. They have gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside and out to the coast – on a clear day, you may even be able to see as far as Orkney. There is also a contemporary bathroom with a shower over the bath.

Outside, there is an enclosed garden where you can soak up the tranquillity and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

  • 3 bedrooms: 2 doubles and 1 twin
  • 1 bathroom with shower over bath, hand basin and WC
  • Electric hob and oven, Rayburn, fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine, tumble dryer
  • Open fire – logs included
  • TV, DVD, radio, CD player
  • Oil central heating
  • Wi-Fi included
  • Enclosed lawned garden
  • Ample private parking
  • Beach and local shops 1 mile
  • Arrival: 18:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00, unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
  • 2 dogs allowed. Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week
  • There is an Accidental Damage Deposit of £250 when booking at this property, however this may be waived for £30. We’ll provide more details about this when booking your holiday.

Despite its remote location, you’re 4.5 miles from the harbour town of Thurso, the most northerly town in mainland Scotland. There is plenty to see and do here including a range of galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants as well as historic buildings.

You’ll no doubt want to visit John O-Groats (16 miles), so that you can say you’ve been to the most northerly point of mainland Britain. Whilst here, soak up the beautiful scenery, watch the wildlife and wander around the shops/eateries.

Wick (17 miles) is also worth a visit; it’s a former Viking settlement home to a castle known as the Old Man of Wick. There’s a lovely cliff-top walk to the castle from the tiny village of Staxigoe just north of Wick. For another trip around a castle and its grounds, head to Castle of Mey and Gardens (10 miles) - it was once property of the Queen Mother.

Dunnet Head, a 2-mile long white, sandy, arc-shaped beach is popular with surfers and wildlife enthusiasts alike and is also a great spot for a swim or a paddle. It has the largest colony of seabirds, including puffins – you can find more information about what you can see at the visitor centre.

Whilst you’re this far north, you may want to take the opportunity to visit The Flow Country, one of Europe’s last wildernesses, which is home to an abundance of rare flora and fauna and stretches across Caithness and Sutherland.

Fiona MacDonald

This property is personally managed by Fiona.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 23 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 3.9 starsOverall cleanliness 3.9 starsOverall cleanliness 3.9 starsOverall cleanliness 3.9 starsOverall cleanliness 3.9 stars3.9
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.1 starsOverall equipment 4.1 starsOverall equipment 4.1 starsOverall equipment 4.1 starsOverall equipment 4.1 stars4.1
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 starsOverall comfort 4 stars4
Overall location
Overall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 starsOverall location 4.7 stars4.7

Reviewed by John 10th February 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A nice quiet location but still in reach of all the facilities in the area.

Reviewed by Dean 22nd December 2023

Guest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 stars

Stayed for a fortnight over Christmas & New Year. The property is at a wonderful location- rural but within walking access to a pub, corner shop, beach, & stunning views across Dunnet Bay. The decorated Christmas Tree was also welcome. Andrew, the owner, was really friendly, helpful & offered a tour of the farm & a horse & carriage trip which were Read moreboth excellent, Property is a little tired & some windows leaked during wet, windy weather. The WiFi didnt work well, but fixed during the visit. Hide

Reviewed by Mary 30th September 2023

Guest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 stars

Cottage location is great. The cottage is warm and fairly comfortable. The Rayburn in the kitchen kepts the kitchen warm and cosy. Missed out on a welcome pack whick many guests had noted to be excellent in the comments book. A larger fridge might be useful as very limited size meant we struggled to get our chill food in especially as we cooked in Read morethe cottage each night. Hide

Reviewed by Sarah 24th September 2023

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Lovely house, great views.

Reviewed by Robert 10th September 2023

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Good points. The cottage is in an ideal location for visiting Caithness. It's large and roomy and with three bedrooms has plenty space for a large family or group of friends. Great views of the country side and castletown bay. Not good. Rear entrance to the house with narrow stepping stone stair, very slippery when wet, it turned into an ornamentalRead more waterfall during heavy rain, noisy water pump in U/S bedroom. Set of curtains not put up in same room. Grass and garden needed a good cut back.. Hide

Reviewed by Frank 24th June 2023

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Very nice and we'll equipped house with stunning views to Dunnet Head. The owner really takes care and can be easily contacted if necessary. Thank you for the farm tour. The WLAN could be faster. Apart from what is written in tour guides etc. a walking tour at the lighthouse in Scrabster alongside the coast is most spectacluar stunning...

