Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings.
Renovated, but retaining its original character, the cottage is compact, well maintained and comfortably furnished. Located equally, only 11 miles from the small crofting village of Durness and KInlochbervie, this unspoilt corner of Scotland, offers a wide range of activities. This is eagle and red deer territory and there are more often than not, opportunities to spot some of the rare and varied wildlife from outside the front door of the house. The famous Dionard fishing river is just down the track opposite the cottage. Munroes can be conquered from the front door as Cranstackie beckons you over. Long golden sandy beaches in either direction, trout fishing in the lochs and as much fresh air as you want! Easy parking by wooden deck outside french windows at the back door.On entering the bootroom there are ample shelves and hooks for boots and coats. A sofa too makes getting those boots on easier! The wheel barrow is for collecting wood from the shed along the road for the fires. A small cloakroom is off this room. The utility room houses a fridge freezer,washing machine and separate drier. Ironing board and iron, pegs and washing basket. The kitchen end of the large room has an oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, larder fridge, toaster & coffee machine .Optional underfloor heating .Various cupboards contain a large selection of cooking utensils. crockery,cutlery and glasses. A large picture window and breakfast bar give massive views up the glen. The other end has a woodburner fire with overhead slatted drier, four comfortable chairs,dining table and chairs. The only bathroom which has a shower, basin,shaver plug and toilet is downstairs . The tiled floor has optional underfloor heating & a heated towel rail. There is also another sitting Snug room with another wood burning fire and free sat television. A DVD player and videos also available along with a large selection of board games for adults and children. A three seater sofabed with chaise long plus other comfy chairs are a perfect way to relax after a long day walking, fishing or sightseeing. The under stair cupboard holds the hoover. The stairs are quite narrow and steep. Plenty of handrails are there to be used. There are two carpeted attic bedrooms , one with two single beds which can push together and another with a 5 foot bed king size bed. Both rooms have hanging spaces for clothes and shelves. Dormer windows look out over the hills
We have a large collection of empty whisky boxes on display . Please feel free to add to this if you want . All the downstairs floors are wooden painted floors. Dogs should not be left unattended in the cottage. The rooms are heated with either the log fire or oil heaters which have got timers . There are fan heaters as well. Electricity is charged at the end of your stay according to the units used. Meter readings are read at the beginning and end of your stay. It works out at 29per unit depending on the Hydro electric rates..This will be taken off the deposit plus any damages and the rest returned to you within 14 days of your holiday. We do not charge you for the daily rate of electricity. The meter cupboard is at the bottom of the stairs in a box at ceiling level.
Please remember to switch off heaters and underfloor heating when you leave. The water supply is now through a borehole near cottage. The water is pumped up to a filtration unit with ceramic and ultraviolet filters in the milk house adjoining the cottage.The hot water tank is also in there and is left on all the time when guests are staying. We do have the water tested regularly . It has been passed safe to drink by the Highland Coucil. We do provide IL of water. There are two grocery stores in Durness. The Spar shop is extremely well stocked with a large selection of fresh vegetables,fish, bread and alcohol.Fuel is also available 24hrs. Walking and camping gear available too plus a post office. There are also food and hardware stores in Kinlockbervie and fuel. We allow up to two dogs per stay.They should not go upstairs or sit on the furniture.Please bring dogs bedding. £25.00 per dog is charged per week. Water bowls, old towels and poo bags provided. As cottage on a working farm, please keep on a lead if you can see sheep in nearby vicinity. There is an outside tap on milkhouse for washing off boots and dogs. Hosepipe on decking. Enjoy the cottage, relax and make the most of each day .Keysafe entry. Check In 1600 Check out 0900.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 10 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. ?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. on 31 May 2026 start from NZ$240, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. ?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. ?
Checkout is at 9:00 AM.
Where is Carbreck - Comfortable Shepherd's House In Beautiful Scenic surroundings. located?
Located on a river, this family-friendly cottage is within 12 mi (20 km) of Loch Inchard, John Lennon Memorial Garden and Durness Beach. Balkaniel Beach and Oldshoremore Beach are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Thank you for staying with us and looking after the cottage so well. Glad you enjoyed your time there and got to see some parts of the highlands. An original shepherds house tucked in the middle of his hirsel.
