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Reviews of Stunning Highland retreat in peaceful glen near Dornoch

Stunning Highland retreat in peaceful glen near Dornoch
Edderton

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 79 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 79 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Maggie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Haven
Second time staying at Polgarrie House. Just perfect for our needs. Relaxed and relaxing
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven K., Dunblane

Liked: Cleanliness
Polgarrie Oct 23
A very enjoyable stay at Polgarrie. Really felt like a home from home with lots of character, a mix of modern and old. The property was really spacious and the location was amazing. Wonderful views with beautiful walks and nature all around. Lots of interesting places to visit nearby. We had to extend our stay due to weather conditions and Kate was extremely helpful throughout. We would thoroughly recommend staying here.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic stay in beautiful property
We had a fantasic stay at Polgarrie with our two children, 10 and 6. The property was bright, modern and well equipped. The views from the main living room are stunning. There was lots of exciting things to do with the kids. The kids loved the walk up the Struie, playing in the river and having the freedom to roam. A highlight was seeing the salmon jumping at the falls of shin. We will definitely visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful, lovely home
Our first stop in Scotland after our wedding and it was a relaxing, quiet and beautiful area for starting our trip. Clean and pretty home, clear communication and lots of great day trip options from the house. Recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway in a beautiful spot.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maggie G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace, perfect peace
This truly was a great home for a short stay. The location is ideal for trips to Dornoch and beyond. Very relaxed and well stocked. Beautiful sitting room with stunning views. Not a soul about
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Claire W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Summer '23
Polgarrie is in a lovely secluded area and provides spacious accommodation. A few areas of the house including kitchen and bathrooms need modernising and redecorating but the lounge with big picture windows is a lovely space in which to relax. The garden is a great space to play for kids and dogs although the rough grass area is a challenge so would be better fenced off. We got used to the track in and opening/shutting gates but worth noting it is a good five plus minutes from the main road and low vehicles would struggle. Overall we had a lovely time at Polgarrie, thank you.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Polgarrie. Perfect peace and quiet, surrounded by beautiful vistas. The house is well-equipped and comfortable. We hope to return some day!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

David P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Remote stay
The property over all is very nice. The pictures online appear to be a modern house on a farm. The house has lots of natural light. The house is actually older with great views. The house needs some cosmetic updates. Everything worked fine but it shows it's age. The driveway to the house is dirt and gravel for a long while. Our car for hire was a BMW M3 and did not do well with all the rain. The car sat very low. Location was great for day trips all along the upper NC500.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace and tranquility
An absolutely amazing holiday. Gorgeous home from home. So peaceful and the perfect place to allow all of your stresses to fade away. We did not need to use the fire due to the property being warm and cosy. Very clean and beds were perfect. Will be booking again. Many thanks to the owners.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

tara s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peace and tranquility
Wonderful cottage in the beautiful Scottish countryside! You will be surrounded by sheep, cows, incredible sunrises and sunsets. We loved staying and were heartbroken to leave such a magical place. Owner was very responsive and made sure we had everything we needed. Thank you Kate!
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patricia T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful land, lots of stars and peaceful.
Beauty beyond belief! Great host, unique country home. This is close to many amazing places to explore. We loved relaxing and cooking together. The sheep were our entertainment.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lauren T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely cottage for a much needed escape
We had a great time at this remote highland retreat. The cottage was super spacious and clean and we would definitely stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jenny H., Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning location
The property was exactly what we were looking for and the views were tremendous. Great location for day trips. Kate was super helpful and quick to respond. Would recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Steve L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great break
Had a great time Just what we were looking for it’s off the beaten track and perfect for a quiet break with the kids and dogs. Fantastic
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Issie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Idyllic remote location
We really enjoyed our stay at Polgarrie. A very comfortable house and felt like a home from home. Everything you need is there and we loved watching the changing skies out of the large windows, then snuggling by a cosy log fire. Some lovely artwork in the house, many by the owner -loved the one of the ruined house on the hill. The area is very interesting with so much to see and do. Boys enjoyed their trip to Balblair distillery and we all loved the beaches at Dornoch, Portmahomack and Balintore. Thanks Kate and Mark for the use of your lovely home.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Clare R., Lossiemouth

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous location
We absolutely loved the stunning views out of every window. Surrounded by beautiful hills which were literally on the doorstep. We walked extensively from the front door in every direction! Fantastic! The children enjoyed an early evening dip in a waterfall and small plunge pool just 10 mins walk from the front door. Surrounded by sheep for neighbours we loved it. The open plan living areas were lovely and made for a very sociable family time together. The beds were v.comfy and the whole area was v.interesting to drive around. We saw seals in Loch Fleet and enjoyed the scenery around the Dormoch coast. If you want a break surrounded by beauty we would thoroughly recommend this superbly located house. Wonderful!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nick M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Summer break to unwind
If you want to be in a peaceful, quiet location to unwind, this is the place for you. Property is clean with everything needed to have a good family break. It has an extension with large windows giving outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. It is in the middle of farmland, so if you not a fan of sheep/cows then maybe not for you. Only downside we found was that due to its location (up a single track road) the last section was a farm track that was very stony. If you precious about you car then not great, we had a 4 x 4 so no problem but still had to take it easy. All in all a great wee place and so, so peaceful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Donald M., EDINBURGH

Liked: Cleanliness
Highland home in a stunning location
Polgarrie House is a mixture of traditional highland farmhouse and modern, open plan living, though the highlight is being surrounded by open countryside (you're a mile from your nearest neighbour, at the end of an upland farm track, yet only 10 minutes from Tescos!). We regularly saw buzzards, kites and harriers swooping across the hillsides, while the redpolls and siskins darted among the trees in the garden, and swallows chased insects over the lawn. And for us city-dwellers, it was a novelty having cattle and sheep just over the garden fence! Apart from exploring the garden and area around the house (we clambered down to the nearby waterfall a couple of times), there's a huge range of destinations within an easy drive of the house: Highland landscapes and leaping salmon at the Falls of Shin towards Lairg, or the fantastic beaches at Dornoch or Portmahomack. Nearby Tain has good shopping (including Tescos) and food options (look out for the monthly "Feastival" evening food events - get there early if on), and is a short drive from the house. Overall, we loved our stay at Polgarrie - lots of positives, though the setting and landscape surrounding the house have to be the star of the show.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ruth C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Location super
Owner was always prompt in responding. The location perfect for mountain biking, beach walks and relaxing
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sharon W.

Comfortable family accomodation in a stunning peaceful setting
We had a lovely family break in Polgarrie House. The location of the house felt very remote but in reality only a short drive to local amenities. Lots to do in the surrounding area, lots of wildlife and gorgeous beaches. Kate was quick to reply with any questions we had. We would definitely go back. Thanks Kate
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Alan G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Place!
What a wonderful place to spend a week. Peace, tranquillity, great views, lots of wildlife, local walks and the house is extremely spacious and very comfortable. Wonderful beach at Dornoch to visit and nearby shops when needed in Tain. The owner is extremely helpful too!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Julie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway
Walking in through the front door and into the huge living room was one of those "WOW" moments. The views on 3 sides were amazing. The peace and quiet was just what we were looking for. The house is remote but the access was easy. It isn't far to Tain if you need supplies. The cottage was comfortable and well equipped with a good central heating system which we did need in May sadly! Good WiFi and mobile phone reception which was essential for us for contact with family. Bed in main bedroom very comfortable. Owner Kate very responsive. We would definitely go back!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Janet H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Polgarrie
Very warm and comfortable. Stunning location.

8/10 Good

Dawn M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Incredible 360 degree views!
Spent a wonderful week here. Views all around from the fantastic downstairs open plan living, dining and kitchen space. Up a track but didn't feel isolated. So much to do outdoors in the area.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
5*
5 / 5 Stars. (Enjoyed spectacular scenery & being able to see so much of the views from inside the property, in particular).
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verna D.

Liked: Cleanliness
SO PEACEFUL
Great to be back at Polgarrie again - it felt like 'coming home'. Lovely house in a remarkably peaceful setting and an excellent base for exploring the area. Long scenic drives, award winning beaches, great walks and many tourist attractions within easy reach although the property itself is quite remote. Thank you Kate - we enjoyed a totally relaxing break in what felt like a 'safe haven' during the pandemic.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Emma B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay in the beautiful Scottish Highlands
Polgarrie is a beautiful big house. In character with its age. It's in the wilderness and perfect floor to ceiling windows in lounge to view the scenery. Lots of Sheep and perfectly based to see Durnoch and Whiskey Distillerys

10/10 Excellent

Mark S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rural yet accessible
Our family have spent a great fortnight at Polgarrie House. Various adult children coming and going via train to Tain and a Grandmother in a B&B there. All loved the remote site and yet we could quickly access all directions making for great days out to Achiltibuie, Ben Hope, Dunrobin Castle, Portmahomack.etc. Yet we equally enjoyed days spent ‘at home’ playing scrabble, watching the wildlife out the huge windows, climbing Struie etc. Very relaxing. The location means it’s usually quite windy (great for drying wetsuits) which also means no midges! Thank you for a great holiday!

10/10 Excellent

Terence S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Polgarrie peace
Excellent property secluded but didn’t feel remote or isolated, felt very homely & welcoming, warm and relaxing.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Wanda S.

Ideal and idyllic! For quiet, rest and relaxation of body and soul!
We arrived earlier than expected and very soon after the last holidaymakers had left which meant the property manager was unable to proffer the usual welcome package but she was helpful, kind and made sure we were warm and cosy. It was reassuring to know in the event of any unforeseen problems she was only ever a phone all away. There was a phone available to use to make calls to the emergency services if the need arose. It also accepted incoming calls which is really useful, although we did not need to use this facility, it is very useful if you have dependents or elderly relatives that need to keep in touch. The location was stunning and it was easy to access the upper highlands. The scenery was fabulous, there was everything you could possibly want...magnificent mountains, hills, lochs, meandering rivers, valleys, woods, and islands. Great eating places at Lochinver Larder, (either eat in or take away) lovely coffee / dining shop in Tain called Greens on the High Street and super Seafood shop just off the high street in Tain which sells delicious Scotch pies and Haggis too! . Tesco, Asda and Lidl a couple of miles away, Fuel at Asda and Tesco. Everything within easy reach yet away from it all. Lovely break...... good for balancing your inner peace!!!

8/10 Good

Tim W.

Polgarrie
Lovely location as anticipated. House needs a little tlc. Great Base for discovering the Highlands. You can literally walk straight out into the hills.

8/10 Good

Ian S.

Liked: Cleanliness
right in the countryside
old property extended several times latterly very tastefully. Living room part of extensions and holds compelling views north and south, spotted male hen harrier to north hunting over marsh and heather. Some of the fittings and maintenance could be improved biggest complaint was the left hand bedroom's bed whose slats were loose and could not be fixed without tools and suitable screws. Commonly used fittings like toilet roll holders towel holders etc are too cheap to be sustainable for people of varying clumsiness. Attention to lots of seemingly petty details and a second shower could make this a perfect retreat for a family gathering. The fridge cable that runs behind the boiler flue needs fixing so that it is incapable of touching the flue, one day it will and be burnt through. Needs a moderate time of a handyman. Wont stop me booking again, this time I will take tools and take the liberty of fixing non critical items. Sorry I'm not complaining or criticising just hoping a good property could become great.

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for a gateaway
It is a really nice cottage lost in the country side, surrounded by nature and quiet neighbors: sheep and caws, perfect place to gate away from the rush of every day life. The place is well maintained, it was easy to check in and find it thanks to the directions provided by the host. One bedroom and bathroom are downstairs, helping with mobility. Few minor items would need attention for maintenance but does not cause a problem for the stay. Would definitely recommend the place and go again. Thanks for the stay!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Katrina P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stunning scenery
Beautiful property with 360 views. Great hill walks from the house and close to Balblair and Gelenmorangie distillery which were great fun to visit.

10/10 Excellent

Alisdair r.

Wow
Polgarrie House was amazing it's location was perfect and the space for the kids to run around in was great. I cannot fault this holiday let. Anyone thinking of staying there won't be dissapointed. Just sad we had to leave but we will be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Thanks for your very positive Review

10/10 Excellent

Neil F.

Lovely well equipped cottage with great views.
Great location if you enjoy peace and quiet with great views. Spent a most enjoyable week there with the family.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Patricia D.

Lovely setting beautiful views
Very good property, spacious, warm, great sleeping so peaceful. had a lovely stay, great for visiting the Highlands,
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jan B.

Nice, roomy house in a beautiful setting
We very much enjoyed our stay in Kate's house. It is set in the middle of hills and pastures and we enjoyed the view through the enormous windows in the living / dining room. It is extremely quiet, very well maintained and well equipped - it has a fully equipped kitchen with everything you could need for cooking, including stove / oven, microwave, full size fridge / freezer and, much appreciated, a dishwasher and washer / dyer combo.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Patsy S.

Paradise
Rainbows, sheep and peace. What a lovely stay we had in beautiful Polgarrie. The home is very comfortable and the wonderful artwork was an added bonus. We would highly recommend this place as a fantastic getaway.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Amy C., Florida & Italia

Peaceful home in the highlands
Polgarrie house was exactly what my family was looking for. Peaceful location, a beautiful home, and an abundance of history and walks nearby. The house has everything necessary and more. The beds very comfortable and since we were surprised with snow, we enjoyed the efficient heating! We found lovely restaurants in nearby Dornoch and Tain and took day trips to Loch Ness and Skye. Bring your wellies and enjoy the views!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic highland experience
Kate and Mark's holiday house is fantastic, remote yet quite close to Tain for supplies, pubs, etc - the house is very well stocked with all the necessary equipment and gadgets for an enjoyable stay - great views out to the heather covered hills
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Sunny T.

Beautiful house and surroundings, amazing stay
We had a lovely stay in this house and really enjoyed both the comfortable and attractive interior and the gorgeous surrounding hills. It's actually as lovely as pictured (perhaps more). Owner was very responsive when the wireless internet gave out. Found the dishwasher and washing machine both very useful.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Margaret J.

Very comfortable Cottage in delightful isolation of the Scottish Highlands
We thoroughly enjoyed staying and found our accommodation to be a great base for touring through the local area and longer trips through the Scottish Highlands. The Cottage is in a lovely valley with fantastic views of the surrounding hills including delightful sunrises. Peaceful and welcoming with everything you would need for a thoroughly enjoyable escape.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jane B.

Loved our family time in Polgarrie House !
The location of the house is spectacular with stunning views of countryside , hills and many sheep ! A true get away ....no noise during the day or light pollution at night - perfect ! The house itself is comfortable , very warm both in the extension and in the sitting room with its log fire . The owners have provided you with everything you need for your stay . The surrounding area has so much to offer with beautiful beaches , forest / hill walks and little towns with good restaurants . We are a family of 5 ( children 14, 12, 7 ) and we all agreed it was one of our best holidays ever . Im sure our dog was in agreement too ! Do not hesitate to book this lovely house , we will most certainly return .
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2016

8/10 Good

Elke C.

Great house, great area
The house and its location was lovely, with lots of accessible walks, close to local towns. Weather was good, heating, when needed worked well. Liked the bright sitting room, and most of what we needed was there. However, it was not possible to open any of the bedroom windows, painted shut, which wasn't great - I like to be able to air my bedroom in the morning. The kitchen was quite well equipped, but knives were blunt, and there were no chopping boards. Also would have appreciated a few basic dish-washing utensils.

10/10 Excellent

Thijs O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay at Polgarry House
We had a very nice stay here, the house was everything we expected.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ling N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely
We had a great time at Polgarrie house. We were bless to see a group of 7 deer. Bed is comfortabel but rest of the furniture can need a upgrade and a good cleaning. Pink sofa smell like wet dogs. We do miss the dram of local whisky and also do miss a coffee machine.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jens G.

Liked: Cleanliness
nice vacation
Great location, very quiet with fantastic landscape and well equipped house. we enjoyed our stay
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

2/10 Terrible

Frank F.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Unpleasant surprise
Unfortunately, I can only give the house a 1 star rating. The pictures on the net do not correspond in any way to reality. Starting with the profile picture of the house. There an old dilapidated shed (red roof on other pictures) was retouched out. Furthermore, some wallpaper is peeling off the ceiling on the first floor due to water damage. In the small room next to the kitchen, there is major water damage around the radiator, around which mold is now forming. Staying on the topic of mold, it is also found in parts of the bathroom on the first floor. Last but not least, the cleanliness and condition of the house is to be criticized. We found foreign hair on the windowsill on the second floor, as well as on some beds. In the living room, there are cracks in the ceiling area, parts of the kitchen are not properly attached (dishwasher is in front/ panels are crooked) and the toilet seats are both loose.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug 2023
On arriving the guest Informed us that the heating wasn’t working and requested a price reduction. We offered him a free night and a full refund. Next morning the heating engineer checked the system and reported that it was in perfect working order. The guest still insisted on a price reduction. We are sorry that the property was not to his liking.

10/10 Excellent

Mareile S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great views, nice and quiet
Perfect to get some peace and quiet and to escape busy everyday life. House was clean and as described/pictured, no complaints whatsoever. The views and surroundings were more than we couldve hoped for!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023