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  • Suil Na Mara - Scottish Highlands - 24560 - photo 1
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Suil Na Mara

(Ref. 24560)

Aultbea, Northern Highlands & Cairngorms National Park Show on map

4.1

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Washing machine
  • Seaside

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • lovely (15)
  • area (13)
  • our (13)
  • clean (12)
  • need (12)
  • property (11)

46 Customer Reviews

  • "The deck on this property is rotten we stayed one night and left the gardens overgrown and nothing like the listing."

    I have photos showing the deck wood work rotting away it's not safe. This property needs the listing photos updated showing the wild overgrown garden

    Reviewed by Ross2.5Aug 2024

  • "Needs a gate on decking to keep dogs in other than that we had a good holiday"

    Reviewed by John5.0Jul 2024

  • "Very comfortable and a lovely peaceful setting close to amenities."

    Very good heating for variable weather. All the things you need for a relaxing holiday home. Only slight niggle with the duvets which for sone reason always slid off over night ! Beautiful area with stunning scenery . We would definitely stay there again

    Reviewed by Gail4.7Jun 2024

  • "We enjoyed our stay at Suil na Mara,in spite of the inclement June weather."

    We were able to get out most days & the one day it rained, we were able to sit in comfort,with everything we needed while we waited for the weather to clear. We encountered a small group of red deer as we arrived,which was lovely. We travelled to Mellon Udrigle beach which must be one of the most beautiful in the world. We found that the chalet was situated in stunning area,& a very convenient place for exploring.

    Reviewed by Jacqueline4.7May 2024

  • "EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED with the whole property."

    Used Sykes as you have/had good reputation for lovely properties. The entrance steps were full of weeds. The whole garden is overgrown and nowhere you want to sit out. The whole property was grubby. Only as clean as the previous occupants left it. Mattress was disgusting, covered by 2 covers but under these it was 'yellow' stained!!!! Your property details were obviously taken years ago. Whole place is in desperate need of much TLC. Only good thing was its location. WILL NOT USE SYKES AGAIN SORRY. Our first time to use you....first impressions really do count.

    I and my housekeeper were very disappointed and concerned to read the review you have left . I need to respond - only the second occasion that I have had to do so in over 10 years with Sykes - and correct points that you have made here . Firstly - your comments left in the guest book at the lodge state “ Nice stay thank you . Amazing location ( beaches on the doorstep ) Garden tlc ? PS dustpan and brush would be helpful “. There is a dustpan and brush under the sink. My housekeeper was helpfully also in contact with you during your stay to sort a minor issue - and no mention was made of any other problems . The garden is professionally maintained regularly - it is not a suburban manicured space - it is a natural rural habitat in the North West Highlands . The gardener will be undertaking further pruning and cutting back soon but he is keen to avoid disturbing birds and wildlife in the nesting season . A table and bench is located in a secluded spot in the garden . The lodge is regularly and diligently cleaned maintained and updated . The house keeper spends many hours between guests preparing the lodge . A comprehensive bathroom refurbishment was completed 2 years ago plus recent painting and decoration completed. The visitor book in the lodge records many positive feedback comments - together with similar posts here on the Sykes website . I am sorry you didn’t enjoy your stay . Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sian1.3May 2024

  • "For a dog friendly stay this property needs to be fenced."

    There is not a view at all as the bushes have grown too tall and take over the garden. The balcony would benefit from a gate too.

    Reviewed by Sandra5.0May 2024

  • "Had a great stay, everything excellent apart from the beds."

    .. personally they were all really uncomfortable. Also the directions... once you find the little turn off from the main road, there are no little signs as stated in the directions and there was a road works orange cone plonked in the middle of the entrance making you think it was a no entry. And the instructions for the key box need up dating... the key box is in the main door entrance. NOT 'on the wall adjacent to the veranda' All that said we had a lovely stay and the heating was very efficient.

    Reviewed by Rita4.4Sep 2023

  • "Lovely place for a base to explore the area."

    Simple in decorations and home comforts and recommend you take all food supplies needed for first few days as no basic welcome pack (milk, bread butter) like others have stayed in but overall clean and comfortable.

    Reviewed by Melanie3.8Aug 2023

  • "A very pleasant well stocked cottage with plenty of space, wi fi was a big miss ..."

