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2 Guests
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1 Bedroom
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1 Bathroom
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Pets Yes
Features
- Electric vehicle charging
- Off road parking
- Ground floor accommodation
- Ground floor bedroom
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Cot available
- Washing machine
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
34 Customer Reviews
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"Our initial impression was that the property was was in a beautiful location and is very well presented."
Imagine our surprise when we entered the dinner to find a lovely selection crisps and biscuits plus a bottle of Scottish water. The house was spotlessly clean and included towels and bed linen. Despite what other’s have said we found the bed firm and very comfortable indeed. The kitchen was very well appointed and ther was even a litre of lovely cold milk in the fridge
Many thanks for your great feedback, we hope to welcome you back to Brodie or one of the other National Trust for Scotland properties. Property Owner
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"There were some welcome touches such as provision of scatter cushions in the living room, ornaments and replacement dining room furniture."
Initially we found the bed to be very hard, not as we remembered from previous visits. We thought we were maybe imagining this but I then read the scathing complaint from a recent guest citing this issue. I contacted NTS at Brodie Castle and Kirsty sorted the problem the same day by sourcing a new mattress topper (on a Sunday!). Once this was fitted there was a noticeable increase in comfort. This was much appreciated. Unfortunately, soon after our arrival, the weather turned unseasonably cold and we were more than glad of the wood-burning stove. It was used a lot more than we had anticipated! All in all, despite the poor June weather, we had another very pleasant stay at Cormack Lodge.
Many thanks for your comments. Great to read that Kirsty sorted out the mattress topper quickly for you. We would always strongly encourage any guests to contact the team with any issues while staying at a cottage rather than leave without allowing the team to come up with a solution. We are hoping to do a soft refurbishment to Cormack before the end of the year. Property Owner
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"We had to cut our 2 week holiday short by some 5 days due to the pain caused to both my wife and myself by the bed."
When we arrived, we found the bed mattress to be so firm it was like lying on a concrete block! In all our years of using Sykes as a company which we relied on to provide us with a good holiday, we have never had anything like this before. No matter how hard you pressed, there was very little give on the mattress, and we were unable to rest comfortably without either of us being in pain as if we had slept on the floor. in fact, I have slept on floors in tents while camping right through to comfortable ‘posh’ hotel beds with no discomfort such as this caused. Due to the amount the holiday had cost us, along with the distance travelled to get there, we had pinned our hopes on this being an excellent break, so we endeavoured to stay as long as possible. Imagine my horror of finding my wife in tears on the Tuesday morning and being unable to move due to the pain, and with her being scared to try and sleep there any more, I decided it would be better to bring her home. When we first arrived, there was a terrible musty damp smell throughout and along with the musty smell, that others have also commented on in their reviews, in the kitchen we also found a mouse carcass along with a cardboard Rodent Trap/Bait Box for Mouse Poison Control by the boiler. I appreciate the wildlife problems that can happen and understand the problems therein, but to leave a carcass in the kitchen where food is prepared is certainly not in health and safety considerations or something your guests should experience. As you know, mouse droppings etc are enough for councils to close down establishments where food is prepared. The trap in the kitchen was very dirty and covered in grime as if it had been there for a very long time. This total experience has really soured our impression of the Sykes holiday experience we have enjoyed for many years. Sykes say that they have not had any complaints so if you have had any poor experience at this lodge I would advise you to complain so that things may improve for other visitors.
Thank you for your feedback about your recent stay at Cormack Lodge at Brodie. We have written to you via Sykes to address your comments. The mattress in Cormack Lodge is new, purchased from a local social enterprise company. They have also supplied other NTS cottages and apartments in the Highlands and we haven't received any negative comments about the comfort of the other mattresses. We would have been most happy to try and replace the mattress during your stay from other beds at Brodie if you had contacted us while you were on site. We could have also added a mattress topper to the bed if we had been alerted to you discomfort. We would have been keen to address your concerns there and then. Holidays Dept NTS Property Owner
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"I rented the place because I had some family connection to the area but if I didn’t have that I don’t know if I would be able to justify the expense for the accommodations."
I did appreciate the flowers and small amenities but I did find it as not an ideal place as most stores and restaurants are in neighboring towns and not nearby.
Many thanks for your feedback about Cormack Lodge. The cottage is situated in the grounds of Brodie Castle rather than the town of Forres. It is a short drive to Forres for the supermarkets and shops. Property Owner
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"Loved Cormack Cottage, comfortable, warm and ideally situated!"
The complementary castle tour and use of the grounds was the cherry on top of the visit. Will recommend and return.
