Seahorses
THE HOUSE
Completed in 2012, Seahorses was designed to give the highest standards of comfort and warmth within, whilst maintaining a traditional style of exterior. We hope to provide a contemporary home filled with light and all that is necessary for a perfect break, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Downstairs:
Upon entering the front door to Seahorses you will find yourself in the hallway, with plenty of hooks for hanging coats and dog leads.
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The sitting-room is a large, light room with stunning views across Loch Nedd to Quinag and out to sea. It has a log burner (initial supply of logs provided) and lovely comfy sofas and chairs covered in luxurious fabrics by Abraham Moon and Sanderson. Most evenings you will be able to watch the badger through the patio doors as she eats her way through the bowl of food you have left out. There is also a flat screen TV with DVD/Blu-ray player and a great selection of DVDs. There is Wi-Fi (not superfast!) throughout the house along with a landline telephone (mobile reception can be variable indoors).
The well equipped kitchen has a Neff electric oven and induction hob, microwave, toaster, Nespresso Coffee machine, Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker, integrated dishwasher and tall fridge freezer. The utility area has a washing machine, tumble dryer and an extra fridge freezer.
Open plan with the kitchen is the dining room, with large oak dining table for six and more fabulous views!
There is a downstairs loo off the hall, together with "the cupboard under the stairs!"
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One of the king-size bedrooms is on the ground floor and has an en-suite wet-room suitable for those who might find the stairs a challenge.
The front door has a level threshold and the entire ground floor is on one level.
A ground source heat pump provides the hot water and the underfloor heating downstairs and in all of the bathrooms and the Thermaskirt heating upstairs.
Upstairs:
Both upstairs bedrooms (one twin & one king-size) have fabulous views and their own en-suite shower rooms.
All of the shower rooms have power showers, independently controlled underfloor heating and heated towel rail.
We have a travel cot (with extra mattress and some bedding), highchair, stair-gate and baby bath plus lots of toys to help keep little ones amused.
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Outside, there are places to sit and relax and a charcoal barbecue (and tools) for warm evenings (please bring your own charcoal).
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The outside space is partly fenced, with the sheep free to roam wherever they want, so please take care with children and dogs.
GALLERY
Click on an image for full size view
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THE NEIGHBOURS
Seahorses sits alone 500m along a rough track off the B869.
The only neighbours you will see on a regular basis are sheep, birds and the badger!
The sheep roam freely about, so care should be taken if your dog isn't used to them.
The birds are numerous and varied, with the feeder outside the kitchen window being visited by many different types. You will find a supply of different bird feeds in the house (under the stairs).
The badger makes an appearance at the patio doors most evenings, she likes peanuts, sugar free peanut butter sandwiches, bananas and eggs.
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The area also boasts a very strong herd of wild red deer. You might not spot them from the house but you will often see them when you are out and abut in the hills and you will definitely hear them during October when the "rut" is in full swing! There are also smaller Sika deer in the woods below the house.
Seals are often seen basking on the small islands in the loch, however the otters tend to be rather shy - but there are some in the area and careful watching and patience will often be rewarded.
If you are lucky enough you might also see the pine marten, eagles, both golden and sea eagles, tawny owls, buzzards and peregrine falcons!
SEE AND DO
Whatever your ability there is a walk for you not too far away...
How many different species will you see.....?
Assynt is famed for its wonderful wild trout fishing whether it be for little brownies or legendary monsters....
From the smallest lichens on a rock to the magnificent cetaceans of the sea, and much more in between, all to be found in Assynt.
The iconic peaks of Quinag, Cùl Mòr, Suilven, Canisp and Stac Pollaidh are all within easy reach of Seahorses.........
Stunning white sand, pebbles, rock pools, shingle, sea weed, cliffs, clear blue water....need I say more?
The oldest rocks to be found anywhere in Europe are in the North West Highlands Geopark.
Whatever you are looking for, be it food supplies or souvenirs there's plenty of choice.
From the best fish and chips to fine dining..... it can all be found within easy reach of Seahorses.
