Sanctuary Cottage, nr Applecross, sleeps 8

With superb views across the Inner Sound to the Inner Hebridean Islands of Raasay, Rona and Skye, this 19th-century holiday cottage has been architecturally renovated to a high standard, and has its own landscaped garden with decking leading down to the seashore.
Set amidst some of Scotland’s most dramatic and rugged scenery, Applecross nestles between mountains and sea and is approached over Britain’s highest road pass. Wester Ross has long been considered one of the more remote corners of the British mainland – and is still known as a haven of enormous beauty and tranquillity; Applecross was declared a sanctuary in 673 AD by the Irish monk Maelrubha. The region is home to the golden eagle and pine marten – and the last remnants of the ancient Caledonian pine forest. To the north is the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve (Torridon mountains) where the NTS Countryside Centre provides opportunity to explore the flora, fauna and history of this sheltered fertile area amidst some of the oldest geological formations in Britain. Also north of the Applecross Peninsula are the world-famous sub-tropical Inverewe Gardens, and to the south the picturesque NTS village of Plockton and the Isle of Skye.
The area provides excellent coastal walks and abundant wildlife – seals are frequently seen in the indented coastline, and stags roam the heather-clad hillsides of the Applecross Peninsula. More occasionally porpoises and even the mysterious profile of a submarine lurks in the Inner Sound. Rockpools left behind by the tide provide a great variety of creatures for children to discover. Beautiful sandy bay within 5 miles (see bottom photograph). Mountaineering, kayaking and landrover trips can be arranged locally. The award winning Applecross Inn, renowned for its locally caught seafood and convivial hospitality, is just 10-minutes walk away. Shop 1 mile.

Spacious panelled and beamed living/dining room with open fire and rugs on wooden floor. Well-equipped kitchen. Utility/drying room. Twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom and toilet. First floor: Three bedrooms with sloping ceilings, two with beamed ceilings; two double, each with en-suite bathroom and toilet, and one twin with en-suite shower room and toilet.

• Open fire – initial fuel inc, thereafter avail locally
• Elec, full oil CH, bed linen and towels inc
• Satellite TV
• Video
• Radio/cassette/CD
• M/wave
• W/machine
• T/dryer
• D/washer
• Freezer
• Broadband connection
• Payphone
• Patio garden to rear; front garden with decked terrace and furniture
• BBQ
• Parking
• No smoking
• NB: Garden leading to shore