Many thanks for your kind words and we look forward to welcoming you back. Property Owner
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"Loved the cottage, the setting and everything about Cormack Lodge."
To make it perfect, a little footstool in the lounge. For putting up weary legs after walking the grounds with the dog. Yes the skylight in the kitchen leaked a little, but we had heavy rain, and a little kitchen roll did the trick. The garden was fantastic for the dogs. We will be back.
Many thanks for your feedback, we have asked the property team at Brodie to see what they can do about the skylight in the kitchen. We are hoping to get permission to remove the skylight to stop the problem. We hope to welcome you back to Brodie or indeed one of the other NTS cottages. Property Owner
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"Wonderful little cottage, very comfortable and with a lovely and secured garden for our dog to enjoy!"
The staff at the castle was really nice and very helpful. They were also very enthusiastic and clearly passionate about the estate as well. We would love to book again!
Many thanks for your lovely comments and we hope to welcome you back to a NTS property. Property Owner
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"Couple of things to consider."
When there was heavy rain it was dripping in from the skylight in the kitchen. There was a smell in the bedroom/bathroom of damp. A spare blanket would have been welcomed.
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"It was a lovely cosy cottage."
Really good value. Lovely and private and really nice dog walks straight from the door.
Many thanks for your feedback and we look forward to welcoming you back. Property Owner
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"Generally fine."
Unfortunately there was dog excrement at the front of the property and the kitchen roof window was dripping condensation onto the floor, it also desperately needs maintenance as it was black with mould. Otherwise, the cottage was comfortable, warm and just what we wanted.
Thank you for your feedback and the team at brodie has received a copy of this feedback to take action on the points you have noted. Property Owner
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"A warm , cosy, comfortable and well equipped cottage in beautiful surroundings."
Great walks from the cottage.
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"Great week at Brodie Castle,our 2 scottie dogs loved the walk around the duck pond."
Lodge very comfortable and had everything we needed.A must is the tour of the castle and a walk through the playful garden and a hot chocolate in the tea room !
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"Good value for money."
Well heated, clean and comfortable. Good kitchen. Clean towels & bed linen. Nice surroundings. However, some improvements are needed - gutters and drains blocked leading to dampness and accompanying smell; eccentric hot water - timing & quantity, simply not possible to have a bath; unable to make contact to arrange complimentary castle tour.
Many thanks for your feedback. We are sorry that the gutters were blocked, it is an ongoing job to clear leaves given the location. We hope that it didn't spoil your stay. You should have been able to contact the team by using the numbers in the welcome folder or visiting the welcome centre near the playful garden on days when the castle is open. Property Owner
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"There was apparently heating in the cottage but NOT at the correct times ."
The heating came on very early when we were still in bed . When we came in the evening about 18 00 , the cottage was not very warm and the heating was off . We had considered buying an electric fire to keep us warm . It was a good job that the weather had been quite warm during our stay !!! If we did not have a roaring coal fire on , it would have been quite miserable in the cottage . My wife has mobility issues and was unable to get into the bath because of its height . It would have been helpful to have had some kind of aid to help her get into the bath . We still had a great time in our visit to Moray
Thank you for your feedback about your stay in Cormack. The team at Brodie would have been only too happy to help with the heating if they had been contacted. We have a welcome folder in each cottage with the contact details or you can contact them via the Welcome Centre near the Playful Garden. We can certainly look for some type of aid to assist people getting into the roll top bath. Property Owner
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"A delightful cottage, I found everything I needed within a clean, comfy cottage."
The garden was fenced off and safe for the dog. The only drawback was the noisy road just outside the gate though saying that Brodie Castle grounds was just across the road and I enjoyed the peace and the gardens when the visitors had gone.
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"What a wonderful location, among the trees on Brodie estate, grounds of Brodie Castle excellent, great place to walk your dog, as is the path beside the Duck pond."
All nearly next door to the Lodge, but far enough away as to maintain your privacy. The Lodge is spacious and well equipped, log burner very useful, when needed, cosy. Garden in enclosed and a good size. Would definitely stay there again. Forres is 5 minutes down the road, where are family live, so perfect spot for us. Aug 2023. Sue, Glen & Gracie dog, from Lincoln.
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"A return visit to Cormack Lodge as the location is excellent."
We love the wood at the back and walk to Brodie castle, the enclosed garden and easy access to everywhere. The cottage is no frills, and since the makeover it’s not as comfortable as it was. We avoided the living room as it a little too soulless now. The space for a cottage for two is comfortable, the bath is great and plenty of hot water and heat, when required. The bedroom is comfortable, but would benefit from airing out. The dining room is great for eating and relaxing (would be better if the dining chairs were upgraded). The kitchen is adequately equipped. You need to bring essentials such as hand soap, kitchen roll, bin bags (as only one provided) and decent toilet paper. However, we have visited three times now so the pros do outweigh the cons. Brodie is a very lovely place to stay.
