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Lilac Cottage

(Ref. 30495)

Strathpeffer near Inverness, Northern Highlands & Cairngorms National Park Show on map

4.7

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (55)
  • garden (33)
  • lovely (27)
  • our (25)
  • dogs (23)
  • great (21)

67 Customer Reviews

  • "The cottage was perfectly placed for us to complete the NC500."

    The cottage was in a quiet location, and the fact there was off road parking was perfect. We had an issue with the heating, but that was sorted out very quickly and fixed but we were also given logs, firelighters and electric heaters incase there were any other issues. The garden was perfect for dog to safely run around in. We will definitely be returning to Lilac cottage in the future.

    Reviewed by Jo5.0Sep 2024

  • "A very comfortable cottage in a lovely area ."

    Would recommend and would like to return

    Reviewed by Helen5.0Sep 2024

  • "A great little cottage with everything you need for a comfortable stay."

    It is in a very peaceful location, which was the main reason we booked it. It would benefit from a little TLC in areas but as a base to explore the Highlands, it is a little gem!

    Reviewed by Naomi3.8Aug 2024

  • "Lilac cottage is the perfect getaway, and it is beautifully presented, clean, spacious and has a secure garden which was adored my my assistance dog."

    The double mattress is worn out - hard, lumpy and has lost all its loft so that the buttons stick up, and that caused a lot of pain for me that really impacted my holiday. I have a disability, so it is bound to be a bigger problem for me though... My other half found it uncomfortable but not painful, and was able to sleep. There was no visitor book with info on the house, or a guest book for us to read recommendations from previous guests. The kitchen is a lovely place to cook and eat, having a little freezer is a bonus, but it would have been useful to know in advance that, unlike most holiday lets, there were no consumables whatsoever - we came with our own tea, coffee, milk, sandwich bags and general food supplies as we usually do, but this was the first place we have stayed where there was no salt, pepper, oil, bin bags, washing up liquid, soap etc. In most respects lilac cottage is an absolute gem, in the perfect location for a Highland getaway.

    Reviewed by Emma3.4Aug 2024

  • "This is our 2nd time at Lilac Cottage and we will definitely be back, the Cottage is well equipped and the back garden is amazing for our labrador to play in as we couldn't get the dog in at night ."

    The only downside of the Cottage is when you are there for 1 week and you only get 1 bath towel to last you for you're full week. We will definitely be back.

    Reviewed by Ellen5.0Aug 2024

  • "A really nice cottage with everything you need."

    The beds were comfortable and the lounge area was perfect for relaxing in the evening. The kitchen had everything we needed and it was handy having a washing machine. The garden was big and the local area was quiet, so it felt peaceful. The location is perfect for exploring the Highlands.

    Reviewed by Mark5.0Jul 2024

  • "The cottage is OK but could have been so much better."

    Disappointed to find oven was dirty. A welcome book with information in would have been good ie how the tv works, heating controls and local amenities and visitor attraction leaflets where well out of date. Wifi signal was good but again the password card was on the iPod dock, this is the type of info that would go in the welcome book! Local area is lovely and it's well positioned to explore the area.

    Reviewed by Richard3.4Jul 2024

  • "This cottage was neat and very tidy with a huge well fenced garden which was ideal for our 2 dogs."

    We enjoyed our stay and all the accommodation was perfect. Loved the location as there were some lovely walks not far from the cottage. We could reach Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and many more impressive places and towns easily. Our main reason for booking this cottage was to go on very long walks and this was fore filled.

    Reviewed by Christina4.1May 2024

  • "Although the box of sweets was a lovely gesture a pint of milk would have been ..."

    Although the box of sweets was a lovely gesture a pint of milk would have been much more appreciated sfter such a long journey

    Reviewed by Tracey5.0Feb 2024

  • "First time back to Lilac Cottage since 2020 without my late husband."

