Welcome to the largest region in Scotland: the Highlands! This is a famous area as it’s widely used as a movie setting. Think about the Hogwarts bridge from the famous Harry Potter movie, which is called the Glenfinnan Viaduct in real life. Visiting this bridge is a must, as it’s nicely tucked away in the charming Glenfinnan hamlet near Fort William. And in case you didn’t know, Fort William is a historical town named after a fort which was demolished. The only thing that's now left is the town of Fort William.
The reason why Fort William is so famous is that there's a mountain range nearby named the Nevis Range. It's only 7 miles away from Fort William. This range is home to the mountain Ben Nevis, which is the highest point in the UK. It's an excellent place to do winter sports as well. Fort William is named after Willem van Oranje, who then became king of Scotland during the 17th century by marrying Mary II of England.
The Highlands is in our opinion the best place to go when you visit Scotland. It’s filled with wonderful lochs, such as the well-known Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Loch Morar, Loch Tay, Loch Awe, Loch Maree, and many more. Each loch has its own charm and is therefore unique. The gateway to the Highlands is through the town of Inverness. Mostly, tourists don't come for the town itself, but for its incredible surroundings and the Urquhart Castle. And not to mention they have the tastiest Highland whisky.
Are you ready to visit Scotland by staying in one of the best luxury cottages in the Highlands? We made a list of the 14 best cottages. At the top of our list are the most affordable cottages, and once you scroll down you will find the most expensive and luxurious ones. Enjoy!
Baronial Mansion - luxury cottage in the highlands
1. Baronial Mansion
Say hello to this large holiday home that's a Baronial mansion house. It was built in the 1890s, and Baronial relates to a baronial family. So these probably have lived here for many years. Anyways, you will truly feel like you're in a dream when you stay here. And you can share this dream with 10 adults if you like. Make them feel like a baron too. Each room is beautifully decorated and has different colours, so you'll feel like you're completely somewhere else once you walk from one room to the next.
Most importantly: you’ll find all the luxury you need during your stay. And not only is the house itself surrounded by wonderful nature such as mature woodland with access to a river. You will have an ideal starting point to explore the rest of the Highlands.
Baronial Mansion - Pricing
How much does Baronial Mansion cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £1,935 and £3,875. Dec 1st - Dec 20th is the most affordable period. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Skye Lodge in the Highlands
2. Skye Lodge in the Highlands
Skye Lodge is located in the so-called ''outdoor capital of the UK''. What does this mean exactly? Well, this means that it's the place to go to for amazing outdoor experiences. And not only activities, but also the incredible scenery, fresh mountain air, and peace and tranquillity no matter where you go. Maybe the ''fresh mountain air'' already gave you a big clue: the outdoor capital of the UK is Fort William. It's famous for its winter sports activities. From Skye Lodge, you will benefit from this as you'll get stunning views of the Ben Nevis mountain. This is the highest point in the UK!
Skye Lodge is a large holiday home that's beautifully furnished, spacious, and charming, and it has a relaxed and comfortable feel. It's perfect for a getaway with friends or family. Especially when you love to see mountains and breathe in the best air possible: fresh mountain air!
Skye Lodge - Pricing
How much does Skye Lodge cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £1,981 and £4,190. Dec 1st - Dec 18th is the most affordable period. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Greystone lodge in the Highlands
3. Greystone Lodge
What if you have the choice to stay in a national park amongst the Scots Pines, close to the river Spey? This is the 8th longest river in the UK, as well as the 2nd longest and fastest-flowing one. This river plays a big role in the typical Highlands’ whisky production. Along the river Spey, you'll find adorable towns to visit. So this means that having proximity to this river is a welcome benefit for exploring a great area of the Highlands. The house itself feels relaxing and welcoming. There’s a fireplace (both in a bedroom and living area), comfortable sitting rooms (for both children and adults), a tennis table, a pool table, multiple bathtubs, and of course a kitchen with all the equipment you need.
Greystone Lodge is a perfect place to stay with a group of friends or family (up to 12 people are recommended). And did I mention that this house exists since 1793? Over the years, it has become what it now is today. From the outside, you can still see that this house has a huge history. But inside, you won't even notice. Everything is well maintained. There's even a PS3 with a selection of games, and a SKY TV.