Thank you for your feedback and it was good to read that you have stayed with us a couple of times. We are currently working on a refurbishment programme of the holiday cottages and we are trying to schedule some work in Cormack Lodge. We have asked the team at Brodie to check the bedroom and air the room. Property Owner
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"The property suited my needs without any difficulties."
It was ideally located for using as a base and exploring Scotland. The woodland walks were good and also the duck pond close by. I had no difficulties with any of the equipment whilst staying at the property. Cormack lodge would be my first look to see if available for future booking
Many thanks for your feedback and we look forward to welcoming you back. Property Owner
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"This was our second visit to Cormack Lodge."
It was pleasing to note that previous comments that I and others had made had been actioned. Furnishings had been upgraded and both Wi-Fi and tv reception were much improved. There is more information available in loose sheets but this could be improved by including these in a comprehensive folder for the property. Unfortunately the garden area still awaits turfing following drainage repairs but direct contact with NTS explained that this work had been delayed due to adverse weather conditions before our arrival. Fortunately weather conditions were dry during our two-week stay. All in all we had a very pleasant return visit.
We have new welcome folders being introduced in all the NTS cottages and apartments. Property Owner
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"Second stay at Cormack just as enjoyable as first stay last May."
Everything perfect. Walks from outside door which is a must for us. Back in October. Thank you.
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"There was no broadband on our arrival."
I tried reporting the issue on the numbers given for Brodie castle and the duty manager but both went to voicemail. This was around 4pm. The Sunday morning there was a knock on the door and a groundskeeper said but had been contacted and would look at the fault. We heard nothing until Tuesday morning when we got a call to arrange a convenient time for someone to enter the cottage. I explained that we had had to travel home for my wife’s mum’s funeral on th Tuesday and wouldn’t be back until Wednesday evening so with only two days of our holiday left we didn’t want to be tied waiting for repairs. So no broadband all week. Also there were no kitchen towels provided or oven gloves. And no instructions for the heating, the sheets of paper left with information for the cottage said instructions were in a folder in the kitchen but there was no folder. In addition the garden was dug up, whilst we were made aware of this a couple of days before we arrived it was disappointing that we couldn’t sit outside as it’s a key aspect of what we enjoy. Overall it was a very disappointing experience (particularly since we originally booked south lodge).
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"There was a definite improvement on last year's stay; but could I suggest a list of bins day."
My family live in Forres and I know the bin days are weeks apart, but a list left in a prominent place could go a lot to easing the bin problem. Saying that the shed was very much improved. My comments about the thinness of towels were taken on board things were much improved. Also, how about a book where we could pass on places to visit and shops to shop in, we had something like that in a cabin in Rafford a few years back which we found useful. However, as we know the area quite well, we were okay. Television reception could be improved; but we enjoyed the silence and listening to the radio whilst reading our books.
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"This cottage was clean and tidy but not very homely we spoke to the girl who manages the property and she told us that it was due for upgrading."
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"Cormack Lodge was very comfortable ( apart from dining chairs!"
), generally well equipped and furnished to a good standard for a holiday let. Your listing includes a DVD player which isn’t there any more. This was raised with NTS staff at Brodie Castle but nobody got back to us on this. As TV reception is suspect due, I think, to a bad aerial connection, a DVD player is all the more relevant. Some other issues / facts that should be highlighted are: - - lack of any comprehensive information pack relevant to the property (e.g. location of shops or services, local recycling regime and bin collection, simple collated instructions for equipment in property, etc.) - WiFi doesn’t work in lounge so ‘smart’ features on TV don’t work, so no iPlayer or red-button available. - lighting is very dull for reading by, in what is already a fairly dark, shady cottage. - no oven gloves in kitchen and only one thin dish towel for a two-week stay. It should be noted in the listing that there is no mobile phone reception in the property on BT mobile or EE. This was an issue for me because of inability to receive one particularly important incoming call on a medical issue.
Many thanks for your comments and we apologise for the issues you had. We have checked with the property team at Brodie about your comments. The DVD player has recently broken and unfortunately the entry on this website wasn't amended in time for your visit. We are going to fit a wifi booster to try and improve the wifi signal in this cottage for the TV and browsing. It is unfortunate but the cleaners didn't set out the correct amount of oven gloves and tea towels when they serviced the property. The team at the castle would have happily brought more across to you if they had known. We will ask Sykes to note on the entry for Cormack regarding the mobile signal. Property Owner
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"+ Spotless, good standard of decor and flooring, kitchen well equipped, outside table bench, good sized garden well fenced."