Great place. Beautiful landscapes. Carbreck and its remote location is an unforgettable experience. If you want to be in the nature and get the feel of Scotlands’ Highlands and the Atlantic Ocean breeze, that’s your spot.
Luke R.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 January 2026
So glad you were all able to experience such amazing views, long white beaches, high empty hills and dark skies up at Carbreck. That Atlantic Ocean breeze was so gentle for a pleasant change too!
Thank you for staying with us and looking after the cottage.
Lovely old cottage with modern facilities, characterful and comfortable, in a splendidly isolated position, though on the main road north.Gillie was such a lovely and helpful host, and Lin sent clear and useful information about my arrival and access. All in all a great stay and a privilege to be able to spend time in this wildly beautiful and sparsely populated part of the North West Highlands.
Derek R.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 February 2026
What an amazing trip you had and wonderfully supported by public transport. The weather was so changeable but the photos you provided showed off Carbreck’s position to its finest on that hillside.
Even the unexpected power cut with the high winds didn’t dampen your spirit. Thank you for finally making it up to our little cottage in the hills. You left it spotless, thank you.
We really enjoyed the location.
It is a nice and neat house with a great wood burner
Evert v.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 November 2024
So pleased you found Carbreck so suitable for a winter holiday. When both wood burners are on the cottage takes on such a cosy atmosphere.
The cottage certainly sits very gently on the hillside in its isolation.
Thank you for staying with us.
The owner has thought of every detail to make your stay comfortable. It's around 10-15 minutes drive from Durness but is situated in beautiful mountain landscape. The cottage is easily accessible though, being on the Durness road.
Sue B.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 August 2025
Thank you for your helpful review. So glad you found the cottage comfortable and matched your needs for your holiday.
Carbreck is equidistant to Durness and Kinlochbervie with Spar food shops and petrol stations in both.
Walks straight out of the cottage are easy or more challenging depending on your mood.
Thank you for leaving so clean and tidy after your stay and for finding us.
So glad you found all excellent at carbreck cottage. It seems that your hopes of fishing and walking were all granted. Glad you found the cottage suited all your needs.
Great place, stunning views. We had the best weather for April … downside, there was no BBQ!Would definitely stay again.
Carol F.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 April 2025
Carbreck really does have views for miles . The cottage is well placed to travel in either direction.
Certainly having that great weather was such a bonus. Sorry no BBQ. We do have some disposable ones we can provide for a small fee. Thank you for finding us, staying with us and giving us a review.
Very comfortable stay, owner was exceptional with communication.
We had a lovely experience and stay at this property.
Wendy R.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
Delighted that we could have you all to stay at the cottage and that you were able to benefit from the great weather and the views. Hope the trip around the NC500 goes well.
Carbreck is a magical place - set along a magnificent highland glen. The perfect place to rest and reset - we didn’t want to leave
Karen B.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 March 2025
Thank you for finding our magical place!
It really is amazing how once you get inside the cottage you feel exhilarated by those huge views across the valley. If the weather turns at all the fires soon make the cottage very warm and cosy.
So glad you experienced the superb weather that adds to joy of the holiday.
Thank you for looking after the cottage so well.
The cottage has everything you need to use as a base for exploring this remote part of Sutherland. The only downside is the upstairs space where it is a bit awkward for tall people.
Sandi P.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2025
Thanks for your review.
Yes Sutherland is pretty remote, but glad you found all you needed in the cottage.
So sorry you found the ceilings a bit low upstairs. We could certainly have made up the sofabed downstairs for you. Thanks for raising this point, as useful for other tall guests.
Thanks for staying with us.