Greystone Lodge - Pricing
How much does Greystone Lodge cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £2,554 and £4,408. Dec 1st - Dec 19th is the most affordable period. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Glen Rest - #1 luxury cottage in the Highlands
4. Glen Rest – My favourite cottage in the Highlands!
In Glen Rest you can't avoid resting. Located in the Alladale Wilderness Reserve in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, you will find ultimate tranquillity and peace. The surroundings from here are one of the best of all the cottages in the Highlands. And this makes Glen Rest probably my favourite. As you can see, this house is not suitable for big groups of friends or big families. However, it's perfect for small families and couples. And even though it's located in ''the wilderness'', you will still have easy access to charming seaside resorts nearby like Ullapool and Dornoch, Furthermore, you'll be close to outstanding golf courses, and amazing walking trails.
How would it be to explore this dreamy wilderness reserve? It would be truly unforgettable, right? If you are a nature lover, and you seek the ultimate Highlands experience as a couple, small family, or a few friends, then I can't recommend this enough. I'll spoil a few other things: you could spot wildlife such as the famous Scottish wild cat, red deer, and red squirrels. Meander the rivers, lush forests, wildflower meadows, heather-covered mountain slopes, and all the rugged landscapes. And in case you’re interested: there are whisky and gin distilleries nearby, too.
I haven't mentioned anything about the house inside. But I can tell you it's extremely cosy, well-maintained, and it has all the equipment you need. When you click on the button below, the pictures speak for themselves. And you must see the 2nd picture of its surroundings!
P.S. If you want, you can even book catering. Yes, even in the wilderness. Then you'll get delicious breakfast foods, two-course lunches, and three-course dinners, made with local and seasonal organic ingredients. Now if that isn't the best luxury cottage in the Highlands...
Glen Rest - Pricing
How much does Glen Rest cost? Weekly, the price is £3,924. So no matter in which period you’re planning to come, you will always pay the same price.
The Fortalice Castle for rent in the Highlands
5. The Fortalice - Castle for rent in the Highlands
I can’t deny that this area looks incredible too. But we’ll talk about this house, first. Or is it a house? Because this is different from what we've seen before. The Fortalice is called an ancient castle. Inside, you'll taste the authenticity and find the most luxurious creature comforts. In order words: this castle still has its authentic charm, but at the same time, it offers brilliant comfort. I highly recommend the Fortalice for a wedding, as well. It has all the room for that and even a place inside to get married. With expansive inglenook fireplaces, exposed stone walls, beautiful antiques, and grand oil paintings, the Fortalice is truly something else.
You will see this once you look at more pictures through the button below. Every single room is different, extremely cosy, and also kind of makes you feel like a king or queen (especially when you look at those bedrooms). The furniture isn't modern but this makes it very authentic (it could look like something from your grandmother's house), and almost everywhere you'll see paintings on the wall, or swords or a deer's head.
Besides being incredibly unique from the inside, it's located in a highly unique location, too. It's within the Cairngorm National Park in the heart of Scotland. So you can't get more Scottish than this. You'll be located on the doorstep of Kirkton of Glenisla and Blairgowrie, and still 1,5 hours north of Edinburgh. The rolling hills around the Fortalice make it a dream place. Fortalice can host up to 16 guests.
The Fortalice - Pricing
How much does The Fortalice cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £4,962 and £9,592. Dec 1st - Dec 19th is the most affordable period. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Highland Retreat - luxury cottage in the Highlands
6. Highland Retreat
Are you looking for a retreat within the Highlands? Well, this is it. Located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, you will experience the scenic beauty and total peace. The Highland retreat is modernly designed from the inside, with a kind of the same colours/styling in each room. It has more of a ''clean'' look. On the ground floor, the many windows ensure lots of natural lighting. The wooden pillars throughout the house combined with the white walls and hanging antlers make it look very nice to the eye as well.
How big is Highland Retreat? It's a three-bedroom cottage, nestled on Glen Alladale. Alladale is a wilderness reserve that truly makes you feel you got away from it all. If you’re a nature lover, then you’ll like this pure form of raw nature. And of course the Highlands in general, too. Two other properties in this list are also located in this reserve: Caledonian Lodge, and Glen Rest. If you remember Glen Rest, you know that you’ll be surrounded by incredible nature and wildlife. But at the same time, you'll be close to the lovely seaside resorts of Ullapool and Dornoch. And not to forget those outstanding golf courses and incredible walking trails.