    A very pleasant well stocked cottage with plenty of space, wi fi was a big miss with our child but apart from that we had a very enjoyable time and would return

    Reviewed by Christopher4.4Aug 2023

  • "Our arrival was a nightmare."

    It was very distressing and disappointing to be informed after 7 hours of travelling that our accommodation would not be available at 4 pm as promised, but only after 10 pm due to the late check-out of the previous guests. When we got the call from Sykes we were 30 mins away from our destination, with very poor cell phone reception and no internet in the area where we were travelling, so communication was a nightmare. A text message to the owner was equally disappointing, as he merely referred us to Sykes. Sykes Cottages offered us the choice of staying in alternative accommodation for the night, or resting in the alternative accommodation, but this added 90 minutes of travelling in the dark amongst the mountains to our day's journey, and the accommodation wasn't what we wanted, so we selected the return trip through the mountains. After a struggle to open the key safe we we finally entered the cottage at 10.30 that night. Not happy.

    This review requires an explanation. For the first time in 10 years of letting the lodge the housekeeper found that the previous guests had not vacated on Friday morning when she went into the lodge. The guests appeared to be out for the day. The owner was in constant contact with Sykes all afternoon to resolve the problem. Despite numerous attempts to contact the vacating guests it wasn’t until after 4pm that it was established that they were under the misapprehension vacation was on Saturday . They cleared the lodge by 6pm. The housekeeper lives some distance away but very fortunately and to her credit was able to undertake the changeover in the evening by 10pm . In the meantime every effort was made during the course of the afternoon to secure the new guests alternative accommodation for the night - which the owner and housekeeper sorted .Very stressful for all concerned . Property Owner

    Reviewed by Leslie4.1Jun 2023

  • "Everything was fine apart from the creeky bed."

    Reviewed by Christopher4.7May 2023

  • "Nice looking, the property was clean and tidy, the view was ok if you wanted a shrubbery view, Loch view was had by standing on tiptoe, property was well equipped but the double bed was horrendous and the worst ive slept in, the 2 wall lights by the bed need removing or changing due to the square sharp edges at head height, the hoover was full of dog hair and hadn't been emptied also smelt of vomit while it was being used."

    The check in time is ridiculously late, I go away for a break not to spend my departure time doing what the cleaners should be doing.

    Reviewed by Philip2.8Apr 2023

  • "A lovely holiday lodge in a beautiful area,lodge was spotlessly clean and warm with everything you basically need for an enjoyable break."

    Our only criticism ( and we don't like to complain) were the beds. The double was very unsupportive and gave an uneasy sinking feeling and the singles were harsh and camp bed like. We didn't get much sleep for our week and spoilt what would have been a lovely break.

    Reviewed by Gordon4.4Apr 2023

  • "Nice chalet furniture in living room a bit tired."

    Pity the trees in front garden blocks view of bay but overall very good

    Reviewed by Kenneth3.8Mar 2023

  • "The property was comfortable and had everything that we required for a relaxing 2 week break."

    Although I understand why things were removed during early Covid, it was a shame there were still no books, games or DVDs available....we would have taken some had we known. If the trees and hedge at the end of the garden were trimmed, there would be a better view. However, both my comments above are minor suggestions, overall we had a great time and would happily go back to Suil Na Mara as it is. Thank you for a lovely property.

    Reviewed by Fiona4.7Sep 2022

  • "We loved it here, the lodge was perfect, comfy, & clean, there was no internet & poor phone signal, but we actually chose this lodge because of this, life is far to busy, phones never stop, and the children went back to basics of board games, card games and films, I felt it made us all bond a little."

    More. spectacular views. Just what we needed.

    Reviewed by Maureen5.0Aug 2022

  • "The lodge is lovely and comfy although the double bed was too soft for my personal taste so I slept in a single."

    It would be nice if there was a gate across top of the steps on the veranda to make it safer. The bushes in the garden have been allowed to get overgrown which meant that I couldn’t use the washing line. It’s a shame because when you first arrive on the park it is beautiful and open but this end felt a bit unloved, overgrown and enclosed. As stated there is no WiFi or phone signal but head towards Laide and the first lay-by just over the crest of the hill I had 4G and a decent phone signal.

    Reviewed by Jill3.8Jun 2022

  • "NIce, clean and tidy property."