    This was the 4th visit. Weather was mixed, which had been expected, but managed to get out with the dogs in the car most days. I found the cottage very comfortable and cozy. Had the log burner on a few nights. I love the new higher fence for privacy and dogs were very secure. Did a few trips to Tesco for some additional food, which is only 10 minutes away from the cottage. The only negative thing was that new pillows would be great for the double bedroom, The current pillows are very flat. Other than that nothing else. I am going to book for next year, as it was one of the most relaxing holiday I have had in a long time.

    Reviewed by Shirley5.0Oct 2023

  • "Comfortable welcoming cottage, thank you for the welcome treats!"

    Some bits are getting a bit tired, kitchen floor especially otherwise a good stay,loads of garden space for our dogs. Good place for us to stay to visit grandchildren in Dingwall, we would definitely recommend and come back again.

    Reviewed by Julian4.4Sep 2023

  • "We loved our time at Lilac cottage."

    Very clean, cosy and comfortable. Superb enclosed garden for children or dogs. Quiet area with lots of walking from the cottage. Strathpeffer 5 minutes away by car. Strathpeffer has all the facilities you need but Dingwall which is 10 minutes away by car has the big supermarket. We would definitely come back.

    Reviewed by Iain5.0Sep 2023

  • "We loved our stay at lilac cottage and found there was everything there that we needed."

    It was clean and very comfortable and would thoroughly recommend lilac cottage as a base to explore the beautiful surrounding area

    Reviewed by Janet5.0Sep 2023

  • "Unfortunately the bed and sofa's we're incredibly uncomfortable giving us back pain."

    . our opinion they need renewing The location was beautiful The cottage itself was lovely especially that we could let our dog

    Reviewed by Ian3.4Aug 2023

  • "Fabulous stay at Lilac Cottage, spacious and comfy accommodation."

    Great location within easy reach of Ullapool, Inverness and Forest walks. Nice walk into Strathpeffer for gifts and something to eat & drink. Secure garden for the dogs would recommend and return.

    Reviewed by Emma5.0Aug 2023

  • "Lovely cottage with everything you need."

    Large garden for dog to run around in and very quiet area. Beds are comfy and house very warm .Nice large t.v which makes a nice change and a smart one so handy for using my Netflix account .

    Reviewed by Loraine5.0Jul 2023

  • "Beautiful cottage, lovely location, made to feel welcome with extra gifts for our dog and ourselves."

    Had a wonderful stay.

    Reviewed by Ruth5.0Jul 2023

  • "A comfortable, clean cottage."

    The enclosed large garden was perfect for our two dogs. I would thoroughly recommend for a relaxed break. Plenty of nearby walks. Thank you for the arrival sweeties and dog chews, much appreciated.

    Reviewed by Ailsa5.0Jun 2023

  • "Great cottage in great surroundings"

    Reviewed by Lynne5.0Jun 2023

  • "We loved our week long stay over Easter."

    The cottage was cozy, clean and comfortable, and had everything we needed. The garden space was perfect for very energetic dog. The location was great for just taking some time out and exploring the many fantastic outdoor spaces in the area, also convenient to local shops and with very easy parking. Host was very friendly and helpful. We would definitely return and recommend to others.

    Reviewed by Katherine5.0Apr 2023

  • "Had a amazing week at Lilac Cottage."

    The cottage seems to have been freshly decorated. My Lab Basil loved the big secure garden. It was cold the last two nights in Strathpeffer so we fired the log burner up , was fantastic just watching the flames. Will be back at some stage as we all had a great time. And thank you for the welcome gift of Strathpeffer sweets they were tasty and appreciated. In the area we walked round Loch Kinellan which was picturesque.

    Reviewed by Ellen5.0Mar 2023

  • "I stayed at this lovely cosy cottage for a few weeks over Christmas and New Year with possibly the worst weather for years and had a fabulous time."

