Guests say
The Grain Store is a beautifully designed and immaculately clean cottage set in a stunning, peaceful location overlooking Loch Ruthven. Guests consistently praise its comfort, modern amenities, and breathtaking views from every window. The property is well-equipped for families and dog owners, with thoughtful touches such as binoculars, games, and a welcome pack. The cottage offers a cosy, tranquil retreat ideal for exploring the Highlands, with excellent communication from the hosts. Minor issues, such as an ageing lock safe and bees near the windows, were mentioned but did not detract from overwhelmingly positive experiences.
Multiple reviews highlight the cottage as spotlessly clean, immaculately maintained, and exceptionally comfortable. Only one review mentioned the cottage felt 'clean enough', but this was not a significant concern.
The location is universally praised for its stunning views, peacefulness, and proximity to nature. Guests love the remote setting, beautiful scenery, and easy access to walks and local attractions.
Guests describe the cottage as warm, cosy, and exceptionally comfortable, with spacious rooms and thoughtful furnishings. The tranquil environment and quality beds are frequently mentioned.
The cottage is described as well-equipped, with a fully stocked kitchen, EV charger, games, and modern amenities. One minor maintenance issue with the lock safe was noted, but otherwise facilities are highly rated.
Guests appreciated thoughtful touches such as welcome packs, treats for dogs, binoculars, and comprehensive pre-arrival information. Please note that gifts and extras are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Luxurious accommodation in a characterful Highland cottage overlooking an rspb nature reserve. Surrounded by rolling hills, mountains, loch and forest, this is an idyllic position.. 2 steps to entrance.
All on the
Ground Floor:
Living room: 55" Smart TV, Freesat, Woodburner
Kitchen/dining room: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, American Fridge Freezer, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine, Washing Machine
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, 32" Smart TV, Freesat
Bedroom 2: Zip And Link Super Kingsize Bed (2 x Singles On Request), 32" Smart TV, Freesat
Shower Room: Walk-In Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet.
Air source heat pump central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Initial logs for wood burner included. Travel cot and highchair. Welcome pack.. Communal quad garden (shared). Electric car charging point (charging via 7 kilowatt Type 2 plus can be arranged on request at cost. There is a 3 meter charging cable on-site). Private parking for 1 car. No smoking. Please note: There is a natural water supply from loch a’Choire nearby.. This fabulous historical holiday cottage, fully renovated in 2021, is set in an elevated position overlooking Loch Ruthven, an rspb Nature Reserve. As well as being famous for the Slavonian grebe, the nature reserve is home to many other amazing wildlife including red kite, buzzard and red deer. The loch shows the signs of glacial activity with scarred boulders dotted along the water’s edge and up into the woodland to the summit of Stac Gorm towering over the Ruthven. Fly fishing is available in other lochs nearby.
Loch Ruthven is situated in the upper parts of Strathnairn, and a few rugged miles south from Loch Ness. The area around the loch and The Grain Store is a relatively unknown part of the Highlands, and many say a hidden gem because of its off-the-beaten track feel yet close proximity to Inverness only 25 minutes’ drive away and a great starting point to explore the North Coast 500 route. The cottage is 240 metres above sea level and has Stac Gorm rising to 430 metres just across the loch. The views of both together from the cottage are awe-inspiring. The walk into the nature reserve, round the loch and up Stac Gorm is brilliant and highly recommended when you visit. Views to the south and south west from the cottage show a brooding landscape of hills. What you see are the Monadhliath Mountains stretching from Strathnairn to the south into the Cairngorms National Park. There are four Munros in these mountains, which keen hikers will be want to explore. The Monadhliath Mountains are not technically mountains, but high hills with many parts of the area being over 900 metres above sea level. It’s a remote, desolate, naturally treeless wilderness, and a breathtaking part of the Highlands.
From the cottage, following Strathnairn east downstream, you reach the main road which takes you to the Cairngorms National Park where there’s an endless list of brilliant things to do for the whole family. From skiing and walking with wild reindeer in the winter, through to walking up some of the UK’s highest mountains in the summer. To the north of the cottage is Loch Ness, the southern side of Loch Ness, which is very different from the northern shore. It’s quiet, and offers the best chance to spot elusive Nessie.
Further afield, you have Inverness which is a wonderful little city at the mouth of the Ness River right on the Beauly and Moray Firths. The Firths are one of the best places in the world to see bottlenose dolphins! And from Inverness there are roads stretching in every direction into different parts of the Highlands. The cottage is also in a ’dark sky’ area with a telescope provided at the property to enjoy the night sky. Shop 6½ miles.
Free WiFi
Suitable for up to 2 pets
Reviews (16)
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Remco Rietveld
I stayed at The Grain Store with my 79‑year‑old father, and it turned out to be the perfect place for a peaceful and memorable trip. The cottage is beautifully designed, luxurious, and incredibly quiet — exactly what you need if you want to unwind and enjoy the Scottish landscape.The location is ideal for exploring the area, and having an EV charging point on-site was a huge advantage since we covered quite a few miles during our stay. It made everything so much easier.At night, the surroundings are wonderfully dark and calm, allowing you to see an impressive amount of stars. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect and relax.Highly recommended for anyone looking for comfort, tranquility, and a great base to discover the Highlands.
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Confirmed Guest
The Grain Store is a fab place to stay, especially if you want to be in the countryside away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The cottage is fully equipped with everything you need, a few days before, I received a comprehensive email that covered everything from arrival to departure. The area is very peaceful, the window seat in the lounge is amazing, the little touches like the binoculars and the two bird books enhances the experience. During our stay we spotted an Osprey who had supposedly returned for the summer. We visited Inverness, which is more than accessible for supplies, and definitely worth a visit; a walk through the ness islands and along the canal is a must if you have time.
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Confirmed Guest
Concerned that the lock safe is getting old as it jammed on us.