    Suited us perfectly... Could do with a little updating. Lack of Internet will put of some people off, but was a nice break away from it.

    Reviewed by Tim3.8Jun 2022

  • "The new bathroom was excellent."

    The cottage was better and the rooms larger than we had anticipated from reviews during the lock down. The view of the sea is obscured by the natural growth of the trees on someone else's property , so best not to mention that. It is in a beautiful location if wild is what you are looking for. Perfect for us. The only drawback was the provision of cutlery, tableware etc. which, although it covered 4 people , really wasn't enough for easy self catering. More table settings and bowls are needed. The quality was good. P.J. Fisher,

    Reviewed by Peter4.7May 2022

  • "We had a lovely stay."

    The chalet was clean, comfortable and well equipped. It’s a great base for exploring the local area.

    Reviewed by Rachel5.0Oct 2021

  • "Twin beds need mattresses replacing or mattress toppers."

    Not a comfortable experience for the adults using these. Towels could be improved both in quality & size. Fridge - couldn't fit milk bottle in without rearranging shelves as no door shelf. Inadequate size for 4 guests bringing own supplies to a house in a location with limited local facilities Kitchen cupboards - again, these need to be rearranged to provide guests with clear space to store provisions.

    Reviewed by Shiona3.8Aug 2021

  • "Over stated the view of Loch ewe …."

    There was no view … and size of premises… also surfaces were sticky, although it looked clean Also broken 2’x3’ section against bath… also broken coffee pot spout …. We enjoyed our holiday but were underwhelmed by the premises … which is a pity

    Reviewed by Stuart2.2Jul 2021

  • "One of my the best holiday experiences we have had."

    Fantastic holiday. I would recomment this to anyone and hope we will be back soon. We had a wonderful relaxing holiday and didn't want to go home. 4 days before I’ve got a call that the owner cancelled my booking as there is an issue with the property and it will not be ready for our stay. The lady (Rebecca) helped us solve the problem and found something else. Thank you for very good service-recomendend.

    Reviewed by Anna5.0Jul 2021

  • "Reading the summary about the cottage it sounded like there were plenty of local amenities around the area."

    We had discovered when we got there that you have to drive if you would like a meal out as the 2 local hotels are no longer open and have been closed for 2 years and more . So the summary should state there is a local shop walking distance and need to travel for other amenities. The cottage we feel needs some TLC as we found the floor boards in some areas very weak especially in the bathroom near the bath. (Its not going to be long before someone goes through the floor. It does not matter how many air freshners the owner uses the cottage has a damp musky smell and on return home I had to wash all items of clothing even ones that were not wear due to the damp musky smell clinging to them. I also feel the pictures that are advertising this property need updating as decking and other little things around the property need some attention the garden is over grown so no views can be seen from patio and we could not find the stream that has been mentioned ???.

    Reviewed by Rachel2.8Jul 2021

  • "Lovely holiday, lodge was just perfect would certainly go back."

    scenery amazing

    Reviewed by Elaine5.0Jun 2021

  • "The location is absolutely perfect."

    The accommodation was in a lovely private setting with an idyllic veranda offering a view of the distant hills across Lock Ewe. The comfort of the accommodation was more than adequate for us with everything we needed so excellent value for money. The local residents where very pleasant and made us feel very welcome. Everyone you meet gives you a lovely smile We will definitely be going back!

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Apr 2021

  • "I was given the wrong information for key collection."

    I had to phone caretaker for correct information.

    Reviewed by Ronald4.4Sep 2020

  • "The lodge was just what we expected, clean, comfortable and well equipped despite the covid restrictions."

    Happy to recommend this lodge as a good base to explore the area.

    Reviewed by C4.4Aug 2020

  • "Sykes dealt with the booking and follow up very well."

    It was easy to do. However, the listing stated that the property looked over Loch Ewe. It certainly didn't. Worse was the fact that the 'local pub' closed in May 2019 and there was nowhere locally to eat.

    Thank you for your comments, these have been noted - unfortunately the local hotel unexpectedly closed early in the season . It is hoped that it will reopen . There are other limited dining options open in the season close by. Thanks Again. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Nicola2.5Oct 2019

  • "The lodge itself was adequate and my only negative comment regarding the actual lodge is that the shower was very irregular going from hot to cold without any manual handling."