Reviewed by Anne 20th May 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Have stayed here before. Love everything about the farmhouse. It's cosy and old fashioned but also modern bathroom and kitchen. Views amazing. One of the best properties we've stayed in and we've stayed in lots over the last 30years. It's also dog friendly and has a front enclosed garden so no worries about your pet getting lost. It is a peaceful aRead morend quiet location away from the bustle of everyday life. You won't be disappointed. Hide

Reviewed by Philip 24th April 2023

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

The farm house was everything we expected from a property in a rural location. We really enjoyed our stay

Reviewed by Mark 1st April 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

If you want peace and quiet then Quarryside Farmhouse should be on your list. There are many lovely beaches and cliff top walks within easy driving distance, the views are spectacular. Our favourites were Dunnet Head & beach, Duncansby Head & Strathy beach. A drive along the north coast and a walk on Faraid Head & Balnakeil beach made for a lovely Read moreday trip. The secure front garden allowed us to relax with our dog off the lead. We would love to stay again in the future. Hide

Reviewed by John 11th February 2023

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A great location, with fantastic views ! Very dog friendly, Andrew the owner is a great bloke to talk to nothing is a problem, if you need more logs for the fire or anything else he will deal with it as quick as he can, also nice little welcome pack was handy.

Reviewed by Marcel 26th November 2022

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Reviewed by Emma 12th November 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The owner was very friendly and made us feel welcome. The kitchen and living room were very warm and cozy thanks to the aga in the kitchen and the open fire in the living room, for which we were given plenty of firewood. The rest of the property was clean and had everything we needed for a very comfortable stay. Views were amazing, with the sea andRead more Dunnet Head both visible from the kitchen window. Hide

Reviewed by Catherine 29th October 2022

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Quarryside Farmhouse is in a wonderful location with stunning views. Being able to do the washing up looking out over Dunnet Bay was breathtaking. The house itself needs some TLC, but the open fire and the Rayburn were wonderful. The wifi is very poor, it wasn't at all usable at all for anything, we needed to use mobile data for checking emails etcRead more. Mobile service was intermittent. We needed to buy hand wash and toilet rolls. Hide

Reviewed by Will 8th October 2022

Guest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 stars

Location is good. Cottage is an accceptable place to stay but needs real improvement in furniture, fittings and cleanliness to be a place I would recommend. Importantly, whilst the cottage does indeed have WiFi - the best broadband speed I got when there was 0.5Mbps. This is barely enough to load a website never mind having two people comfortably uRead moresing the internet or stream something. This is well below the average for the location and you should be aware if planning to stay. Hide

Reviewed by Anne 10th September 2022

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Quarrieside Farmhouse was warm and cosy. The rooms were spacious and the decor was old fashioned /quirky which fitted in perfectly for this beautiful period house. The garden was great as it was enclosed which kept our two small dogs safe from harm. The views from almost every window was amazing. We thought it was quiet and peaceful where we live bRead moreut this was even more so. We cannot think of a better place to stay in this lovely part of Scotland. A real home from home. Loved it. Hide

Reviewed by Clare 13th August 2022

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Fabulous house, cosy, spacious and well equipped. We loved it here, such peace and looking out at the wildlife and farm animals was joyous. Such a great base for exploring the NC500!

Reviewed by Robert 16th July 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This house is fabulous we all enjoyed our holiday and will definitely be back. Andrew takes the time to show us around his farm and let us pick potatoes and answers the kids questions such a nice person .....A proper holiday to recharge your batteries

Reviewed by Anne 9th July 2022

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Excellent location in the far North of Scotland with amazing views. Lots of beaches nearby. House comfortably took 6 but needs some TLC.

Reviewed by Stuart 2nd July 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Lynn 4th June 2022

Guest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 starsGuest rating 2.2 stars

The photographs did not offer an honest overview of this property. It is very tired and in need of renovation. Although we had everything we needed, we felt the property to be very unloved, and there was no attention to detail.

Reviewed by Janet 21st May 2022

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Lonely house but could do with some tender loving care. Had a lovely stay

Reviewed by Anne 7th May 2022

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A real home from home - very comfortable and in a great location with stunning views. Perfect for two with everything you could possibly need. The dog loved it too!

Reviewed by Annette 23rd April 2022

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Pictures not a true representation of the standard of decor in the cottage, was disappointed upon arrival at the cleanliness of some areas, although bedding and bathroom both clean. Lovely area, but cottage and garden both require some upkeep and improvements.

21 more
Show 19 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Cottages & Castles is an appointed representative of ITC Compliance Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (their registration number is 313486) and which is permitted to advise on and arrange general insurance contracts as an intermediary.
The Travel Chapter Limited trading as Cottages & Castles | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House Gammaton Road Bideford EX39 4DF Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.