Six generations of the Mackenzie family have occupied this traditional croft house which has recently been refurbished. It remains pretty much the same as when it was last improved from a black house by our Grandfather in 1932. The Cottage nestles just on the hill in the middle of the village and is surrounded by a fully enclosed acre of land. The patio area out front gives a 180° panoramic view of some of the most beautiful scenery in the British Isles.
Brae House
Situated in the small village of Polbain, Brae House is just 25 miles to the north of Ullapool on the road to Achiltibuie. Polbain translates from Gaelic to English as the white pool or pond and sits by the sea within the national geopark of the Coigach peninsula.
With the magnificent views towards the Torridon mountains, Aultbea and Gairloch with the un spoilt beauty of the Summer Isles to the south and the Isle of Lewis and the Atlantic Ocean heading west. A perfect location if you want to relax in the tranquillity of your surroundings. For those who prefer a more active holiday, then the sea shore to the mountains offers numerous possibilities.
For availability, bookings or any other information please call us on 01236 898094 or use the enquiry form in our contact us section.
The Cottage
A perfect highland home from home
The Lounge
This cosy lounge is the perfect place to relax when you have nothing better to do. It has two comfortable sofas, a chair and a TV unit with television and DVD player. However what sets the room off is the multi-fuel stove, which warms the room and creates the perfect cosy atmosphere.
Garden
Sitting neatly in front of the cottage is our little garden flanked on its side by some pine trees and an old Sycamore tree. It's an idyllic spot to spend a warm summer evening.
The View
Words alone can not describe the awe inspiring panoramic views from the cottage. In the East towards Ullapool we have the mountains of Dundonnell including the famous An Teallach. Straight out opposite, we have the Summer Isles. And way off to the West you can just make out the hazy shape of the Isles of Lewis and Harris.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is very spacious, fully equipped with modern appliances and has an adjoining dining area. Appliances include modern electric cooker, fridge freezer, kettle, toaster and all the utensils you would need.
Polbain
Polbain is one of a number of small villages dotted throughout the the Coigach Peninsula (Scottish Gaelic: A' Chòigeach) of Wester Ross and nestles opposite the Summer Isles just north of the main village of Achiltibuie.
The Double Bedroom
With fantastic views out over the Summer Isles and sea towards Loch Broom bedroom one has a double bed, a dresser, bedside drawers and lamps. This room also has a corner chair and an oil heater for when things get a bit chilly outside.
The summer Isles
(Scottish Gaelic: Na h-Eileanan Samhraidh) are an archipelago lying in the mouth of Loch Broom. The only inhabited isle, Tanera Mòr, is also the largest. It is home to some holiday lets, a café and a post office, which has operated its own local post and printed its own stamps since 1970.
The Shower Room and Toilet
This small but accommodating shower room and toilet has a modern electric shower, toilet and wash hand basin. There is also an adjustable shaving mirror and refuse bin.
Twin Bedroom
Bedroom two is a twin room with two single beds, a wardrobe and also has an oil heater. It also has wonderful views to wake up to similar to bedroom one. Both bedrooms have varnished wooden floors.
Coigach Peninsula
Coigach (Scottish Gaelic: A' Chòigeach) today refers to the peninsula "beyond the big rock" north of Ullapool. Coigach is an area of stark natural beauty, with mountains rising sharply to dizzying heights from quiet lochs. The highest summit is Ben More Coigach at 743 metres.
The Beaches
The coastline around Polbain and the Coigach peninsula is dotted with coves and inlets. There are several beaches of note within a short walk, easy cycle or 5 min car ride. The beaches at Bardentarbet, Achnahaird and Garvie Bay are particularly lovely.
Porch and Utility Room
This spacious area doubles as a porch and utility room where everything from walking equipment to bicycles can be stored and also contains a sink, washing machine and tumble drier for laundry and cleaning purposes.
A few words to say how much we enjoyed staying in Brae house and how much we enjoyed Polbain and the surrounding area.
Richard, Megan and family
Explore
Things to see and do
Although it may be very tempting to stay in and relax when staying at Brae House, there is great opportunity to explore what this part of Scotland has to offer. Whether it be the outdoor activities, food and drink, crafts, culture and history or wildlife and landscape, there is always something of interest around Coigach and Wester Ross. Check out the links below to see what takes your fancy.
Outdoor Activities
Walking and Climbing
Coigach and Wester Ross is home to some of the finest walking and climbing in the country. In the immediate area of Polbain there are some lovely walks accessible to people with all levels of fitness. For the more adventurous walker there are the peaks of Stac Pollaidh, Col Mor, Ben More Coigach, Suilven, Ben More Assynt and Conival. See these walks and more at www.walkhighlands.co.uk and www.scottishclimbs.com.
Hamlet mountaineering
Situated in Achiltibuie, Hamlet mountaineering offers tailer made adventures to suit all experience levels and abilities. So if you want to do a bit of hill walking, rock climbing, canoeing and sea kayaking, they will help you to find your perfect adventure.
Cycling
The roads around Coigach are quiet and generally easy for cycling and there is plenty to entertain the more adventurous mountain-bikers in the shape of off road hill and shore routes. Don’t be intimidated by those hills, just keep going - the view from the top will make it all worthwhile and it’s also a lot of fun going down the other side.
Angling
The many rivers, burns, lochs and lochans around Coigach hold wild brown trout, sea trout, salmon, ferrox trout and arctic char. Permits are widely available from the shops, bars and hotels around the area.
Sea angling from boat, shore or pier, Achiltibuie and the Summer Isles offers great scope for magical fishing trips. All the best species are here, from easy-to-catch mackerel to record-breaking skate.