    I appreciate that for most this is not too bothersome however one of our party is mentally and physically disabled with restricted vision and movement and therefore could not be left on his own to shower for fear of burning. Out with the Lodge we were very disappoint with the lack of sea view. As described in the website "On warmer evenings you can slide open the patio doors and step out onto the balcony for an early evening drink as you admire the calming views across the water." In our case we just directly looked in to a lot of overgrown bushes, grass and weeds and an abandoned garden table/seat combo which was rather disappointing. Finally with regard to being Pet Friendly, when booking previous lodges/cottages which allow pets, there has always been an area where the dogs can be let off the leash to run about but this was not available.

    Thank you for your feedback. A plumber was called to look at the shower after your departure and found no problems. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Brenda3.1Jul 2019

  • "Just some very minor points."

    Key box is actually by the front door. Travelling instructions - the A832 unusually meets the A835 twice and it would help to say to take the A832 at the second junction, not the first one. Also it would help to say that no 10 is the last lodge on the left as the numbers on the lodges are hard to see. We had an excellent week and were very happy with the accommodation and the location.

    Reviewed by Andrew4.7Jun 2019

  • "We spend a perfect holiday in Scotland."

    Everything was perfect and we recommend Sykes, Scotland, The Highlands, Aultbea and Suil N Mara to every one who is looking for a great place to spend a wonderfull holiday. And a extra bravo for miss Carol the so kind caretaker. 2 little remarks, please give give a little more explenation about the lodge because they are 10 of them and we have to search a while before we found the good one and, as second remark, some more plates in the kitchen will be welcome, we fonud only 1 little one. For the rest ... It was a fantastic holiday. Vina and Jeff from France

    Reviewed by Joseph5.0May 2019

  • "You really need to stop advertising this as having “sea views”."

    It is possible to catch a glimpse of the sea from one spot of the balcony only and this will vanish as the vegetation grows. You should instead advertise it as a perfect green oasis ringing to the calls of birds and almost completely private It is actually a delightful, well equipped and comfortable place but it does NOT have sea views

    Reviewed by Helen4.4May 2019

  • "When we arrived easy to find lovely location quiet and private great to be able to take the dog"

    Reviewed by Georgette5.0Mar 2019

  • "Our stay at Suil Na Mara was lovely."

    The weather was awful outside but we were cosy inside as we watched the storm rage outside from the patio doors. The property on the whole was wonderful however there are tired parts of the lodge which need attention and a new double bed mattress won't go amiss. We hope to return next year as the minor flaws did not detract from our stay.

    Thank you for your feed back. We have improved key areas of the cottage, as well as some points raised. We have replaced the double bed mattress and redecorated. We hope to see you at Suil Na Mara again. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Dorothy3.4Oct 2018

  • "Lovely, cosy accommodation in a very peaceful area."

    The house is well stocked with everything you need for your stay. It is well situated for exploring the Wester Ross area with all its beautiful scenery and wildlife. Thoroughly enjoyed our break.

    Reviewed by Frances5.0Sep 2018

  • "We were disappointed at no sea view as advertised, 'phone signal very poor, no wifi, poor tv reception, damp smell."

    Garbage removal needs rethink. General need of tlc. Shame since location so beautiful

    Thank you for your feed back. The rubbish is handled and deposed of by the Local Authority, we have addressed this and there are now improved arrangements in place. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Douglas3.1Sep 2018

  • "We were happy with the lodge however, there is no sea view whatsoever."

    The picture of the lodge showing the sea view must have been taken at least ten years ago and, since then, the shrubs and trees have grown to such an extent there is now no view. This was of particular disappointment to my 92 year old mother for whom we had arranged the holiday and the view was a major selling point. Although quite clear on your website, another website renting adjacent lodges does advertise wifi and this caused confusion in our party. Finally, the last three nights were ruined by the party in an adjacent lodge playing outrageously loud music until at least 5am. The lack of an onsite contact to address such anti-social behaviour seriously detracted from our enjoyment of the holiday.

    Reviewed by Robert3.1Aug 2018

  • "Clean and specious for 3 adults (twin and double bed in 2 rooms)."