    The hosts were kind and friendly and, though not intrusive, were on hand to help me out or provide additional advice or requests whenever needed. With sub-zero temperatures and 15" of snow at one point which lasted for several days I took advantage of the log fire which heated up the whole cottage in no time! If I'd been out walking for the day, though the central heating was on a generous set of programmes, clicking the manual switch ensured almost instant warmth while the kettle boiled! As I was by myself I didn't play with the range of games provided, but I did enjoy the Christmas decorations supplied, as well as the lovely basket of goodies which kept me going for my entire stay. Signing in to the Smart TV was also easy and as it was dark by 4pm provided plenty of entertainment in the evenings. There was lovely countryside to walk in from the front door and though located in a lovely quiet village, seemingly miles from anywhere, Strathpeffer and the cafes and shops, and Dingwall the nearest large town were only minutes away. I found the cottage very clean and cheerful on arrival and easy to keep clean for when I left again. The garden was a very generous size and a good safe area for children and dogs alike to play. I had to pop back a couple of weeks after I left to pick up a parcel that had been mistakenly left there from Amazon and found the cottage had been redecorated and had some new furnishings, which had been on the plan for when I vacated it - it looked lovely. There's generous car parking for families and visitors and I found all the local supermarkets did home deliveries to the village too. There was a Visitor's Book with lovely comments going back several years, many from repeat guests, to which I added my 5* review. I have no hesitation in recommending Lilac Cottage to anyone.

    Reviewed by Julie5.0Dec 2022

  • "Yes its November but cottage was cold on arrival."

    No logs provided as starter pack for an unemptied,uncleaned stove.No welcome pack as was present for previous guests as shown in visitors book.Cleaning not in-depth as evidenced by pet hairs behind sofa cushions, greasy extractor in kitchen,grubby skirtings,cobwebby corners and hearth,pet waste from previous guest pets in garden,untidy and cluttered utility room.Inadequate storage in kitchen,frozen food left in freezer,one cupboard for foodstuffs.little instruction for facilities aside from a few small booklets buried under items in drawer.TV difficult to operate and we had to buy handset batteries as they were dead.Wardrobes would be useful as mentioned by previous guests and twin bed matresses were noisy and uncomfortable as if built from card.Very little in the way of books and tourist info out of sight in games box.Doorway from porch to hall would merit a safety sign on the porch side as heads were bashed several times.All in all the cottage functions as a holiday home but overall impression is that the owners may not be present regularly so are unaware of any issues.Some of the above are mentioned in the visitors book some time ago and clearly not acted upon.Decor very nice but I feel that more attention to comfort and facilities would be appropriate.I hate to leave a review like this but you should be able to expect a certain standard,especially as Sykes rate the property Excellent with 5 ticks.Once yuo have paid your money and travelled it is too late to turn back. Whatever the response to any of the above may be, the fact remains that the issues do exist and could be remedied

    Reviewed by Simon2.5Nov 2022

  • "Warm, cosy, well equipped and well located for local sightseeing, walking, cycling and nature watching."

    Double bedroom smelled faintly of dog. The hoover gave off a cloud of dog odour as soon as it was switched on. I was tempted to see if there was a dog still trapped inside. This didn't bother us but could be relevant to anyone with asthma or allergies.

    Reviewed by Alastair4.7Oct 2022

  • "Lilac cottage is a lovely, comfortable, quiet cottage."

    The pictures of the cottage do not do it justice. There is a large garden which our dogs loved running around in. I would certainly return in the future.

    Reviewed by Patricia4.1Sep 2022

  • "Had a great time using this as our base to visit some of the unmissable sights of Scotland."

    Ullapool, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Portmahomack, etc. Lovely clean cottage and a great place to stay. Garden is dog safe and provided plenty of room for our 2 Saluki/Greyhounds. Strathpeffer/Dingwall are short drives away. Most Excellent thank you.

    Reviewed by Richard5.0Jun 2022

  • "Delightful setting and very comfortable."

    Good parking, well stocked kitchen, cosy and warm and perfect for pets.

    Reviewed by Malcolm5.0May 2022

  • "Lovely cottage, well situated for seeing the area."

    Some things need updating but overall we were pleased.

    Reviewed by Gillian4.4May 2022

  • "Great place to stay & the dog had a great time running about garden"

    Reviewed by Peter5.0Apr 2022

  • "Great wee cottage to base yourself for a few days in this lovely area."

    Loads of walks around and scenery and wildlife great. the cottage has a big enclosed garden which my lab loved. If I return to the area I would attempt to book again.

