Curlew Cottage, 15 Granary Street, Burghead, Elgin, Moray, IV30 5UJ

The perfect home from home. A warm welcome awaits you at Curlew Cottage where everything you could possibly want is there for you and all in very good and clean condition. A well equipped kitchen and even some oils, herbs, salt etc which comes in handy. Washer/dryer, dishwasher (and tablets) all there for your convenience. We've used the cottage a number of times now and have made use of the travel cot and the high chair (booster seat). The bedrooms have plenty storage space and very comfortable beds. Hairdryer and iron/ironing board also available. Bathroom has a bath(not quite full size, but very handy to have) with shower over and all towels provided. The living room has a wood burning stove (wood provided) although we've never felt the need to use the stove as the central heating is more than adequate. A large collection of books is available too and it's nice to sit back and unwind after a day of exploring with a nice glass of wine and a flick through a book. Lots of local information has been carefully put together by Ruth herself and comes in very handy. My only criticism is that we (my husband and I) find the 3 piece suite uncomfortable. The garden is lovely with part lawn and part paved/gravel (with patio furniture). A great wee sun trap and great for families as it's very safe for children. In the garden shed you'll probably find some buckets and spades or some nets for rock pool adventures for the wee ones and also a clothes horse should you need to use one. The off road parking is a huge bonus! Give Curlew Cottage a try - you won't be disappointed.

Curlew Cottage – a perfect little gem of a bolthole on the fabulous Moray Firth coast!

I have enjoyed two super Winter breaks at Curlew Cottage and am looking forward to my next visit. Let me tell you a little bit about the place, and about why I look forward so much to returning……

The cottage is a bit like the Tardis – although it looks small from the outside there is remarkably comprehensive accommodation, all on one floor, contained within its solid walls.

The property is in very good order and is always beautifully clean on arrival. Having off street parking is a great boost. The neat and tidy gardens front and back complete the relaxed feel to the cottage. The store of firewood at the back door and in the garden shed is a foretaste of the pleasures waiting once you get inside.

The sitting room is very cosy and comfortable, and features a fabulous wood burning stove that is both easy to use and very effective at heating the cottage in the coldest of weather – I hardly needed to use the central heating, even in January! The usual amenities – TV, Hi Fi etc – are provided, along with a selection of games and splendid library covering local interests and Scottish subjects. The guidebooks and maps are a boon to those not familiar with this magical corner of Britain, as are the suggestions for places to eat, drink, shop etc. contained in the comprehensive information pack for the cottage.

The two bedrooms – a double and a twin - are compact, comfortable and well equipped, as is the bathroom.

The small kitchen to the rear of the house is well enough kitted out to rustle up a good meal for four people….although the need to cook is tempered by the proximity to the excellent Bothy Bistro serving great coffee, breakfasts, soups, etc. The hospitality offered by Evelyn and Grant at the Harbour Bar is also a treat, and the food served there represents great value for money.

The beach at Burghead is exceptional – with tremendous sands and wonderful views across the firth to the mountains of Sutherland – a great place for summer sunbathing or a bracing walk on a frosty January day.

I have already booked my next stay at Curlew Cottage and would recommend it without reservation.