Guests say
Ceol-na-Mara is a well-loved cottage in the Northern Highlands, praised for its peacefulness, stunning sea views, and wildlife. Guests enjoyed the cosy atmosphere, hot tub, and garden, despite some noting minor maintenance issues. The location offers a tranquil retreat with opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
The majority of guests found the cottage clean and comfortable, with only a few remarks about minor cleanliness issues. The overall impression is that the property is well-kept.
The location is highly praised for its stunning views, tranquillity, and proximity to nature, with many guests appreciating the wildlife and scenic drives. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Highlands.
Guests found the cottage cosy and the beds comfortable, with a warm and homely feel. Some guests mentioned the furniture could be updated for added comfort.
Facilities like the hot tub and log burner are highlights, though some guests noted maintenance issues that need addressing. The garden and views add to the enjoyment of the property.
While guests have had memorable stays, there is no mention of gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness from the hosts. Therefore, this category cannot be scored.
About this property
Ceol na Mara is a cosy two-bedroom cottage in Newport near Dunbeath and Helmsdale, an idyllic getaway for families or couples. Its fitting name translates as ‘Music of the Sea’ from Scottish Gaelic, as this beautiful cottage sits on the top of the cliffs of the stunning Caithness coastline.
With wonderful North sea-views, traditional Crofters cottage décor, and a woodburning stove, you'll feel right at home, and there's an enclosed garden with a luxurious hot tub for you to relax in after a busy day exploring the picturesque North Highlands.
Arrive at Ceol na Mara, in sight of the famous Berriedale Braes, by a single-track road before being greeted by off-road parking and splendid coastal sights. Enter the living/dining room, with plush sofas and a TV that includes access to Netflix for some downtime. Or soak up the far reaching views on offer from every window, you may even catch a glimpse of Dolphins or even the Northern Lights if you’re lucky! Why not finish your
day in the hot tub, where you can catch sight of the Milky Way on a clear night. With no light pollution for miles, stargazing is a must.
The kitchen is well-equipped with an electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, and tumble dryer. Savor mealtimes together at the dining table and enjoy a cosy evening by the woodburner and choose from a selection of board games to play. After a day of exploring, unwind in the bathroom with a soak in the bath or a rinse under the overhead shower. There are two well-appointed bedrooms to choose from, both benefitting from sea views, so you can curl up with a hot chocolate and escape into a good book.
Ceol na Mara is located in a small Crofting hamlet that is part of the famous Highland Langwell estate. It’s next to the village of Berriedale, home to a beautiful beach, the stunning Berriedale Braes and Strath, where you can enjoy outstanding scenic walks. Why not explore Caithness’ only mountain Morven or neighbouring Maiden’s Pap. The views are truly
spectacular everywhere you look. There’s no shortage of adventures to be had!
The cottage also benefits from being just half a mile off the renowned NC500, where you can soak up incomparable scenery for just over 500 miles, before returning to the comfort of Ceol na Mara.
Visit the village of Dunbeath for all your amenities, as well as the beautiful harbour for views of the spectacular castle. Dunbeath Heritage Museum, is perfect for history buffs and those looking to find out more of what the local area has to offer. The picturesque and historic Highland village of Helmsdale is the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning scenery. Timespan Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area and the Emigrants Monument is a moving tribute to commemorate the huge numbers of people evicted from their ancestral homes during the Highland Clearances
.
Within Helmsdale you will also find lovely shops, welcoming pubs and restaurants and a picturesque harbour. Venture further afield to John O'Groats, the bustling harbour at Wick, Duncansby Head Stacks, the Waligoe Steps, a wide selection of Whiskey Distilleries and the beautiful Dunrobin Castle to name just a few of many attractions, there really is something
for everyone to enjoy.
For a remote setting in the Scottish Northern Highlands, choose Ceol na Mara.
Dunbeath, Caithness, is the birthplace of author Neil Gunn, who set many of his novels there. Rich in history, this area has many Iron Age Brochs, and Dunbeath was once a booming fishing village with 100 boats in the harbour. Today, it has a shop, pub, and an excellent community museum in the old village school. The A9 provides easy access along this rugged and dramatic coastline, with Helmsdale to the south and John O'Groats to the north.
EPC Rating: Band FAccommodation
Single-storey.
Two double bedrooms.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Living/dining room with woodburning stove.
The property is both child and pet friendly.
Hot Tub with spa bubbles jacuzzi setting, Single-storey 2 bedrooms - one double and one twin.
Bathroom with shower over bath, shower, basin and WC.
Living/dining room with woodburning stove (supplies of wood and kindling available to purchase from the cottage woodshed).
The property is both child and pet friendly (hot tub not suitable for young children).
Gas central heating.
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer.
TV, WiFi, DVD Player, Netflix included.
Bed linen, towels, gas and electric included in rent.
Cot and highchair available (please advise if needed).
Off-road parking for 2 cars.
Enclosed rear garden with lawn and hot tub.
Two well-behaved pets welcome - please keep off soft furnishings.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 4.1 miles, pub 4.5 mile.
Please note, the owners are happy to accept last minute breaks but require one week's notice.
If notice is shorter than this, please contact Sykes Cottages as it may still be possible to facilitate.
Reviews (17)
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David
The cottage was clean and cosy, and the view's from the windows were absolutely beautiful looking out towards the sea. We saw some amazing sunrises. The kitchen is well equipped, including a good set of sharp knives, plenty of cooking utensils, pots and pans. There is plenty of room in the kitchen cupboards for putting stuff in, and a good sized fridge freezer. The bed mattress was soft, but comfortable enough, unlike the sofas in the sitting room. One was so low to the ground, it was difficult to get up, and wasn't comfy at all. The other wasn't much better, and we both ended up with bad backs. The back garden is very large, and enclosed by a dry stone wall. In some places this is very low, and a medium sized dog could easily jump over, especially as there are rabbits running about everywhere. I find it a good idea to do an online shop to be delivered to the cottage for when you get there, it saves time driving around looking for shops for bread and milk etc. All in all, we had a great week, visiting Brora, Dornoch Thurso and beyond. The dogs loved the beaches, and long walks. The only negative us as I mentioned earlier is the extremely uncomfortable sofas.
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Joshua
Loved the views, and the peaceful location. While there we got to experience fantastic show from the northern lights and some beautiful sun rises. Despite low temperatures outside, the house was warm and cosy. The hot tub and log burner were great to come back to after days out exploring. The only downside was having to clear up in the garden after previous guests dogs, but thatâs not the owners fault. Highly recommend this property, and canât wait to go back again.
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Rhona
Also the table and bench are also very uncomfortable and the double bed is also needing new mattress. We also had only 1 bath towel each and no hand towels also 1 hand towel in bathroom between 3 adults this was for a 2 week holiday celebration for my mother-in-laws 90th birthday, also we left a day earlier as vacating for 9am would have been a rush. Also we have been around that area for years and itâs the only one that when you arrive there was nothing in cupboards ie seasoning cleaning products we had to buy it all normally I leave this for guests who are arriving but I took it all home.