Large Holiday Homes Scotland

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Brian - Verified booking

  Our party consisted of 19 month year old Munro, accompanied by Mum & Dad, both sets of Grand Parents and two dogs (Bailey a small Cockerpoo & Cally a Jack Russell / Lhaso cross, basically a hairy Jack Russell).

  Cottage was lots better than advertised, spotlessly clean, with a cot & high chair for Munro. There was a TV in the sitting Room, but we decided to live without TV for a week and stored the TV out of Munros reach in a bedroom. We had taken a compression Stairgate with us which prevented Munro (and the dogs) exploring upstairs. There is also a stream at the bottom of the garden, which having a Toddler in attendance could be an issue, but we had a surplus of Grandparents in attendance to prevent any incidences. There is a porch useful for storing boots etc;. No coat hooks though. We found the Pram and other larger walking items were better stored under the canopy which joins to the cottage at the rear. Wi-fi works fine, but no phone signal. Electric Cooker is caravan size, rings, grill and oven all work, but don't believe the setting marked on the cooker control switches, requires experimentation. There was a Washing Machine which had been a washer dryer in an earlier life, the dryer function doesn't work, but as the campsite the cottage is part of has a laundromat this is not a problem. Large Fridge / Freezer. Only one Tea Towel, but when we spoke to the owner as we left She told us that She could have given us more if we had asked. Dogs loved the enclosed well maintained garden. If you are looking for night life you will be disappointed as Staffin doesn't have a pub or anything. There is a Mace in Staffin which can supply your general needs, connected to the Mace is "The Hungry Gull" café which was only open for carry outs when we were there. Order carry out via phone or e-mail and they give you a pick-up time. There is a bus service to Portree, last bus back leaves Portree just before 6 p.m. Staffin is crofter country, so Sheep grazing free, so be aware with dogs and keep them on leads unless you know that no Sheep are around. There is a 45 min walk to Staffin Beach /Slipway starting from a gate inside the Campsite 2 mins from the Cottage, Ground on the walk pretty boggy, and descent too Staffin Beach /Slipway steep, but dogs could get off the lead for a good part of the walk. We had a back pack to carry Munro, you wouldn't have managed with a pushchair. Beach by the Slipway rocky when tide is in, but sandy when tide is out and dinosaur footprints are visible. You can also obtain a mobile phone signal on the beach. 15 mins drive to Old Man of Storr, 5 mins to Kilt Rock, 7 mins to Lealt view point. Dinosaur Museum 5 mins away, not a lot to see in it, but makes a rainy day venue. Cuillins are over 1hr drive away. There is a cafe / restaurant attached to Columba 1400 leadership training establishment, good for a scone / cup of coffee or a meal, nice choice of food on the menu and a specials board and wonderful views. Owners of Cottage couldn't be more helpful, if you require anything just ask. Providing you are not looking for busy night life, this is the perfect location and holiday property.

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• Mrs Dawson - Verified booking

  We had such a wonderful time at Tarken house celebrating my husband’s birthday over the New Year holidays (four adults, four children age 6-9). The property is beautiful and the photos somehow don’t capture just how amazing it is (that’s not a criticism of the photos, more of how lovely it is). We arrived to such a lovely experience - lights on, birthday banners and balloons set out, warm toastie heating on, welcome whiskey, biscuits and Scottish tablet… We appreciated so much about our stay - the views, the spaciousness, how well kitted out it is, how many towels, toilet rolls and kitchen rolls were left for us, the wonderful welcome. We loved that logs were all provided and the beds were soooo comfortable. We met so many warm, welcoming and helpful locals. There were walks from the door step and the pool, darts and pool table to occupy us when we didn’t want to venture out. There was always something to entertain all of us, including some much needed rest and relaxation. I can’t tell you how helpful, flexible and kind the housekeepers were (on several accounts that were entirely our fault). We’ve stayed in lots of houses over the years but their kindness has really shone through for us. We can’t recommend Tarken House enough and would love to come back in the summer months.

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• Mrs Rose - Verified booking

  Tarken House is beautiful, even more beautiful than the website pictures suggest. We were a party of 7 ladies and had a wonderful stay. On hearing that we were there for a birthday, the owners decorated the entrance with balloons. There was a welcome gift of tablet (yum). The seating area is so spacious and comfortable - the kitchen incredibly well equipped - even for making cocktails! We used the pool and it was gorgeous, nice and warm and you can use it as a fitness pool with the jets on. We didn't use the deck except for photos as we were staying in February, but it must be gorgeous in the warmer months. The views are astonishing. The bedrooms are beautiful - the three front bedrooms have loch views - lovely linens, soft fluffy towels and plenty of toiletries. The robes and slippers were much appreciated. I would say use the house as it is so lovely and it's easy to whip up a nice meal in that kitchen. We really had a great time - no complaints at all.

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• Rachel - Verified booking

  This holiday home is like home from home, it has everything and more to make your stay welcoming and comfortable.

  Right from the lovely welcome pack that’s left for your arrival and the fact that Nix & Ben go the extra mile by emailing before your stay with a milk choice. We even had a text on the way up to check on our journey with advice on a route as there had been an accident. Also, leaving the porch light on for us on our late arrival. There is a lovely detailed manual with all history of the property, about the owners, advice, routes and a whole lot more. We met Nix who was absolutely lovely and was on hand in the house adjacent if we needed. The house is situated in a beautiful setting with lovely walks around, which we made the most of. The location is perfect in every way. We had the most wonderful family holiday and would love to return one day.

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• Andrew - Verified booking

  It's an (aspirational) home from home, perfectly located in the countryside, close to excellent biking, walking routes or simply sitting on the garden bench and gazing at the ever changing wonderful scenery - with a drink.

  A wonderful place to reflect and or be active. The house is larger than it looks in the photographs, plenty of space to spread out. The down stairs double/twin bedroom is wheelchair accessible and ideal for guests not comfortable with stairs. We had our holiday's food supplies delivered to the house by one of the local supermarkets (Tescos, Sainsbury, Asda), so we could focus on optimising our time on holiday. Nick and Ben are excellent hosts, giving us a warm welcome - nothing was too much trouble. It was nice they live a short walk away, as when we had a query or had post being delivered (while we were out) they helped us out. Forres is a 20 minute drive away. Definitely recommendable.

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