    Reviewed by Judy4.7Feb 2022

  • "We had a lovely stay in Lilac Cottage."

    On a dull and wet afternoon the cottage was very welcoming, being warm, very clean and a lovely box of sweets which was a nice touch. We had everything that we needed and enjoyed very relaxed and comfortable evenings throughout our stay, despite every day being pretty dull and mostly damp. The drying room was particularly appreciated on a daily basis. The wood burning stove was lovely and made the evenings even more comfortable. Lilac Cottage was a lovely base for us to explore amazing places in the area, from Culloden to The Applecross Pass. We would definitely stay again, hopefully in the near future. Was also perfect for our two dogs who relaxed from the outset and enjoyed the walks around Strathpeffer

    Reviewed by Jeff5.0Nov 2021

  • "Nice cosy cottage in quiet location."

    Owner very helpful with a couple of issues that arose during our stay. Would stay here if holidaying in the area again.

    Reviewed by Jill5.0Nov 2021

  • "Lovely property."

    Some painting had taken place so pics not same as in brochure. Definitely would stay again. Great for the dogs as well.

    Reviewed by Ruth4.7Oct 2021

  • "We had a great week hillwalking."

    Cottage had everything we needed. The utility/boiler room was great for drying our gear.

    Reviewed by Kenneth5.0Oct 2021

  • "Yet again Sykes description & photographs were spot on"

    Reviewed by Christopher5.0Sep 2021

  • "Beautiful cottage, with very obliging owners happy to help when required."

    Fantastic base for touring around and covering part of the North Coast 500.

    Reviewed by Karen5.0Jun 2021

  • "Lilac cottage was absolutely beautiful."

    all we needed for our break, log burner was a great boost at night, garden was perfect for our dogs. overall perfect, hoping to go back in spring.

    Reviewed by William5.0Nov 2020

  • "Enjoyed our stay at Lilac Cottage,felt vey much home from home!"

    !lots of space,toasty heating,drying room a welcome bonus due to us having loads of rain during our week.Doyle (the dog)loved the big garden!!would defo visit Lilac again.

    Reviewed by Elizabeth4.7Oct 2020

  • "The cottage was spacious, particularly as there was just two of us."

    It had everything you could need for a lovely break in the highlands and if we head back there, which is very likely, we’d definitely want to stay there again. It’s well located for access to all the major tourist sites, and it’s just as easy to head west as east. We explored Ullapool and Loch Gairloch from here comfortably. On our first night I opened the back door to see the stars and sat listening to an owl in the trees nearby. The stars on the last evening were spectacular, you could almost touch them.

    Reviewed by Colette5.0Sep 2020

  • "Sykes, as they have done previously, made the whole trip easy from beginning to end."

    Great standard of property and good communication.

    Reviewed by George4.7Aug 2020

  • "Loved this cottage in a peaceful location."

    Handy base for visiting places in the Highlands. Good communication with the owner. Suited our family of four really well. My only issue was with the cooker, which wasn't clean inside.

    Reviewed by Kerrie3.8Oct 2019

  • "The cottage is well appointed, very roomy and warm, with a large garden and a large area of off road to park."

    The owner is very friendly and helpful, and did her best to make our stay and holiday a memorable one.

    Reviewed by Jeffrey5.0Sep 2019

  • "Jenny, Gareth and dogs from Wigan."

    Sept 2019 We absolutely loved Lilac cottage, so spacious, clean and tidy and we loved the log fire too. Doggies Bella, Mia and Ruby could have a really good run around in the big enclosed garden, we really couldn't fault it and lovely touch with the welcome basket too. Lovely stunning places to go and visit, and walks with the dogs. Thank you for everything. Would highly recommend

    Reviewed by Jenny4.7Sep 2019

  • "The house was faultless, but It would be lovely if the garden was tended to."

    It was rather untidy and it has so much potential.

    Reviewed by Laureen5.0Jun 2019

  • "Very well equiped cottage clean and modern inside , goodbroadband if its raining ."

