We're a group of three families who have spent a week together on the west coast of Scotland for the last 20 years. This year, we reached 'peak holiday house' with our stay at Balnakeil. It is a beautiful house in a stunning location. The inside is warm and comfy, and has been renovated to a very high standard whilst still being welcoming and relaxing. The downstairs kitchen-dining-sitting room is superb for a big group to socialise together. The kitchen itself is really well equipped and our group of 15 easily fitted round the huge table. There's a more formal dining room upstairs but we loved the kitchen space so much we just used it as a revision room for those unlucky enough to be doing exams! There's a separate sitting room and also a games room so plenty of space to spread out and accommodate those that want to be noisy and those that want a quiet corner. The beds were super-comfy and the showers strong with lots of hot water (use the advance button on the boiler if required). Open the back door and you are yards away from one of the most gobsmackingly gorgeous beaches in Scotland. We loved the area so much that we only got in our cars for a trip out once, preferring to spend our time walking on the beach and surrounding coast.
We loved it so much that whilst we were there we booked in for next year - says it all!

My parents booked this amazing family holiday for us. There were 12 of us. Including 4 kids, ages 6 & 10.
My parents have been visiting the area for years and had seen the house when it was unoccupied and whilst it was being renovated. It was a dream to stop here and it came true. Living up to and exceeding expectations.
This house is just amazing. The setting, the interior, the lawn, just all of it. Everything you need and more. Home from home.
Very well equip. From herbs and spices to cool bags and ice packs. DVDS to body lotion. Games for all the family, body boards and BBQ. Really Comfy beds and amazing views.
The kitchen/diner window seat was my favourite spot inside the house. This overlooked the beach.
We had sheep and rabbits just over the fence too.
The beach is amazing and the sea crystal clear, if not a little cool! The sand dunes are awesome. We spent lots of time sand boarding down them.
The shop is a couple of minute drive away.

Things to do and see:
Smoo Cave (5 min drive) is a good place to visit for an hour or so.

We also visited Oldshoremore beach and Polin beach, near Kinlochbervie (approx 40 mins drive). The beaches were beautiful here too and the climate was about 7 degrees warmer, as they are off the west coast, rather than the north.

We took our inflatable Kayaks with us and used these on the sea at our beach (Balnakeil) and Polin beach. On Polin beach we discovered caves in the massive rock/land to the right side of the sea/beach.
We also visited Tarbet (you can get a ferry across to Handa Island here) and had a picnic on the grass area just up from the jetty/pebbly beach. We took the kayaks around the water/sea here too and paddled (in the kayaks) around many little rocks/islands. We discovered seals, basking in the sun on a rock, they watched us for a while and then jumped in and swam around us (at a distance) afterwards. The sea was really calm and so clear. Before we headed home (to Balnakeil House), we went to Scourie and had fish and chips from a chip van. These were delicious. I think the van opens on a Tue and Thur.

We will certainly be holidays up that way again and hope to stay at Balnakeil House again in the future too.

We stayed in Balnakeil House two years in a row in August 2013 and 2014. The house really has been beautifully renovated and equipped with everything you could need. The bedrooms are very comfortable and there are several public rooms. In fact, for both visits, the amazing kitchen was the social heart of the house and the dining room and living room were underused although very comfortable. Balnakeil beach is a wonder. There are many interesting walks close by – shore and hill -– and several nice day trips. Chocolate Mountain and the Northern Delights bakery are a short walk away and highly recommended. Balnakeil House is an excellent choice, especially for a larger group. We would gladly come again. This part of Scotland is breathtaking and really worth a visit.

We spent a fabulous week at Balnakeil with family ranging from 7 to 70 years old. The house is situated yards from the extensive beach and has been tastefully restored to provide a beautiful and very comfortable home complete with up-to -date facilities. There was plenty of space to accommodate our extended family, whether cooking together, dining around the wonderful dining room table or finding places "to chill!" With a beach on the door step, a surf shop nearby, wonderful walks and cycle routes on hand and a fabulous chocolate shop within walking distance there was plenty to keep all 16 family members entertained ! Have no hesitation in recommending this holiday rental and look forward to returning before too long !