Guests say
The Grain Store is a beautifully appointed cottage in a stunning, tranquil location overlooking Loch Ruthven. Guests consistently praise its cleanliness, comfort, and well-equipped facilities, with many highlighting the breathtaking views, peaceful atmosphere, and thoughtful touches from the hosts. The property is ideal for those seeking a relaxing countryside escape, with excellent opportunities for walking, wildlife watching, and stargazing. While the remote setting means amenities are not nearby, most guests found this added to the charm. Occasional minor maintenance issues were noted, but overall, the experience is overwhelmingly positive.
Multiple reviews describe the cottage as spotlessly clean, immaculately maintained, and exceptionally comfortable. Only one review mentioned the need for some TLC, but this was not a recurring theme.
The location is widely praised for its stunning views, peacefulness, and proximity to nature. The remoteness is highlighted as a positive by most guests, though a few note the lack of nearby amenities. Overall, the setting is a major highlight.
Guests frequently mention the cottage's warmth, cosy atmosphere, comfortable beds, and relaxing living spaces. The log burner and window seat are particularly appreciated, contributing to a homely and restful environment.
The cottage is described as very well-equipped, with a fully stocked kitchen, EV charger, games, and thoughtful extras like binoculars and bird books. One review mentioned a minor issue with the lock safe, and another suggested some areas could use TLC, but these were isolated comments.
Several guests mention welcome packs, treats for both guests and dogs, and helpful pre-arrival information. While these thoughtful touches are appreciated, it should be noted that such gifts or 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 (19)
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Confirmed Guest
2nd time here and it’s still as beautiful
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Confirmed Guest
In desperate need of some TLC
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Neil Stevens
The Grain Store is an absolute gem of a holiday cottage situated in a fantastic location overlooking Loch Ruthven and Stac Gorm (which is well worth the climb for the views)It is extremely spacious, with comfortable beds and an excellently equipped kitchen and walk-in shower. The only slight downside is the fact that there are no local amenities like any shops or pubs for miles around. We were aware of this at the time of booking however, and although it wasn't a problem for us personally, for some people its remoteness could be more of a slight issue.Overall we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this as a holiday accommodation in the beautiful Highlands, and had an amazing week there. We really didn't want to go home!