- No info for visitors, (recycling bins, local interest etc), walls bare, only a few pictures perhaps some photographs of local features? No cushions on chairs. Right next to a fast road.
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"A really quaint old cottage ideally situated for our needs and nice to come home too after a day adventuring."
Thank you very much for your kind comments. Property Owner
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"Comfortable bed and plenty of lovely white towels."
The rooms smelt musty on arrival but after some air came through it was better. It was thoughtful to have milk in the fridge for our arrival and biscuits .Thank you .
Thank you very much for your feedback. Sorry to read that the property smelt musty on your arrival. We will ask the housekeepers to try and air the cottage for longer when cleaning. Glad you appreciated the milk in the fridge. Property Owner
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"The property had not been serviced when we arrived but a phone call was met with a prompt response."
The TV channels were very limited. We would prefer an enclosed shower.
Many thanks for your feedback. We are very sorry that you had to contact the team as the property had not been serviced. This is very unusual and the property team will take it up with the cleaning company. We are awaiting a report on the cottage which will dictate our plans for a refurbishment. Many parts of the Highlands and Islands don't have the full Freeview package depending on which transmitter they receive the signal from. Property Owner
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"We have stayed in many National trust properties and once again not disappointed."
The location was perfect. We had our springer with us and walks direct from the door we’re ideal. Well furnished, warm and everything we needed was available. Would love to go back even later this year.
Thank you very much for your kind comments and we look forward to welcoming you back. Property Owner
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"Unfortunately we were very disappointed."
Examples: Most of the windows could not be opened. The curtains were partly moldy. The skylight in the kitchen didn't allow a second look.
Thank you for your feedback, we do have plans to survey the buildings itself and to upgrade the property. Property Owner
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"Lovely cottage in a great location."
If you lovely the simple and traditional this cottage will tick all the boxes.
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"Overall, my stay was enjoyable and the cottage pretty comfortable."
An abundance of pillows were provided which helped the extremely hard, uncomfortable sofa. A welcome packet in the cottage would be very helpful.- especially for foreign visitors like myself. I didn't understand how you waned me to sort the recycling (I am not from a recycling community so I don't know how it's done here). Instructions in the shed where the bins are kept would be extremely helpful. I didn't understand the hot water heater - getting more than 2 inches of hot water into the bath tub. The washing machine/dryer was also confusing. The router for WIFI should actually be closer to the TV to fully utilize the smart features. I could not make phone calls while in the cottage through my EE service. I had to go out on the road - very strange & inconvenient. The printed directions to the cottage location on my checking in email were not correct. So those should be edited for accuracy.
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"The cottage was clean and comfortable and we had a very enjoyable holiday."
We would definitely return in the future. The location was excellent with a lake to walk round and the whole castle grounds on the other side of the road, which unfortunately was a very fast one and went right past the front door. The rubbish bin was outside the drive and was full to overflowing when we arrived and was not emptied all week. We had to leave our non recyclable in a bin bag which was tied up on the window sill inside the house as we were frightened that foxes/rats would tear it open if we left it outside. The only other thing that could have been better was that we followed the instructions on how to find the cottage and retrieve the key and then we had no idea where we were in relation to the castle, shops etc and there was no literature inside the cottage and no one to ask. We eventually worked it out but more information, especially on the location of food shops would have been useful.
Thank you for your feedback and we have now updated the welcome pack in the cottage to give more information about local supermarkets and directions. The local council missed out our refuse collection that week, we have flagged this up with the council and not had a problem since. Property Owner
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"Great location, dog secure garden and loads of local stuff to do and see"
Glad that you enjoyed your holiday at Brodie Castle. Property Owner
Summary
- All ground floor
- One double bedroom
- Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC
- Kitchen
- Dining room
- Sitting room with a woodburning stove
- Oil-fired central heating and woodburning stove (Logs for the fire are not provided but can be bought at local stores)
- Oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, washing machine, TV, and WiFi
- Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Travel cot available
- Off-road parking
- Electric vehicle charging points on-site in the main castle car park
- Private garden with seating and access to the shared castle grounds
- Holiday guests have access to the estate grounds outside of the regular opening hours
- Well-behaved dog welcome
- There are steps to bathroom and bedroom
- The opening times, visitor facilities and entry prices of all National Trust for Scotland properties and attractions can be viewed on their website here
The property
Nestled within the dramatic grounds of the National Trust for Scotland’s 16th century Brodie Castle, is Cormack Lodge, an idyllic retreat for two to experience a holiday in Scotland like no other.