    Easy walks right outside the cottage and more challenging walks nearby We had a good week at lilac cottage and plenty walking with the dog . Dingwall is about 8 minutes drive away with tesco and other shops We would certainly use this cottage again

    Reviewed by Dorothy5.0Jun 2019

  • "Lovely clean cottage, well placed for exploring the highlands."

    Secure garden for the dogs

    Reviewed by Simon5.0May 2019

  • "Lilac cottage was an exceptional self catering holiday."

    Huge garden for dogs and easy access to nearby Strathpeffer. My only critique, and it is the only thing I would change is the fridge in the cottage could be doing with being a little bit larger for food storage. Everything else. Top marks and would definitely return. Jane was friendly and accommodating. Welcome food pack a great touch.

    Reviewed by George4.4Feb 2019

  • "Travelled as a family, booked 3 properties all close by to each other and pet friendly."

    Great for walking and not to far to travel to more built up areas. Would book again and recommend this property to anyone looking for a quiet isolated retreat.

    Reviewed by Joanne3.8Dec 2018

  • "No absolutely loved it ."

    Wish had booked longer .owners so friendly and welcoming. Cottage charmingly decorated to my taste making it like to home from home but different setting .walked for miles and weather was great so all in all fantastic

    Reviewed by Heather5.0Dec 2018

  • "Second time at Lilac Cottage."

    It's a warm and comfortable cottage which is adequately equipped. It was clean and tidy on our arrival and the provision of bread, cake and other goodies was most welcome. The garden is secure and our dogs loved it. Beware the road outside the cottage, although in a 30mph area, a lot of vehicles seem to ignore it and drive past at some speed, especially those coming down the hill. The track across the road is good for dog walking and leads to a sawmill and walks through the woods, again much enjoyed by the dogs. Lilac Cottage is well located for touring the area and within walking distance of Strathpeffer, an interesting Victorian Spa.

    Reviewed by Derek4.7Dec 2018

  • "The accommodation far exceeded my expectations and was excellent value for money."

    I will definitely be returning to the cottage and it made my stay with my children all the more special. Thank you. One thing for anyone using sat nav as I did, on the last road turn right not left ( used postcode) .

    Reviewed by John5.0Oct 2018

  • "Lovely cottage, good facilities"

    Reviewed by Taeke5.0Aug 2018

  • "Great cottage spotlessly clean good location perfect garden for our dogs could not escape welcome pack nice touch ."

    plenty of parking all in all fantastic time

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Jul 2018

  • "Ein sehr schönes, gemütliches kleines Häuschen, das auch eine gute Lage aufweist."

    Die Schlafräume waren sehr hübsch und in den Betten konnte man gut schlafen. Der große Garten ist für Kinder und Hunde ideal. Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt in diesem Haus. Vielleicht wären ein bis zwei Tassen und Teller mehr ganz schön. Noch eine Anmerkung: Es gibt sehr gute Einkaufsmöglichkeiten in Dingwall. Wir kommen gern wieder.

    Reviewed by Maik4.4Jun 2018

  • "The pubs / restaurants in the local village weren't accommodating for dogs which was disappointing but not the fault of the cottage."

    Reviewed by Steven4.7Jun 2018

  • "The outside let it down plus some of the kitchen facilities were not very clean ie oven trays, utensil holder."

    As the weather was so good we would have liked to have sat out in the garden but the furniture needed a complete rubbing down and varnish, not fit to eat off!

    Reviewed by Anne2.8Jun 2018

  • "This our third visit, and won’t be our last."

    Lovely relaxing holiday. Weather was fantastic. Dogs loved running about the back garden. Would highly recommend.

    Reviewed by Shirley5.0May 2018

  • "Lilac cottage has been our choice for the northern highlands twice now and is clean and comfortable in all respects, the owner leaves goodies for your arrival and the garden is fully enclosed for the dogs, their are great places to visit all around Inverness or you can walk direct from the cottage."

    Reviewed by Martin5.0Apr 2018

  • "Well appointed clean warm and comfortable cottage."

    Located in pleasant rural area with large secure garden for the dog. The cottage was cosy despite the cold March weather.

