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The Old Mansion House

Scarfskerry, near Thurso, Northern Scotland
Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 4
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
5 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Luxury
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Working farm
Open fire / wood burner
Downstairs bathroom
Beach within easy reach
12 more

At a glance

  • Stunning, architecturally designed and renovated luxury property, with historic heritage
  • Unwind in the luxurious and expansive open-plan living space, a fabulous space for families
  • Located on the northern coastline of Caithness close to Dunnet Bay and John o’ Groats
Property code: OC-O30016

This stunning family home is set on a working farm in the far north of Scotland, 9 miles west of John o’ Groats. The property welcomes six guests and two furry companions, and has a choice of social spaces and reception rooms, as well as a vast garden where the woofers can burn off steam. Enjoy walks with the hounds along some of Scotland’s most wild and remote stretches of coastline, spend the day on deserted beaches, or hop on a boat to visit the picturesque Orkney Islands.

The luxurious retreat provides a truly unique setting for your holiday, boasting statement furniture, vibrant decor, and gorgeous artwork. The property has been finished to an exceptionally high standard and is full of thoughtful touches, such as underfloor heating, to make your stay as comfortable as possible. At the heart of the home is a vast lounge/drawing room with an impressive vaulted ceiling and a wall of glass windows and doors looking out across the garden. Spend time here, stretched out on the L-shaped sofa or curled up in an armchair, with a classic film on the Smart TV and the hounds snuggled up in front of the wood burner. French doors lead through to the magnificent kitchen/diner, with its pastel-coloured decor and bespoke design elements. You’ll find all the worktop space and equipment needed to cater for a large group, along with a choice of seating areas including a sleek breakfast bar, large dining table, and charming window seat. Also on the ground floor is an elegant snug/library room – a quiet spot to read a book or catch up on your favourite programmes on the Smart TV. This room has a collection of board games and jigsaws to keep everyone entertained. Completing the ground floor is a boot room for storing all your dog-walking gear, a handy utility room, and a shower room. A hand-crafted staircase leads to the first floor and the three stunning bedrooms, all with plush linens, elegant furniture, en-suite facilities, and relaxing coastal views. One of the bedrooms has a trundle bed, which can be made up on request. A staircase from one of the bedrooms leads to a mezzanine area in the eaves with beans bags and games – a great spot for children to hang out. The property has a large garden, surrounded by pretty flowers and mature trees. There is a spacious lawn for outdoor games or playing fetch with the pups, along with a sunny patio with outdoor furniture and a BBQ. Private parking is available for four cars.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walks in the county of Caithness. Amble along the white, sandy shoreline at Dunnet Bay, take a woodland ramble at Dunnet Community Forest, or admire the panoramic sea views at Dunnet Head, all within 6 miles. For shopping and eating out, journey to Scotland’s most northerly mainland town, Thurso (12.5 miles), where you’ll find a great range of traditional shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. The Castle of Mey (3 miles), once owned by HM The Queen Mother, makes a lovely doggy day out, with its attractive, formal gardens and sweeping parklands to sniff and explore.

  • 3 bedrooms – 2 super-king-size zip-and-links (which can be made into twin beds on request), 1 super-king-size
  • 4 bathrooms – 1 en-suite bathroom with shower, roll top bath and WC, 1 en-suite shower room with WC, 1 en-suite bathroom with shower over the bath, and WC, 1 ground floor shower room with WC
  • Rangemaster cooker with two fan ovens, grill and induction hob, fridge, freezer with ice maker, wine fridge, 2 dishwashers, microwave, Quooker boiling, filtered cold, and sparkling water tap
  • Utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer
  • Travel cot and highchair available upon request
  • Open fire (first basket of logs included)
  • Library room
  • Smart TV in the lounge and library room, board games
  • Part enclosed walled garden with an outdoor dining area, and charcoal BBQ (BBQ available during the summer months)
  • Private off-road parking for up to 4 cars
  • Please note the property is located on a working livestock farm
  • Shop 6 miles, pub & restaurant 3 miles, beach 4 miles
  • Short term Licence - HI-00186-F
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Fiona MacDonald

This property is personally managed by Fiona.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 6 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 starsOverall equipment 4.8 stars4.8
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 4.5 starsOverall location 4.5 starsOverall location 4.5 starsOverall location 4.5 starsOverall location 4.5 stars4.5

Reviewed by Angela 18th April 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

A beautiful house on a lovely location. A fabulous base for exploring the area and a treat to return it in the evening.

Reviewed by Annette 13th April 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Lindsay 10th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Beautiful house. No negatives at all. Except the Scottish weather, but thats to be expected.

Reviewed by Andrew 25th May 2025

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

Stylish new vibe in an attractive renovated old building. Very comfortable. Good base for exploring the North coast. Eating recommendations all good.

Reviewed by Carol 17th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

The above recommendation is being really picky- we came prepared but other dog owners may not be. We were delighted with the property and the quality of furnishings and equipment. We found the place very comfortable and have already recommended it to our friends and family. Awe had an initial problem with the electronic gates and interior lightiRead moreng but these were resolved without impacting us our plans. Hide

Reviewed by Lisa 13th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

This place is so special and it felt like a privilege to stay there. We relaxed very quickly and felt like we were living in the luxury of a 5 star hotel. The house has been restored with utter care, respect and attention to detail. It is simply beautiful. It felt like pure luxury even when preparing a meal for ourselves. The location is stunningRead more and you can walk to a beautiful bit of coastline in 10 minutes. Highly recommend! Hide

4 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Canine Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.