Accessed via a winding narrow lane, you can enjoy spectacular countryside views as you make your way towards this idyllic dwelling.
Step inside and discover the welcoming ground floor, filled with characterful period features and classic décor, with wooden furnishings and a rustic woodburning stove, along with a well-equipped kitchen, formal dining room and well-presented sitting room.
Utilise the kitchen’s amenities and create a tasty home cooked meal, before heading over to the dining room to enjoy over a bottle of wine and good conversation, with some of the best views in the house on offer.
Make the most of your wonderful outside space with your own private garden, where you can enjoy alfresco dining on the picnic seating and soak in the splendour of your surroundings up close.
Find the lovely sitting room, where you can spend your evenings snuggled up with your loved one as the woodburning stove creates a romantic ambience.
When you're ready for bed, walk over to the bright and airy double bedroom, boasting bedside reading lamps and ample storage.
Prepare for an adventure-filled day in the sleek bathroom, sinking into the spacious bath or grabbing a quick handheld shower.
Enjoy full access to the castle grounds, where you can take a romantic stroll on a tranquil evening or discover the history and culture of the castle itself, before stopping at the café for a hot drink.
Cormack Lodge is a rural cottage, ideal for a cosy getaway in the Scottish Highlands.
Note: This property can be booked with Refs. 1060406, 1066474 and 1060408, together sleeping 26 guests.
EPC Rating: Band E
Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: MO-00211-F
Brodie Castle Cottages
Tucked away in a historic area of the Highlands are four astounding properties, resting on the tranquil grounds of the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodie Castle, with access to a wealth of idyllic walks around the lush gardens, an adventure playground and serene ponds. Guests are able to visit the imposing castle itself and explore the captivating turrets, historic art, meet the bronze orangutan statue, or simply enjoy an afternoon coffee and cake at the castle’s café. The properties range from a romantic retreat, to a family-friendly getaway, to a palatial apartment for a large group gathering, each the perfect choice for a celebratory break with your loved ones. Explore the beautiful flora and fauna encompassing the properties; the grounds are famed for their extravagant display of daffodils in the spring, a remarkable sight, with trails and bird hides to discover too, for the ultimate wildlife watching experience. The town of Forres is easily accessible, boasting various shops, pubs and cafés to stock up on any essentials and delight in an evening away from the kitchen. Alternatively, travel to the bustling seaside town of Nairn, where you'll find fantastic amenities alongside three spectacular beaches. There are plenty of popular attractions in the nearby area, which offer the chance to discover the adventurous landscape of Scotland, including the Cairngorm Mountains, the famous Loch Ness and the glorious views and coastal attractions from Findhorn. Spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches in Moray Firth or visit the astonishing Cullen Bay and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience dolphin watching. Discover the intricate backstory of Scottish battlefield history at Culloden, also owned by the National Trust for Scotland and view the amazing Pictish carving at Sueno’s Stone. Visit the thriving Highland capital of Inverness; sitting alongside the calming River Ness, home to a theatre, cinema complex, fine dining and plenty of shopping facilities. Various National Trust for Scotland properties can be found throughout this area, so make sure to visit the Balmacara Estate & Lochalsh Woodland, Culloden, Hugh Miller Museum & Birthplace Cottage, Inverewe Garden, Kintail & Morvich (The Five Sisters), and Torridon. Choose Brodie Castle Cottages for a once in a lifetime stay for the whole family to enjoy.
About the location
FORRES
Kinloss 3.5 miles; Findhorn 6 miles; Nairn 10 miles; Elgin 12.5 miles, Inverness 27 miles
The pretty town of Forres is one of Scotland's oldest small towns and boasts an array of historical monuments, museums and castles, as well as impressive parks and award winning gardens. Forres is an ideal starting point for exploring the Malt Whisky Trail being home to two of the Distilleries, and in close proximity to another five! Forres boasts two golf courses and some excellent fishing opportunities. Ideally placed for visiting the atmospheric fishing villages that are dotted along the north east coastline and just twenty seven miles from the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, it is a great base for a holiday. You can immerse yourself in history with Cawdor and Brodie Castles, Culloden Battlefield and Fort George all within easy reach. Alternatively, you can spend time at Findhorn enjoying the beach and looking for seals or a day's watersports finishing with a drink overlooking the bay whilst the sun goes down. A five minute drive from Forres will take you to Califer Hill Viewpoint, providing stunning views across the Moray Firth, Findhorn and beyond.
There is no mobile phone signal in the property for BT Mobile and EE customers
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
- Christmas