Charming Beachside Fisherman’s Cottage Near Royal Dornoch – Dog Friendly

Escape to the peaceful Scottish Highlands with a stay at this beautifully renovated fisherman’s cottage in the heart of Portmahomack, just steps from a stunning sandy beach and only 20 minutes from Royal Dornoch. Nestled along the famous North Coast 500 route, this cozy seaside retreat is perfect for couples seeking relaxation, coastal adventures, and unforgettable scenery. 45 miles north of the city of Inverness.

Inside, the cottage combines traditional charm with modern comfort. It has been recently refurbished and has everything you should need for a self catering break. Relax by the wood-burning stove in the winter after a day exploring the coast, enjoy restful nights in the luxurious super king-size bed, and unwind in the deep freestanding bath. The warm interiors and thoughtful details create a welcoming atmosphere that instantly feels like home.

Outside , 5 steps to the right is the lovely sheltered sandy dog friendly beach, 3 steps to the left is the Castle Hotel pub which has just been totally refurbished and has good pub food and great cocktails and drinks, benches outside so you can sit looking directly at the sea and the stunning sunsets in the summer. Watch for dolphins in the bay, admire the Northern Lights on clear evenings, or take long coastal walks with your dog along the beautiful shoreline.

Located in a charming and unspoiled fishing village, the cottage is perfectly placed for discovering the Highlands, historic sites, whisky distilleries, golf courses, and nearby towns such as Tain and Dornoch. Whether you are looking for a romantic escape, a scenic road trip stop, or a relaxing coastal break with your four-legged companion, this cottage offers an authentic Highland experience filled with warmth and character. Portmahomack is a 45 mile drive from the City of Inverness, which is easily accessible to pop in for shopping or a day trip. The airport is some 9 miles west of the city and has daily flights to London, Bristol and Manchester.

Fountain Cross Cottage is situated in the centre of this pretty, unspoilt fishing village with excellent amenities all close by. We have a fabulous pub with the BEST food next door.
For guests who are driving up from the south we also have a flat in prime Edinburgh location that we offer to existing guests and also new guests that re booking Fountain Cross Cottage if guests would like to break the journey and stop off in Edinburgh . Please request we send you the air bnb link as it is an invitation only property. It is also fully licenced with Edinburgh Council .

Just across the road , 10 steps to your right is a superb, dog friendly sandy beach, with stunning views of the Sutherland Mountains and beyond and the attractive fishing harbour and pier with the lobster pots are on your doorstep.

The village has an excellent local shop and post office with local produce, cheeses, meats and wine, has paddle boards and kayaks to hire. The Castle, the local pub is 6 steps to your left and serves a very good pint and excellent food, the locals are super friendly and welcoming, The Oystercatcher restaurant is open in the summer months, only 4 doors down but make sure you book in advance.
The Golf Club has fabulous food ( catered for by the Inver pub nearby which is also excellent ), also licenced and very welcoming and a short walk away. The course is also open to non members and is a fabulous little links course. Tain Golf Course and the Royal Dornoch also a short distance away.

The cottage door opens into the hallway followed by feature stable doors leading into the living room with wood burner.

The cottage has recently been fully renovated with a new central heating system, bathroom, and flooring and decoration throughout.

The adjoining kitchen is accessed from the living room through another stable door, which is useful again for dogs, it is well equipped with modern built-in units and a dining table for two.

Steep cottage stairs lead up from the living room to the first floor landing., while we do have hand rails the stairs we like to make sure guests appreciate that the stairs are very steep and extra should be taken. The cottage is not really suitable for people with reduced mobility given the gradient of the staircase.The double bedroom is attractively presented in a pretty cottage style and a new bathroom with a deep freestanding bath with a hand held in bath shower attachment. The bedroom has a super king size bed with a firm orthopaedic mattress.

Outside the back door from the kitchen is an enclosed patio area .
The area is renowned for its archaeological sites and at the nearby Tarbat Discovery Centre there is a fascinating display of Pictish, Norse and Medieval artefacts. There are superb coastal walks direct from the cottage, a particularly spectacular walk winds around the coast, passing the Tarbat Lighthouse on the promontory. Within ten minutes’ drive lies the oldest Royal Burgh of Scotland, predominantly built from local mellow sandstone, Tain is a charming historic town and offers an excellent selection of small shops, restaurants, cafés and pubs as well as a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities. It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highland region. Nearby places of interest include the Whisky Distillery Centre, home of Glenmorangie single malt, the famous Falls of Shin, one of the few places to see salmon leaping close to hand, and the enchanting town of Dornoch, with its magnificent cathedral, award winning sandy beach and championship golf course. And just look out of your bedroom window to check out the beach…
OnStreet parking directly outside the cottage
We do have a washing machine, but no internal drier, just and outside line and an electric drying rail.

Stow cottages has a portfolio of 4 small cottages in the prime UK locations, the Cotswolds Stow on the Wold , Rural Worcestershire loft farm stay, and a fully offgrid accessible lodge on the edge of the farm surrounded by glorious English countryside, all listed on Air bnb, and offering a different flavour of the UK.