Tip: When you're planning to come in a cold period, I still recommend trying alfresco (outside) dining. Highland Retreat has a terrace with a barbecue. Eating whilst looking at these magical hilly views makes dining here unforgettable.
Highland Retreat - Pricing
How much does Highland Retreat cost? Weekly, the price is £5,967. So no matter in which period you’re planning to come, you will always pay the same price.
Hilltop Lodge in the Highlands
7. Hilltop Lodge in the Highlands
Within Hilltop Lodge you’ll feel like a king of the hill. And isn't this what you want when you go to the Highlands? You want to admire what makes it special: all those incredible hilly landscapes. Hilltop Lodge has a very unique position within the Scottish Highlands. This lodge offers you total privacy and tranquillity, as it's located on 5.5 acres of private grounds. Still, you'll be close to the town Aberfeldy – this town lies within walking distance. And both Edinburgh and Glasgow are about a 90-minute drive away.
If you seek the best, modern design where the owners have incredibly high attention to detail, then you won't be disappointed with Hilltop Lodge. So if you love a modern, clean look, you will immediately feel at home here. To illustrate this for you: Hilltop Lodge has wooden floors and tables, brown furniture, white walls, a cosy living room with a fireplace, etc. The kitchen is fully equipped so you'll get everything you need. Up to 8 guests can sit here and admire the stunning views of the valley.
One of the best things about Hilltop Lodge is the private deck. From there, you'll get incredible views across the valley and towards the River Tay. And what about watching the sunset from here? Grab your favourite drink, or book, and enjoy the Highlands from your private deck.
Hilltop Lodge - Pricing
How much does Hilltop Lodge cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £6,120 and £8,160. Dec 1st - Dec 20th, Jan 6th - Apr 1st, Apr 1st - May 1st, and Nov 1st - Dec 20th are the most affordable periods. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Dunnet Estate cottages in the Highlands
8. The Dunnet Estate - Luxury cottages in the Highlands
If you want to explore the northern part of the Highlands, then The Dunnet Estate is worth considering. Located on the north coast, this estate gives you remarkable coastal views, no matter where you look. This makes The Dunnet Estate perfect for special events, or a getaway with families or friends. You will experience total peace and privacy, all whilst supermarkets and restaurants are not far away. You can find these in the nearby town of Thurso. This is a large but lovely town, and especially interesting for those who'd like to explore the history of the Vikings. Vikings from Northern Europe built a settlement in Thurso and in another town named Caithness.
Originally, The Dunnet estate was completed in 1906 by Admiral Sir Edwyn Alexander-Sinclair. He’s notable for firing the first shots of the Battle of Jutland. The estate has been in the hands of many more notable people. In 1948, it’s been purchased by Commander Clare and Lady Doris Vyner, a close friend of Elizabeth. She invited her to stay at the house in 1953 after the death of King George VI. The queen spotted Barrogill Castle from one of the upstairs windows, and later she decided to purchase it and rename it after the Castle of Mey. Well, that’s not something we all can do. ‘’Hey, I see a nice castle over there. I want to buy it.’’
Btw, Popular tv shows such as The Crown have been filmed in this area, too.
The Dunnet Estate - Pricing
How much does the Dunnet Estate cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £6,541 and £10,500. Jan 6th - Mar 31st is the most affordable period. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Loch Ness Mansion for rent
9. Loch Ness Mansion
This Loch Ness Mansion has, in our opinion, the best position on the shore of Loch Ness. This mansion is fantastic for families, too. It has all the amenities and entertainment to have a fantastic time: a pool table, a foosball table, room for al fresco dining, and more. So if you'd like to explore this historical, mysterious lake, then definitely have a look at the Loch Ness mansion. The views are incredible, both from the inside and on the outside (extraordinary views of Loch Ness from your bed, for example).
We all heard the story about the monster of Loch Ness. Was it there, and is it still there? The funny fact is that, over the years, many people thought differently. So do some people claim in the past that they saw, indeed, a kind of monster. Alexander Macdonald (1888) described it as ''a large stubby-legged animal''. Aldie Mackay (1933) described it as a ‘’whale-like fish’’. George Spicer (1933) said he saw ‘’a most extraordinary form of animal’’ cross the road in front of their car. A motorcyclist and veterinary student, Arthur Grant (1934), described it as a cross between a seal and a plesiosaur. He followed it to the loch, but only saw ripples. He nearly hit the creature on his motorbike.