    Reviewed by Paul5.0Mar 2018

  • "Very friendly owner who went out of her way to make us feel welcome."

    Cottage lovely and warm (very cold outside!), great area for our dogs, good walks in the area too.

    Reviewed by Derek4.4Feb 2018

  • "Lovely cottage with good possibilities for walks."

    Reviewed by Albert4.4Feb 2018

  • "Second visit to Lilac Cottage."

    Would highly recommmend. Great for dogs, with the spacious back garden. Jane, the owner, is lovely.

    Reviewed by Shirley5.0Sep 2017

  • "A perfect, comfortable and well equipped cottage in a lovely peaceful location."

    The large enclosed garden was ideal for my dog too.

    Reviewed by Doreen5.0Mar 2017

  • "This is the best cottage we've ever had."

    Home from home.great for dogs and so easy to get around to some of the most beautiful places in the highlands.weather was glorious and so were the walks.cant wait to go back next year

    Reviewed by Margaret5.0Feb 2017

  • "We had a wonderful week at lilac cottage so peaceful."

    The cottage is ideally situated to explore the beautiful highlands . Lilac cottage was clean comfortable,and very cosy . We would highly recommend a visit and we will definitely return!

    Reviewed by Calum5.0Oct 2016

  • "Excellent. Would highly recommend this cottage."

    Owner is lovely. Ideal location. Cottage very clean and very cozy. Ideal for dogs, with the very large enclosed garden. 5*

    5.0Sep 2016

  • "Not only was the cottage lovely but we were greeted with a lovely welcome gift of lovsl produce and the owner was friendly and helpful."

    Reviewed by Cheryl5.0Aug 2016

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
  • Shower room with shower, basin and WC
  • Kitchen with dining area
  • Drying room
  • Sitting room with woodburner.
  • Oil central heating with woodburner
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine in drying room, TV with Freeview, CD, iPod dock, WiFi, selection of books and games
  • Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburner inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Ample off road parking
  • Enclosed front lawned garden with furniture
  • Two well-behaved pets welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop and pubs 1 mile
  • Note: There is a small step up to the shower room and kitchen.

The property

Strathpeffer 1 mile.

A charming, stone-built cottage, situated in a quiet hamlet close to the famous Victorian spa village of Strathpeffer.

This deceptively spacious Strathpeffer cottage offers up-to-date facilities and is ideal for a family or group of friends who want to enjoy this beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands.

With the accommodation all on one level, apart from a small step up to the shower room and kitchen, this Highlands cottage has two nicely presented bedrooms and a tasteful sitting room with welcoming woodburner, making it a fabulous place to relax at the end of a busy day.

The well-equipped kitchen/diner benefits from having a door leading out to the pretty front garden where guests can relax with a quiet drink while dinner cooks!

Although quietly situated, the spa village of Strathpeffer is close by and offers a choice of venues for dining, some lively pubs and a busy village shop, plus during the summer months the local pipe band play to entertain visitors.

The area has much to offer visitors with an abundance of cycle paths and fabulous walks, as well as fishing in the rivers close by or a round of golf at the Spa Golf Club.

By car, visit the pretty Black Isle villages, see dolphins jumping in the Moray Firth and explore the wonderful beaches at Nairn.

This Strathpeffer cottage is a super holiday base.

View on map

About the location

STRATHPEFFER

Inverness 20 miles.

Often compared to a Bavarian Mountain resort, the picturesque spa village of Strathpeffer owes its growth to the discovery of water springs during the 1700s, and was declared in 1819 to be the healthiest drinking water in Britain! The original Spa Pavilion has been magnificently restored after a period of disuse and now serves as a venue for a variety of events, including concerts, dances, dramas and exhibitions. The former Victorian railway station, which in times past brought many visitors from near and far, has now been beautifully restored to house craft workers and their shops, and is also home to the Highland Museum of Childhood. Visit the restored Pump house (also a Tourist Information point), take a walk along a forest track, or enjoy the views from the nearby pictish hill fort at Knockfarrel. Whatever you decide there's plenty on offer for all the family.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas