Entire home

Kirtomy Cottage, Kirtomy, near Bettyhill, Thurso and NC500

Photo gallery for Kirtomy Cottage, Kirtomy, near Bettyhill, Thurso and NC500

Exterior
Front view of Morrisons Cottage
front view of Morrisons cottage
View of cottage from the hill behind
Single track road to cottage

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 45 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Near Bettyhill, Thurso, SCT
  • Strathnaver Museum
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Farr Beach
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Torrisdale Beach
    ‪31 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Kirtomy Cottage, Kirtomy, near Bettyhill, Thurso and NC500

Why not sit in the comfort of the living room with roaring log burner or look out the window enjoying stunning valley views. Alternatively stand at the front door and soak up the view of the Rocky coastline, cliffs and surrounding farmland. You may even find the odd sheep/lamb, chicken or hen wandering in the garden.

The house is only a few minutes drive from the very popular surfing beaches of Farr and Strathy and also near the village of Bettyhill where visitors can go for a dip in the public swimming pool or relax in their steam room or Jacuzzi.

For those guests travelling with young children you are never far from farm animals , but you only have to walk out to the next door neighbour's garden to see chickens, hens, goats, horses and ponys.

Located just off the North Coast 500 tourist route and only a short drive to the ferry of Scrabster terminal to visit Orkney. Near by is the large town of Thurso and further a field is the tourist destination of John O Groats.

Other points of interest nearby are the natural wonder of Smoo Cave, Durness, Dunnethead and Dunnethead Lighthouse (which is the most northerly point of the UK), Cocoa Mountain chocolate factory and beautiful Reay Golf Course.

Kirtomy Cottage (historically called Morrisons cottage due to this being in the Morrison family) has been passed down through 4 generations of our family. It is believed to be around 200 years old and there are many photos, postcards, letters and old items in the house that date back to 1919 (including wartime photos)

However due to work commitments the majority of these family are only able to visit once a year. By renting the cottage we are able to make enough money to maintain the cottage and hopefully get to enjoy this for many more years.

VIDEO OF HOUSE AVAILABLE AT YOUTUBE - https://youtu.be/jOQ_2VFRn2Y

You can also see more information about our house on our own website, kirtomycottage.com.

Full details :

ONE bedroom cottage with bathroom, kitchen and living room.

Ideally suited for 2 adults and 2 children (children sleeping on pull down beds).

On viewing the house from the front, the bedroom located on the left of the house and living room on the right. The kitchen is located at the rear of the house and is accessed via the living room or rear entrance.

The bathroom is located adjacent to the front door, off the hallway.

Facilities include;

Main Bedroom ****Sleeps up to 4**** King size bed (2 adults), 2 x fold down beds (ideally for children), wardrobe and chest drawers.

Living Room ****Can sleep 2 for occasional stop over***** Double sofa which pulls out into a sofa bed for occasional use (1 adults/2 children), second sofa beside window.
Log burner, Freeview TV, DVD player, ipod player,.

As the property is used by our family there is also additional items like a foldable travel cot and baby booster feeding seat (straps into dining chair) available for families with young children, however you might be more comfortable bringing your own.

Kitchen - Fold out dining table (4 seats), ceramic hob, oven, washing machine, fridge freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, slow cooker , iron & ironing board.

Bathroom - Electric shower, wash hand basin, toilet, hairdryer.
There is a shelving area which has a hoover, bucket and mop, Books, board games and clothes horse for drying those wet items on those damp days ;-)

WiFi - 3g WiFi available within the house.

Outside - large front garden with stunning views of the valley and sea. Three sides are surrounded by a dyke wall. There is no wall at the front of the garden, with a small drop down to the single track road. This should be born in mind for young children playing in the garden.

There is a patio area beside the kitchen as well as a small grass area. Surrounded by acres of wild grazzing land. There are no fences or walls at the rear of the house so you will see sheep grazing literally on your back garden.

Outside table and benches, 2 folding chairs and a charcoal bbq. You will need to bring charcoal.

Log store containing kiln dried wood. This is not for guest use. A supply of wood will be left in the house on arrival. We kindly ask that if you require anymore fuel for stove to please buy coal/wood from local shops.

PETS - Pets are welcome free of charge, however not permitted on furniture/beds. Please respect our home and other guests who may have allergies.
This area is crofters land and cattle/sheep roam freely and often will enter the garden area, so only well behaved pets are advised to stay here.

CHECK IN -1600 hours. If an earlier check in time is required this should be requested via email nearer the time of arrival. If the house is free it won't be a problem.

