Escape to Lower Brae, a charming country cottage in Strath Oykel. Explore the beautiful Northern Highlands with your loved ones and enjoy activities like fishing, golfing, hill-walking or simply relaxing by the open fire. With its well-equipped kitchen and conservatory overlooking the garden, this delightful retreat offers warmth and comfort for up to six guests.
Reviews
7.67.6 out of 10
Good
Entire home
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Fireplace
Add dates for prices
About this property
3 bedroom accommodation in Strath Oykel, by Ardgay
Couples or families can explore this beautiful region of the Northern Highlands with attractions and activities for everyone.. Ground Floor:
Living room: 22" Freeview TV, DVD Player, Open Fire
Dining room.
Kitchen: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Washing Machine
Conservatory.
Bedroom 1: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bathroom: Bath, Cubicle Shower, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 2: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 3: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds. Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and fuel for open fire included. Travel cot, highchair and stairgate. Welcome pack. . Enclosed lawned garden with sitting-out area and garden furniture. Private parking for 2 cars. No smoking. Please note: There is a river 200 yards away.. Lower Brae is a traditional country cottage set in its own pretty garden grounds amidst rolling hills in beautiful Strath Oykel in Sutherland. This attractive, detached cottage has been extended and improved over the years by its owner, who lives adjacent and farms the surrounding area. As a joiner and carpenter, the owner’s work is evident throughout, with pine panelling, solid wood doors and handmade solid wood kitchen units, which all add to the unique charm of this delightful and secluded cottage. The entrance door opens onto a sunny conservatory/dining room which runs the length of the cottage overlooking the gardens. The living room has a triple aspect, maximising the views over the open fields and hills beyond. A large open fireplace ensures a warm, welcoming appeal. The kitchen is well equipped, with a breakfast table adding extra dining space. There is a double bedroom and family bathroom on the ground floor, and two further bedrooms on the first floor, sleeping up to six guests in total. All rooms enjoy uninterrupted views across the hills.
Lower Brae is situated at the end of a very quiet country lane that leads onto fields and open hillsides. Just 200 yards from the cottage is the beautiful River Oykel, renowned for its salmon fishing. There are superb walks direct from the property and plenty of places of interest and outdoor activities in the vicinity. Watch salmon leaping at the nearby Falls of Shin, follow walks and mountain bike trails through spectacular forest routes, or visit Royal Dornoch just 30 minutes’ drive away, with its beautiful sandstone cathedral, award-winning sandy beach and championship golf course.
The local area is also well known for its wildlife. Ospreys, golden eagles, buzzards, pine marten, deer and even the occasional otter are all seen in the region. Fishing, golf, hill-walking, climbing and a variety of water sports are all local pastimes. It is also ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region. Head west along a spectacular route with mountains, lochs and rivers. Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is just over an hour’s drive. A trip to the far north also provides more breathtaking scenery. Shop, pub and restaurant 10 miles.
The property is located on a working farm.
Children must be supervised on site due to possible safety hazards.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Bedrooms
3 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Garden
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Service animals only (pets not allowed)
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
In a rural location
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
The guest will be charged 50% amount for a cancellation after the reservation is made.
Pets
Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
Note from host: This property accepts a maximum of 1 pet(s)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number HI-00609-P
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.
About the area
Located in Ardgay, this cottage is in a rural area. Historylinks and Tain Through Time are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Carbisdale Castle and Skibo Castle. Visit our Ardgay travel guide
Is 3 bedroom accommodation in Strath Oykel, by Ardgay pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much is parking at 3 bedroom accommodation in Strath Oykel, by Ardgay?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at 3 bedroom accommodation in Strath Oykel, by Ardgay?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at 3 bedroom accommodation in Strath Oykel, by Ardgay?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is 3 bedroom accommodation in Strath Oykel, by Ardgay located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 3.4 mi (5.5 km) from Strath Oykel Forest and within 12 miles (20 km) of Carbisdale Castle and Bonar Bridge. Alladale Wilderness Lodge & Reserve is 11.1 mi (17.8 km) away.
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3 bedroom accommodation in Strath Oykel, by Ardgay Reviews
Reviews
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Lower Brae will appeal to some and not to others. If you're looking for a reasonably priced, well equipped cottage to explore the beautiful area then this is ideal. If slightly dated furnishings and dog hair on the carpet and the oven not having been left clean by the previous residents is a turn off, then this probably isn't the place for you. We loved lighting the fire each evening, the plentiful hot water, the very quiet location and open outlook, and the fact that there was everything you needed and more besides.
Norrie Lyall
From a partner site
8/10 Good
Heather Clark
7 Nov 2025
We enjoyed ourselves, it's a bit dated but as 1 of our party pointed out, you weren't afraid to sit
We enjoyed ourselves, it's a bit dated but as 1 of our party pointed out, you weren't afraid to sit down. Well equipped kitchen. Apart from the damage that a pheasant got in and trashed the blinds in the conservatory, it was brilliant.
Heather Clark
Verified
4/10 Poor
Pam M.
22 May 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
The house is big, spacious and warm, with a very comfortable lounge. However it wasnt clean.
Has all the potential for a nice stay, but due to lack of cleaning we decided to move on early. Apparantly the previous occipants had left it a mess, but the owner couldnt sort it out in time. The owner is lovely... he lives next door, and we have stated this problem to him.
We booked a Monday to Friday at Lower Brae for a break of rest and relaxation and we got exactly that.
Mr MacLeod thank you for accommodating our short notice booking, we had the best time.
A breathtakingly beautiful area, very quiet and peaceful. I would describe the area as remote.
Theres a long drive of country road to reach Lower Brae so I advise taking supplies with you rather than stocking up after arrival. It's not a road you want to drive in the dark!
The cottage was lovely. Very comfortable and cosy. The bedrooms and living room are spacious but warm. There were a few bits I had to clean in the kitchen and bathroom on arrival but it was nothing major and it certainly didn't disrupt our stay.
The large garden is fully secure so our 10 year old daughter and young dog were also warmly welcomed and had a great time exploring the garden.
The surrounding area is mostly farmland but aslong as dogs are on leads you can walk down to the beautiful River Oykel and also explore the surrounding hills. The area is also a great base for exploring further afield aswell. Although we just enjoyed the immediate space and used the time to fully relax. It really was the most peaceful place I've visited.
I really hope we can visit again. Thank you!