And there are a lot more findings of people to be found on the internet. So it seems true that there has been ‘’something’’. But what it was exactly, is still not known. They suggest that the creature looks a lot like the extinct plesiosaur. They also suggested a long-neck newt. Anyway, the monster got the nickname ''Nessie''. To this day, there's no evidence found of a mythical beast. They know it's not a large scaly reptile, as well as a large fish or a catfish. But there's been a large amount of eel DNA found. High chance the monster of Loch Ness was an eel.
Loch Ness Mansion - Pricing
How much does the Loch Ness Mansion cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £7,500 and £11,250 Dec 2nd - Dec 19th, Jan 6th - Feb 10th, Feb 17th - Mar 31st, and Oct 31st - Dec 18th are the most affordable periods. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Loch Tay Manor - one of the best luxury cottages in the Highlands
10. Loch Tay Manor in the Highlands
The Loch Tay Manor has officially been a hunting lodge for the Earl of Breadalbane, to spend his Summer hunting in the area. It was built in 1753, but nowadays it's completely modernized. Still, it blends in with its original charm. Loch Tay Manor has room for up to 29 guests across 13 bedrooms! Perfect for larger families or a group of friends. And have you ever heard of Loch Tay before? It's the 6th largest loch in Scotland and offers you brilliant views. Even looking at it makes you feel more relaxed. And as you can see from the picture, you’ll stay as close to the loch as possible.
Loch Tay is excellent for doing a wide range of activities in the Highlands. Think about exploring the wilderness in winter, discovering the wildlife that inhabits the mountaintops, walking or cycling, and soaking in the wonderful countryside. The house itself is surrounded by large gardens with two acres of enchanted forests to discover. Besides, the terrace gives you excellent opportunities for al fresco dining. What makes Loch Tay Manor great, is that you'll get something for everyone. A library room, a cosy media room, a games room, and a cosy living room. Conclusion: no one can say they didn't feel at home at Loch Tay Manor.
Loch Tay Manor - Pricing
How much does Loch Tay Manor cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £8,364 and £12,878. Dec 2nd - Dec 20th is the most affordable period. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Ross Shire Hall - Mansion to rent in the Highlands
11. Ross-shire Hall
The Ross-shire hall is a magical building that dates back to the 1700s, now brought back to life by the current owners. With both luxurious comforts and characterful nods to its fascinating past, you will feel and taste a different vibe here. The Ross-shire Hall is even documented in the village records, showing that President Franklin D Roosevelt and Eleanor spent a part of their honeymoon at this house. The area around Ross-shire Hall is unspoiled and full of wildlife. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly find a deer in your garden, as this building sits on six acres of woodland and beautiful gardens.
The amount of outdoor activities you can do is also countless. Think about watersports, dolphin spotting, sea kayaking, horse riding, shooting, fishing, and much more. From Ross-shire Hall, you'll also get an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the area. You can easily take a day trip to the Cairngorms, Caithness and Sutherland, the west coast of Scotland, the beautiful Black isle and the mystical Loch Ness. As soon as you drive through the well-tended grounds of Ross-shire Hall, you already start to feel that this is truly something special. In order words: you know you’re in for a treat.
Ross-shire Hall - Pricing
How much does Ross-shire Hall cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £9,138 and £10,213. Dec 2nd - Dec 19th and Jan 6th - Dec 18th is the most affordable periods. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Royal Deeside Lodge in the Highlands
12. Royal Deeside Lodge in the Highlands
Situated on the edge of the beautiful Highlands, you’ll find Royal Deeside Lodge. This Lodge is the place to go if you seek an amazing starting point to explore Aberdeenshire. This is a council area, filled with incredible architecture and stunning scenery. Think about miles of rugged coastline, superb beaches, and of course hundreds of places to visit. Fun fact: Aberdeenshire is famous for its food, as enough oats grow here every year to get 700 million servings of porridge. Besides, Aberdeenshire is known for having some of the best food in Scotland. Think about Aberdeen Angus cows, Aberdonian butteries, and much more.
In short: you'll truly be amazed by this area, and I won't spoil you any further. Let's talk about the Royal Deeside Lodge. It has room for up to 20 guests across 10 luxury bedrooms. Each bedroom has its en-suite bathrooms. Very practical if you plan to stay here with couples. Cook together with family and relax in the main entertaining space on the ground floor. You can even let an in-house chef prepare delicious meals for you. Perfect after you had a day of being too busy exploring Aberdeenshire’s greatness. There’s a lot of space around this lodge as well. Btw, dogs are welcome too!
What’s for sure, is that at Royal Deeside Lodge, you will create memories you’ll never forget.
Royal Deeside Lodge - Pricing
How much does Royal Deeside Lodge cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price is either £11,288 or £13,545. Dec 2nd - Jan 1st is the most affordable period. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Hilltop Manor - luxury cottages in the Highlands
13. Hilltop Manor
Historically, a manor house was the main residence of the lord of the manor. A manor is also known as a district that's covered by a police station. Anyways, look at the surroundings. And look at this house. What an amazing building, isn't it? This magnificent historical mansion offers you mountain views, too. It's situated at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, where you already experience the dynamic and rugged Highland landscape. Hilltop Manor is featured in many architectural publications, and you can tell why as the interiors at Hilltop Manor are incredibly tasteful.
Hilltop Manor has a blend of classic and modern-rustic. With elegant interiors and impressive design choices, you'll be blown away. They made use of a lot of raw materials and natural light. For example, Hilltop Manor has large original open fireplaces, panelled wood walls, charcoal tones walls, oil paintings, enormous bay windows with views of the silvery mountains, and much more. With this much diversity, you will amaze both yourself and the people with you. Hilltop Manor has room for up to 18 guests across 9 uniquely designed bedrooms. Who is going to sleep in which one?
Also, you'll highly enjoy the terrace. There's even a large hot tub in the woods. Whew. If you want an amazing architectural experience, top-notch luxury, and even more than you could wish for, then Hilltop Manor is an amazing choice if you're with a group of people.
Hilltop Manor - Pricing
How much does Hilltop Manor cost? The price of the property depends on the period and demand. Weekly, the price range is between £14,280 and £25,500. Dec 2nd - Dec 20th is the most affordable period. For the latest prices, please click on the button below.
Caledonian Lodge in the Highlands
14. Caledonian Lodge - Most luxurious cottage in the Highlands
Now we arrived at the absolute best and most expensive one on our cottages in the Highlands list: the Caledonian Lodge. This lodge is incredibly unique and is probably situated in the nicest area of Scotland. This lodge is located within a 23,000-acre wilderness reserve in the Scottish Highlands. Still, there's a village named Ardgay only half an hour away, and Dornoch is under an hour away. This shows you that even though you’re in the wilderness, you can still find helpful amenities close by you. Also, it’s easily accessible by road (even though it doesn’t look like it). It’s a well-maintained road too named the A9, that runs along the east coast towards Tain.
Caledonian Lodge is a Victorian Manor that dates back to 1877. So you can tell it has some history. Recently, Laura Ashley completely refurbished this house. This makes you find traditional interiors and furnishings to taste pure Scottish vibes. Caledonian Lodge has room for up to 14 guests across 7 bedrooms. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom. Besides, Caledonian Lodge is fully catered so you won’t have to do anything apart from exploring the Highlands and enjoying the incredible lodge.
This lodge has it all and is perfect for business events, families, friends, multiple couples, or people with immobilities. And if hiking through the Highlands isn't enough, there's even a home gym for the enthusiastic ones among us.
Tip: you can also book many guided activities at the Caledonian lodge, to make your unforgettable experience complete.
Caledonian Lodge - Pricing
How much does Caledonian Lodge cost? The price of the property is £30,100 per week. For the latest prices and amazing pictures of this property, please click on the button below.
After the best luxury cottages in the Highlands
If you go to the Highlands, in our opinion you’ll be in the nicest area of Scotland when it comes to nature. And with these cottages in the Highlands, you can't go wrong. But Scotland has a lot more to offer. If you want some more inspiration for your stay in Scotland, have a look at these articles:
- Our Scotland hot tub lodges top 3!
- 6 Luxury cottages in Loch Lomond
- 5 luxury villas to rent in Scotland – Wow factor
- Our 3 Favorite Dog-Friendly Cottages in Scotland
- A Fairy-Tale Wedding Venue in Edinburgh
- Waverley Castle Hotel – Our full review!
- 5 Best Luxury Cottages in Edinburgh
And enjoy your pick of our best cottages in the Highlands!