CHECK OUT -1000 hours. A later check out can requested and will be considered if there are no other bookings that day.

Due to the remoteness of the area the cleaning company need time to travel between holiday rentals in the area. As we have a short turn around for guests to maximise their time on holiday we request that guests leave our home as they find it. There is plenty of cleaning products within the house to keep the house tidy and assist the local cleaner who only has a few hours.

Bedding will be supplied for guests stated on booking request.

PUBS/BARS - There are 2 pubs in the nearby village which is about a 5 minutes drive.

SHOPPING - There is only 1 local shop (post office) which is about a 5 minute drive/ 45 min walk that you can purchase basic goods and alcohol.

Thurso is about 40 minutes drive and there you will find butchers, bakers etc and 3 large supermarkets (Tesco, Lidl and Co-Operative)

Our neighbours have fresh eggs available daily.

DELIVERY - Groceries can be purchased online with Tesco and delivered to the house. Prices for delivery range from £1.50 which can be booked 20 days in advance.

Please note that this house is not suitable for people with walking difficulties or with assisted mobility and wheelchairs will not fit through the property entrances.

This area is also classed as a silent area between 2300 hours and 0700 hours therefore guests should respect this.

Many thanks
Jayne Higgins

Property manager

Jayne

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
No pets are allowed on the furniture.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Pets are allowed, however any signs of pets on the furniture will result in loss of deposit. Please be aware of other guests who may have allergies.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Property Registration Number HI-00377-F

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Thurso

Located in Thurso, this cottage is in a rural area and near the beach. Castle Varrich is a local landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Sgeir Bhagain and Aigeach. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Near Bettyhill, Thurso, SCT

What's nearby

  • Strathnaver Museum - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Farr Beach - 12 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Strathy Bay - 29 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Torrisdale Beach - 31 min drive - 19.4 km
  • Scrabster Ferry Terminal - 44 min drive - 46.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Store Cafe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪The Cafe at Bettyhill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Eilean Neave Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Cote Du Nord - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Cafe at Bettyhill - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Kirtomy Cottage, Kirtomy, near Bettyhill, Thurso and NC500 pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Kirtomy Cottage, Kirtomy, near Bettyhill, Thurso and NC500?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Kirtomy Cottage, Kirtomy, near Bettyhill, Thurso and NC500?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Kirtomy Cottage, Kirtomy, near Bettyhill, Thurso and NC500 located?

This family-friendly Thurso cottage is located by the ocean, within a 10-minute walk of Sgeir Bhagain, Aigeach and Sgeir an Eilean. Swordly Loch and Strathnaver Museum are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 72 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 72 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 72 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 72 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 72 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Susan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy, everything you need, modernised without spoiling the character of cottage, stunning location
Enjoyed our stay
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Fiona C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Traditional cottage
Lovely quiet traditional cottage in quiet hamlet. Well equipped with everything you need for a stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dawn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kirtomy Cottage
Gorgeous cottage, lovely original features and updates for comfort. The remote setting was so peaceful, beautiful views and gardens to enjoy when sun shines.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Doug M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Croft Cottage Cozy
We went to this part of Scotland to celebrate some clan MacKay history and being able to stay in the cottage with its crofter beginnings but modern conveniences brought a little extra to the trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paul D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location
Nice cottage great location comfortable bed very peaceful area good sunny spot at back to enjoy a drink on the evening. A couple of minor issues were quickly addressed.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

christopher a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Slow kirtomy
Slow pace holiday , great cottage , really homely and just right thanks so much
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