Kayaking and Sailing
NorWest Sea Kayaking offers Day, 1/2Day and multi-day trips, four star accommodation based tours, camping expeditions and skills courses in the Ullapool/Achiltibuie-Summer Isles & Lochinver area. www.norwestseakayaking.com
Summer Isles Sailing School have courses on offer which include RYA Dinghy Sailing and RYA National Powerboat Scheme. www.summer-isles.com
Diving
The west coast of Scotland around the Summer Isles and Ullapool provides visitors with the opportunity to experience some of the best diving sites in Scotland. Scuba diving trips to the many famous wreck, underwater caves and fantastic wall dives that are found around the Summer Isles, Loch Broom and Gruinard area. For more information try www.creagardcharters.co.uk.
Golf
For golf enthusiasts a round can be had at the Ullapool Golf Club, which was opened in April 1998 by H.R.H Prince Andrew. The course is of a high standard and maintains a balance with the surrounding landscape so that visitors and members alike can enjoy their game whilst appreciating the beauty of the Highlands of Scotland.
Food and Drink
Shopping
Achiltibuie Stores is a short drive and is located just on the left as you drive into Achiltibue. They supply just about anything you need for your stay. They also supply fuel, kindling and even fishing tackle. They are also the only suppliers of petrol and diesel with in a 25 mile radius.
There is also a new shop, A Bhuth Bheag (the small shop), opened at Port A Bhaigh campsite at Altandhu.
Summer Isles Hotel, Achiltibuie
Try the Summer Isles Hotel for a special treat. Non-residents can dine here and sample the fine food on offer. The food and accompanying wine list are of the highest standard, worthy of its Michelin star. The hotel is open from Easter to October. To find out more visit www.summerisleshotel.co.uk.
Am Fuaran Bar, Altandhu
Open all day every day. Amenities:- Pool, darts and entertainment.Children's' license, snacks, lunches, evening meals, local seafood a specialty. Teas, coffee & biscuits served all day Takeaway food counter, freshly prepared food available. Tel: 01854 622 339
Crafts and Culture
Coigach Craft & Gift Shop, Polbain
Locally made craft goods, toys, gifts, Arran knitwear. Tea & Coffee all day. Loch and river fishing permits available. Open all year. Tel: 01854 622 346
Fisk Gallery , Polbain
Only a couple of miles or so from Achiltibuie, on the Coigach peninsula, Fisk Gallery features the work of local artisans and creatives, some of whom work in their own studio workshops within the building.
www.summerislesstudio.co.uk/Wildlife and Landscape
Wildlife around Coigach
In the mountains you will often see Red Deer, Eagles and other birds of prey, Snow Buntings and Ptarmigan. On the fabulous coast there is a huge variety of sea birds, including Sea Eagles, Divers, Terns, Skuas, Gannets and virtually every type of gull imaginable. In the water, we have seen Basking Sharks, Minke Whale, Dolphins and Porpoise, seals and occasionally an elusive Otter.
The Summer Isles
The Summer Isles (Scottish Gaelic: Na h-Eileanan Samhraidh) are an archipelago lying in the mouth of Loch Broom, just to the south of Polbain. The only inhabited isle, Tanera Mòr, is also the largest. It is home to a salmon farm, some holiday lets, a café and a post office, which has operated its own local post and printed its own stamps since 1970. Boats sail to the island from Ullapool and Badentarbet pier, which lies between Polbain and Achiltibuie.
North West Highlands Geopark
NW Highlands Geopark is located in the far north of the Scottish Highlands. Beginning at The Summer Isles in Wester Ross, near the busy ferry and fishing town of Ullapool, one of the gateways to the Geopark, the area takes in around 2000 sq km of mountain, peat land, beach, forest and coastline across west Sutherland and on to the north coast.
The eastern boundary of the Geopark extends beyond the settlement of Durness and Loch Eriboll to follow the Moine Thrust Zone, an internationally significant geological structure that helped 19th century geologists work out how the world’s great mountain ranges were formed.
A cosy welcoming wee cottage with everything we needed and stunning views of the summer isles, an ideal location for exploring the coigach peninsula and meeting the friendly locals ....a wee gem of a holiday hideaway....can’t wait to return.
Bobby and Susan, Glasgow
Tariff
Our tariff throughout the year
NOV | DEC | JAN | FEB
£530
MAR | APR | SEP | OCT
£640
MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG
£690
CHRISTMAS | NEW YEAR
£690
A deposit of £100 is required on booking. Balance due to be paid in full 2 weeks before commencement of let.
Payment can be made by cheque or direct payment.
Bookings from Saturday to Saturday, arrival after 4pm and departure by 10am.
Electricity is metered and charged at 30p per unit so we ask guests to take a note of their arrival and departure readings from the meter. Duvets, fresh bed linen and towels are provided. Prices are inclusive of coal. Sorry, no pets.
Contact us to make a booking or any other enquiry.
Brae House Availability
What a revitalising time in your dear, beautifully renovated wee croft house. It was such a delight to be living in it and that breath-taking, stunning view and the cosy fire in the evenings from that icy north wind ...wonderful!
Gillie & Ralph, Edinburgh
Location
Use the map to find our location
Polbain is one of a number of small villages dotted throughout the the Coigach Peninsula (Scottish Gaelic: A' Chòigeach) of Wester Ross and nestles opposite the Summer Isles just north of the main village of Achiltibuie. By road, it is about 25 miles northwest of Ullapool and from there takes approximately 45 minutes to get there by car. Much of the road is single track with passing places. Single track roads can be a bit daunting to people who aren't used to them, click here for information on driving on single track roads.
We had a fantastic holiday, not least because of the lovely cosy croft you have created. We enjoyed the log burner, and the lovely old sycamore tree, which the bees found irresistible. The view was superb and on a couple of days we took it all in from the patio.
Joe & Derek, Cumbria