    Washing machine available. Quiet environment, I didn’t hear the main road. Car parked next to the house. No direct sight on the see, the trees are just to high. Mobile signal is poor, no WiFi available and as the mobile data signal is only gprs, you have to do you online searching elsewhere.

    Thank you for your feed back. As the property rural location, phone signal may be affected. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Marcel3.8Jul 2018

  • "The kitchen was not clean when we arrived."

    The working surface was ok, but inside the cupboards it was dirty and greasy. The shower jet was very weak. WiFi would be e big improvement since there is very littel mobile phone range in the area.

    Thank you for your feed back. We're sorry to hear about this, your comments have been noted and actions will be taken in future to prevent this further. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ilse3.1Jul 2018

  • "The cottage was fine, but tiring a little."

    The windows in particular are getting old and we had great difficulty locking the patio door. The location is nice and quiet and close to beautiful Loch Ewe.

    Thank you for your feed back. The lodge has double glazed throughout. The patio doors have since been replaced. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Michael4.1Jun 2018

  • "An absolutely lovely place to stay."

    Highly recommended

    Reviewed by Iain5.0Apr 2018

  • "Excellent location and part of the NC500, the cottage although in general terms was clean and tidy could do with some upgrading."

    Reviewed by Thomas4.4Oct 2017

  • "Great comfortable and cosy Lodge."

    Just what we needed for our staycation.

    Reviewed by Fiona4.6Mar 2017

  • "We loved our holiday and r thinking of returning next year x the only thing we did not like was the hob the controls were poor so only used the oven when cooking."

    The area was awesome and the dogs loved the long relaxing walks x golf clubs next time

    Reviewed by Sandra4.8Sep 2016

  • "Area was peacefull and relaxing."

    everything you would need in cottage. down side no wifi. Not a lot off shops in area need to travel nearly 2hrs to get too near'st town

    Reviewed by Peter5.0Sep 2016

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC, newly refurbished for 2022
  • Kitchen
  • Sitting room with dining area and electric stove.
  • Electric heating with electric stove
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, selection of books and games
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Off road parking for 3 cars
  • Balcony with furniture
  • Lawned garden with furniture
  • Two well-behaved dogs welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 1 mile and limited local cafe dining
  • Note: There is a small, unfenced stream running through the front garden, please ensure children are supervised at all times
  • Note: Property accessed via four steps to front door and balcony
  • Note: WIFI is not available at the lodge however many local cafes and restaurants offer free WIFI

The property

This spacious detached, wooden lodge is superbly situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on a small development of 10 similar properties, in the pretty village of Aultbea in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Very well equipped and close to Loch Ewe, this Aultbea cottage is ideal for a family or a group of friends looking to embrace the great outdoors during the day, and enjoy the local hospitality available on the doorstep in the evening.

Set entirely over the ground floor, this cottage in Aultbea offers two comfortable bedrooms, a bathroom and a neat kitchen, plus the spacious sitting room with dining area provides a great place to relax and gather together.

On warmer evenings you can slide open the patio doors and step out onto the balcony for an early evening drink.

The village of Aultbea has good local services including a well stocked general store and limited cafe / dining options within walking distance.

The larger village of Gairloch is twelve miles to the south, and here you can take a boat trip to spot the whales that call on this beautiful area of Scotland, or why not play a game of golf on the 9 hole course whilst gazing across the sea to the Inner Hebrides?

This lovely lodge is also lucky enough to be ideally located for exploring the North Coast 500, a tourist route around the north of Scotland for taking in the fantastic sights on offer.

This Aultbea cottage offers an ideal retreat to complement your holiday in the beautiful West Highlands.

EPC Rating: Band F

EPC Rating: Band E

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About the location

AULTBEA

Ullapool 44 miles; Dingwall 65 miles; Inverness 76 miles.

The Wester Ross village of Aultbea is situated on the shores of beautiful Loch Ewe and is perfectly located for exploring the North-West Highlands. The area is rich in attractions, with the renowned National Trust Inverewe Gardens full of exotic plants, just 6 miles away. Beautiful Gruinard Bay, with its striking red sandy beaches and a backdrop of spectacular mountains, is nearby. The village itself has two local shop. Stroll along the beaches, study the bird life or simply relax and watch out for seals, otters and other wildlife - this truly is the perfect base for a relaxing holiday!

View more holiday cottages in Aultbea