With virtually no light pollution or buildings to spoil the view of the sky, Assynt is the perfect place for star-gazing.
The coastal waters and sea lochs of Assynt provide you with the opportunity to test your sea-legs.
Cycling along roads through the stunning scenery of Assynt....
GUEST COMMENTS
LOCATION
By Car:
From Inverness
Head to Ullapool on the A835 then follow the road north passing through the village of Elphin.
You will come to a "T" junction (Ledmore Junction) and you should turn left on the A837 heading towards Lochinver. Keep on this road through Inchnadamph and Loch Assynt will appear on your left. After passing the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the banks of Loch Assynt you should take a right turn onto the A894 towards Durness.
After 5 miles take the left turning onto the B869 signed to Drumbeg. This is a single track road, upon which you should take care for oncoming traffic and use the passing places to allow following vehicles to overtake. After 7 miles you will pass through the village of Nedd. The turning for Seahorses is through a metal gate on the right at the far end of the village.
There is a sign "Seahorses" to the left of the gate. Go through the gate (closing it behind you) and keep bearing left.
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If travelling from Lochinver the gateway is on your left just before the Nedd sign.
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Inverness Airport has direct flights from London Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Dublin, Shetland, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides and Amsterdam. (Invernessairport.co.uk)
At the airport there's lots of choice for car hire and then it's just a two hour drive, mostly through glorious scenery, to Seahorses.
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Click the button below to see the journey from the A894/B869 junction to Seahorses in double time - we don't really drive that fast!!
FAQs
What else is there in the house?
We hope we have provided everything you need for a stress-free, relaxing holiday. You will find all the usual kitchen appliances, utensils, pots and pans, crockery, glasses etc. We also leave a supply of sanitising and cleaning products, washing and dishwashing tablets, tea towels, kitchen towel, loo roll and hand soaps.
Tea bags, coffee, sugar and kitchen cupboard essentials
Nespresso Coffee Machine
Ninja Foodi 7-in-1 Multi Cooker
Starter supply of logs and kindling for wood burning stove
Travel cot with extra mattress
High chair
Stair gate
Baby bath
Children's cutlery and crockery
Microwave Tommee Tippee bottle steriliser
First aid kit
All linens and towels (bath sheet, bath & hand towel per person).
Hairdryer in all bedrooms.
Extensive library of books, concentrating on wildlife, nature, Scottish history and astronomy .
DVD library, with plenty of children's DVDs too!
Wi-Fi - through 4G router, not suitable for downloading large files.
Toy box
Wii Games Console
Stunt Kite
Bluetooth speaker for connection to iPod/MP3 via Bluetooth or audio cable (supplied)
Astronomical telescope and tripod with plenty of astronomy books so you know what you are looking at!
Spotting scope and tripod
Binoculars
Fly-fishing and sea-fishing equipment
Board games and jigsaws
Garmin GPS pre-loaded with a number of local walks
Maps, guidebooks and compasses
SatMap GPS
Motorola Walkie Talkies
Supply of bird food
Welcome Basket filled with lots of lovely local produce
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Can I bring my dog?
We are happy to accept up to two well-behaved, house-trained dogs. Dogs are not allowed in bedrooms or on furniture and must not be left unattended in the house at any time (unless in own cage). Guests will understand that any damage will have to be charged for, as will any additional cleaning required. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept cats.
Please clean up after your dog, we provide poo bags, water and food bowls and a canine first aid kit.
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What do I need to bring?
The village shop in Drumbeg, although relatively small, is well stocked.
Bring warm clothes and waterproofs for the great outdoors, with walking boots or shoes.
The sun in the summer can be very strong so don't forget the sun lotion.
Buckets, spades and beach towels.
Although midges are not generally a problem, they can make their presence felt on calm, dull, damp days. It is therefore always advisable to have some form of repellent such as (our particular favourite) Avon "Skin So Soft" or "Smidge".
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How do I book and check availability?
For all bookings please click here to be taken to our partners, the fab Wilderness Cottages!
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