john o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Views
We booked the cottage for a weeks fly fishing(2 old men) spotless very comfortable, log burner for cold nights. Home from home and would defiantly stay again. 5 out of 5 for the cottage If you do not like this cottage there is something wrong with you.Thanks
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Stay at Kirtomy Cottage
We had a really enjoyable week at Kirtomy Cottage. It was really homely and lovely to go back to after a days walking. Contact with the host was superb. Our only problem was the neighbour never had any eggs, however there are plenty of egg points locally.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Jan L.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location
Heel erg afgelegen
Serviesgoed en pannen niet schoon.. op kleed kamer hondeharen...slaapkamer onder bed stof.. Hebben wel genoten van indrukwekkende natuur.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sehr schöne Lage
Toller und erholsamer Aufenthalt Sehr zu empfehlen für Paare , die Ruhe , Erholung und tolle Aussicht genießen wollen.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful stay in cosy characterful cottage
I spent a wonderful week in Kirtomy Cottage with my three dogs. The cottage was perfect for us; warm, cosy, characterful, well equipped and in a beautiful quiet location. Plenty of excellent walks and stunning beaches within an easy drive east or west. Jayne is a great host with excellent comms. I highly recommend this cottage; thank you Jayne for sharing.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Practical Comfort in a Fantastic Area
A great destination. The property is clean and tidy and provides all the basic necessities. It is practical and comfortable as opposed luxurious. The location is extraordinarily quiet yet is near some beautiful locations. The host is a good communicator.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liz M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kirtomy magic!
We loved the cottage a5 first sight and enjoyed walking down to the beach every day. Multiple day trips to the fabulous north coast villages, golf courses and coastal areas completed a wonderful week.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ewan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect relaxing holiday
Perfect for a peaceful relaxing holiday
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah L., Gateshead United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A beautiful week at Kirtomy
My partner and I and the dog had a beautiful week in the cottage. Perfect beautiful location for exploring gorgeous beaches. The cottage was equipped with everything we needed, the hosts had literally thought of everything! We had gorgeous weather and enjoyed time in the garden on an evening, we even made friends with the chickens. Thank you so much for having us we thoroughly enjoyed it
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

8/10 Good

Thilo G., Löchgau

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sehr nettes und ruhiges Cottage.
Einfaches aber sehr nettes Cottage. Alles vorhanden was man benötigt. Absolut ruhige Lage.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bob M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Holiday at Morrisons
Have in been to Kirtomy before and love the quiet setting and all of the north coast. Morrisons is a perfect small cottage , comfortable and with everything you need. Great to come back to after a breezy trip to the beach
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nicola D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cosy cottage with a sea view.
We had the most relaxing and peaceful stay in Kirtomy. The scenery around the cottage is beautifully wild although there are houses nearby. The cottage had everything we needed and was so cosy with a log fire and radiators in every room. The bed was comfortable and roomy. We enjoyed lovely walking around the area with great views of the coast and the mountains of Ben Loyal and Ben Hope. We had delicious hot chocolate in the cafe in Bettyhill, and we’re able to get essentials from the post office there. There is so much to do if you like the outdoors, a week is definitely not long enough. We would love to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

roderick M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Truly amazing.
All we can say is WOW. What an amazing little bolthole far from the madding crowd. We thoroughly enjoyed every second of our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2019

6/10 Okay

Nicola B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stunning location
Stunning location, beautiful empty beaches. Dark sky showed amazing stars, even saw the milky way. we found the bed to be soft, which was not to our taste.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing
Very pleased with the property and our stay in north Scotland. The cottage is clean and cosy. Everything is there that you would require for your stay. It is remote so you will need to plan ahead for food deliveries etc. Just off the north coast 500 with lots of beaches and walks near by. Loved the log burner in the front room.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ramona B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect Getaway: Cosy home with open fire
We really loved to stay at Morrisons Cottage. It was a silent environment enjoyed the wind and sea. Kitchen is well stuffed. Shower hat good hot water. We enjoyed to read many books in the living room with the open fire. Check in/out uncomplicated.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Donna M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet and Beautiful
The Morrison Cottage was a wonderful experience. It’s setting is spectacular sitting overlooking a lovely valley and the sea.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent, couldn't have asked for anything better!
Initially I was going to hill climb and explore, I've never been up North before but I ended up having some much needed rest and relaxation, I only left the cottage twice in my eight days there! Morrison's cottage is so peaceful and quiet. I would highly recommend a visit. I will definitely be going back.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Frédéric P., Seyssinet-Pariset

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderland
A beautiful place to rest. The landscape is splendid, perfect to rest. The house is very well equipped. Thanks to Jayne for her quick answers to our questions.

About the host

Hosted by Jayne

Host profile image
Hi, welcome to Kirtomy Cottage in Kirtomy.

This cottage has been in my family for over 150 years. It has passed through the generations and is currently owned by my mum Margaret McArthur, my aunt Isabel Moore and myself Jayne Higgins.

Within the house you will notice old postcards, letters and photos of family members at the cottage.

I work full time as an NHS nurse and along with my extended family we are 300 miles away from the cottage, therefore only use it during holidays.

Renting the house out for a few months of the year generates a small income which allows us to maintain this very old house and keep it in the family for many more years.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. As I work shifts I may not be able to answer my phone therefore email is always my preferred method of contact.

Jayne

Why they chose this property

Traditional Scottish croft house with the added comfort of modern touches. Splendid views of the sea from the front garden or valley views from the living room.

What makes this property unique

Stay in a typical crofters home but with modern looks and facilities.

Languages:

English