Lovely stay at Carbreck, right on the NC500 in North West Scotland.The cottage had all amenities and was a cosy place especially as storm Amy hit.2 lovely lounge areas and a large kitchen.Electricity is an extra so need to budget for this especially in the winter months.We enjoyed the log burner, very cosy. Shower was also great.It is quite remote so glad we had taken supplies with us.Thank you for a lovely stay in an idylic setting for our NC500 trip.
elaine b.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 October 2025
So glad you felt cosy and warm in Storm Amy. As you say, plenty of places to sit and relax in the cottage. Yes we do charge extra for electricity, to give guests the choice as so many are out walking ,swimming or sightseeing all day. Although quite remote ,the cottage is exactly 11 miles either way from Durness or Kinlochbervie for supplies.
Thank you for leaving all so tidy and clean after your stay. Thanks for the photos too.
Spent 7 days over new year in this lovely property. It was remote and had stunning surroundings, just the break we needed. Excellent communication with host.
Yvonne A.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 January 2025
So glad you got the peace and quiet up at Carbreck. It is sometimes difficult to find a place to really shut off and really feel rejuvenated after a holiday . Certainly the weather kept you lying low for a couple of days. Thank you for staying with us and leaving cottage so clean and tidy.
We loved our week stay in Durness. The host was great and the house had all the amenities we needed. Beds were comfy and the shower pressure excellent. It was a good place to stay to visit the North Coast, from Durness to John ‘O Groats.
Tina S.
Stayed 11 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 October 2024
So pleased you had such a good stay. You can go sightseeing in either direction from Carbreck as a useful spot to base yourselves for a holiday. So glad you were so comfortable. Thank you for looking after it so well.
Lovely cottage, 3rd time staying here and it never disappoints. If you’re after a great getaway & want to make some great memories then this is the place for you.
Highly recommend
adam m.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
Delighted you made the huge journey up here again. One of the brilliant things about the Highlands is that it really does keep giving. Glad you found the cottage comfortable and cosy and still had time to make new family memories.
Thanks for staying again.
We really enjoyed the location, the property and the people we met. The house is characterful whilst having everything one might need for an outdoors holiday.
Ian Y.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
Delighted that you and your family were able to get out and about and explore the area, it’s walks and beaches. Glad you found all you needed at the cottage. Thank you for choosing our cottage and leaving so clean and tidy .
What a delightful smiley group of friends you were! Settled into cottage well and got out and about. Sorry the weather was not so good. Thank you for leaving all so perfect.
A lovely getaway , isolated , fantastic views from the cottage , near some idyllic beaches
Yvonne A.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
Many of the glorious beaches are pretty empty and one can enjoy fantastic walks along them.
The views from the cottage go on for miles enticing you out into the big open spaces. An uplifting experience.
You certainly can see for miles out of the cottage windows. Glad you found all comfortable and thank you for leaving all so clean and tidy. Thanks for choosing our cottage.
The views are huge from the cottage, the skies go on and on. Carbreck just sits there letting her guests take it all in. So glad you enjoyed your stay there. Thank you for looking after the cottage so well.
Cottage was fabulous, clean and well provisioned. Location is breathtaking and quiet, a great base to explore the North of Scotland.
Communication with Gillie was fantastic too, made to feel very welcome.
A true gem of a property!
Edward D.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May 2024
Thank you for finding this wee gem tucked away on the hillside. So pleased you found all you needed and got out and about to explore this corner of Scotland. Beautifully looked after by you all, thank you for staying with us.
About the host
Hosted by Gillie Elliot
My husband's family are well known sheep breeders here and in the Borders and have farmed in this area since 1906. David and Gillie and their family have been coming up to Durness for 40 years. Rhigolter is a working farm with 1100 sheep. Carbreck was always a shepherd's cottage on the farm. The father of several of the families in Durness was the last shepherd to live in the cottage with his wife and children.We bought this cottage in 2006.
Why they chose this property
Carbreck was always a shepherd's cottage on the working farm and is still used for shepherds when needed. . Severel of the families in Durness whose father's where shepherd's on Balnakiel lived in the cottage.
What makes this property unique
It's huge three foot thick walls certainly make alterations a challenge! The views across the valley are awe inspiring.You can go out and climb the hills,except 1-20th October when stalking is in progress or you can stoke the woodburner,put your feet up and read your book.Take time out to enjoy the pleasures of as little internet as possible.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests