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Balnakeil House

Balnakeil House

4.9
out of 5
Ratings from 23 reviews
100% of guests
recommend
Cleanliness
4.9
Comfort
4.9
Condition
4.9
Location
5.0
Value
4.9
Customer
Service
5.0

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A deluxe holiday house in Durness, a beautiful area of Scotland. All rooms have spectacular sea or mountain views. This A-listed eighteenth century mansion is the ultimate holiday house by the beach for up to 17 adults.

Balnakeil House is situated in a stunning environment in the North West Highlands of Scotland. It is in a courtyard setting with Southerly aspect, so the sun shines on the house for most of the day.

Now fully restored it has been sympathetically refurbished to provide a unique and luxurious experience. The setting is magical - step out the back door onto the mile and a half long white sandy beach that is Balnakeil Bay. Inside, enjoy solid wooden furniture, heated slate floors and a timeless décor of earthy colours in sympathy with the surroundings, paired with lovely muted plaids and tweeds from Anta.

On entering, there is a hallway that leads to the superbly equipped kitchen with an Aga at one end and a wood burning stove at the other, separated by a 4.5m long oak table. This makes the perfect spot to gather and socialise whilst preparing and enjoying meals. A games room with a table football, boardgames, books, DVDs, a wood-burning stove, a comfy sofa and a flat screen 3D smart TV will keep the young at heart entertained, whilst those requiring quieter moments can rest in the sumptuous drawing room upstairs with a view over the beach, before all gathering for dinner in the dining room.
The nine bedrooms are welcoming and exceptionally comfortable, with crisp white linen over memory foam mattresses.

Best family holiday

Review submitted on Mon, 09 Sep 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We absolutely love it here. The property is amazing, with everything here you could possibly need for a great family seaside holiday. We have been a few times now, and look forward to our stays very much.
Its a great spot for the obvious kayak, paddleboard and beach sports, but also has a superb range of tracks for your mountain bikes, and wonderful places to roam up the hills. Its my favourite spot to walk the dog in the early mornings along a pristine beach, in utter beauty and tranquillity.
We`ve seen deer on the beach, and dolphin or porpoises close by in the sea, and seals too.
Can`t wait for next year!




A privilege to stay here

Review submitted on Sun, 08 Sep 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
For every age, on every scale the house and its fabulous setting right on the beach delivers....whatever the weather.



Fabulous, just fabulous.

Review submitted on Mon, 02 Sep 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Stunning house in a stunning location. A fortnight the whole family will remember for years to come. Paddle boarding into the sunset, body boarding in the surf, fishing from or walking along the beach not to mention the mountain hikes and other expeditions. Everyone found that they had relaxed down within a couple of days, the long long drive from Devon was worth it.
So much thought has gone into the house. It is the first large house we have stayed in where there is enough fridge and dishwasher capacity. The kitchen is a dream to work in and the kitchen table is very comfortable to sit at all evening, while the window seat was a favourite spot for all.
Everyone slept well and had a fabulous holiday.



July 2024 - Dad's 80th

Review submitted on Wed, 31 Jul 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
5.0
The house and location have special significance for our family having stayed there back in the 70s before it became a holiday destination. The house has been transformed since those days and I am sure anyone now staying there will agree there is no where else in the world quite like it. It makes the journey even more worthwhile. As a family we had an amazing stay celebrating my dad's birthday.



Stunning location, wonderful house

Review submitted on Thu, 18 Jul 2024
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This is our 4th trip back to Balnakeil House - can't beat the setting, and the house is wonderfully comfortable and spacious. We can't wait to get back.



Large comfortable house in stunning location

Review submitted on Mon, 08 Apr 2024
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We were a multi generational family group of 18, staying at Balnakiel House and in the little Bothy in the garden. We had high expectations and the house did not disappoint. Favourite room was the kitchen which is huge, well-appointed with an aga and a table long enough to sit everyone comfortably plus a wood burner and wide window seat giving views onto the turquoise water and white sands of Balnakiel Bay - one of our favourite beaches ever (and some of us live in Cornwall!). The house is practical as well as comfortable - a huge boot room for washing and drying, a games room, a wine cellar with coolers, large fridges and freezer space and upstairs an elegant drawing room and dining room with dumb waiter down to the kitchen. We catered for ourselves every night and found everything we needed was at hand. Big shout out to Nadine and the team at the local Spar who were so helpful and friendly - a great wee local shop that has so much more than just the basics - make sure to support them. Fresh fish comes from the fish van and the local butcher will bring you whatever you need too. Stunning scenery all around - lots of good walking and that beach is just the best. We LOVED IT!



Great family xmas

Review submitted on Sat, 30 Dec 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
House was great for a large extended family and the support was fantastic. Right on the beach for walks and views. House very equipped and well setup.



Good to stay in Balnakeil House

Review submitted on Tue, 12 Sep 2023
4.2
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
4.0
Customer
Service
4.0
We were a group of sixteen geologists exploring the northwest of Scotland. This house was a very good base camp for our trips to the surroundings. The facilities were good and we used them to our satisfaction.



A wonderful location for a big family get together

Review submitted on Tue, 05 Sep 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We love it here, been before, and have booked it again for next year, and already looking forward to being here again.
The house has everything you could need and more, and could not be beaten for a seaside location. The walks are stunning, and wildlife plentiful.




Excellent on every count

Review submitted on Mon, 21 Aug 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This was our fourth visit to Balnakeil House and again it delighted. The location is idyllic, overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches I know...and I'm Cornish! The comfort of the house, the luxury of the cotton bed linen, the furnishings, the generously appointed kitchen, the wonderful boiler room - so useful for drying everything, and even just the space of the house make it a wonderful place to spend time with family and friends, whether you're looking for loud fun and games in one corner of the house or a quiet read in another. It's brilliant. We've already booked for next year.



A perfect house for three generations.

Review submitted on Mon, 17 Jul 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Balnakeil House is beautifully positioned, virtually on the beach with stunning views. For a family holiday with numerous children the beach equipment provided, which includes body boards, hockey sticks, golf clubs, cricket bats and footballs as well as buckets and spades caters for all ages and was very much enjoyed by the grandchildren who ranged in age from 3 to 14 years.
The kitchen is very well equipped to cater for large numbers and the table was big enough for all of us to sit down to dinner together. The bedrooms are comfortable and there are plenty of bathrooms which is very important. We were lucky with the weather so were outside most of the time but the games room provided enough entertainment on the occasions when we were unable to get out. The drying room was essential and was full most of the time reflecting the time spent in the sea!




A wonderful week celebrating with friends.

Review submitted on Mon, 03 Jul 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Balnakeil is one of my favourite beaches, so I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate my 50th birthday than the amazing Balnakeil House.
Having holidayed up in NW Scotland all my life it was wonderful to share the area with 7 other couples and the house, situated right on the beach, suited us perfectly. It had everything that we needed, it’s furnished beautifully and everyone felt immediately at home. Blessed with sunny weather all week, it really was the best holiday we’ve ever had - we would all be back in a heartbeat if we could.



amazing all round

Review submitted on Sat, 03 Jun 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This makes the set, I've now stayed in Balnakeil House, the beach bothy and the cattleman's bothy, all with their own great character. I believe is says a lot that I've spent time in each one, all being well presented with great care, and homeliness, you feel part of the place not just passing through. All the bits and pieces that you'd reach for at home are there, spiralling out from the amazing Kitchen. And so important to a stay... Brilliant beds/mattresses, great showers. Find the time, find the travel and just accept its part of the amazing experience of Balnakeil, and what a experience... I loved the friendly feeling the House creates, the underfloor heating, the warmth and calm in the kitchen. And who couldn't be amazed by the location... we had incredible Aurora Borealis across the open skyline north, and such a large quiet sandy beach outside the door. The booking and lead in was all excellent, and the care from the team during our stay was second to none. If you've read this far, my advice, just go and book your stay, its amazing.



A magical place!

Review submitted on Mon, 15 May 2023
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
A truly magical and stunning house in the most amazing location! The perfect place to share with friends.



Another great week at Balnakeil

Review submitted on Mon, 07 Nov 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We absolutely love it here and had a brilliant week. The combination of the beautifully appointed house and the location is just perfect. We didn’t want to leave and will definitely hope to return!



oh what a wonderful place!

Review submitted on Mon, 29 Aug 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We were a whole extended family: grandparents, parents and grandchildren, of all ages and everyone from big to small loved it.
A wonderful setting and an extraordinary house: elegant, comfortable and with all one needs . everything is thought for so that one spends a wonderful week. Kitchen equipment perfect, comfortable beds, games for children, beach towels and buckets and spades...and so much more. Who could not like it apart from those who love crowds and noise! Wilderness and beauty, hiking and swimming,, reading in the wormth of agga or fireplace...take your pick!



Balnakiel House and Cattleman’s Bothy

Review submitted on Mon, 08 Aug 2022
4.7
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Condition
4.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Very well located large house ideal for family holidays. Fishing, walking, golf, the beach on the doorstep. Comfortable beds, civilised dining room well away from noise of the kitchen, good plumbing and heating.



Wow

Review submitted on Mon, 06 Jun 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Balkaniel House exceeded all our expectations. The house is magnificent, the location is perfect. Thank you so much Liz and your team



Wonderful

Review submitted on Mon, 30 May 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
This is the second time we stayed at Balnakeil House.
The house itself is a large ,grand building . It’s beautifully furnished, very comfortable and has all mod cons.
The most amazing asset, however, is the gorgeous beach which is accessed directly from the house.
There are interesting places to visit nearby, including Cape Wrath, Handa Island (a bird sanctuary,accessed by ferry) and Smoo Caves, reached by boat ,underground.
Some of us clocked up Munros and Corbetts, the landscape of the Northern Hihighlads is second to none.
I would love to return.



A wonderful property in a wonderful location.

Review submitted on Wed, 25 May 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
Balnakeil House has been thoughtfully and wonderfully restored. The location is fantastic - right on the beach and with so many other beautiful beaches and sights within a short drive if exploring further afield. The property offers lots of space for a large group in a variety of comfortable bedrooms. The communal spaces are equally wonderful and the kitchen is a pleasure to cater from with everything you could need and more, including two dishwashers and two sinks. The only minor discomfort was trying to keep all the spaces warm but then we were there in particularly cold, snowy weather and would expect it to be challenging to keep a period house the size of Balnakeil completely warm in such conditions. Overall our stay was exceptional and we hope to return.



Scottish holiday house perfection!

Review submitted on Mon, 16 May 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We're a group of three families who've holidayed together in Scotland for a week each Easter for the last 20 years - and, after all that time and experience, we think we've found "Scottish holiday house perfection" at Balnakeil House! It really is the perfect house in the perfect location. The house itself has been restored to a very high standard - it's toasty warm and very comfortable. The kitchen is a fabulous communal space where you can all relax and socialise together but there are quiet spaces for those that want to hide away with a book by a fire. The main bedrooms are all generous sizes with lovely beds, and the cabin rooms are cosy. The location is amazing - it would be harder to get closer to such a stunning beach. There are lots of lovely walks straight from the front door as well as other things to do in the local area if you can tear yourself away for a trip out. The house is really well equipped, including outdoor kit in the beach room. Covid meant our return visit was delayed but once we were finally back at Balnakeil it was only a couple of days before we were booked in again for next year!



Beautiful location and stunning home

Review submitted on Sun, 15 May 2022
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a lovely time away with all the family, the accommodation was prefect and there was plenty of room for everyone. The location is beautiful, right on the beach and plenty of walks. We would highly recommend a stay at Balnakeil House and will definitely be back.



Wonderful Christmas stay

Review submitted on Thu, 30 Dec 2021
5.0
out of 5
Guest recommends this property
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Condition
5.0
Location
5.0
Value
5.0
Customer
Service
5.0
We had a wonderful stay in Balnakeil house. The beds were so comfortable and the house was brilliantly equipped. It was perfect. We did run out of hot water one 2 days in the even but it didn’t bother us too much especially as our party had shrunk from 16 to 10. We did struggle with the oven temperatures so some guidance on them would be helpful . Cooking Christmas Day lunch was a bit challenging at times but we absolutely loved the house and the location was breathtaking. The costumer service and help/ support from Sam and Liz was amazing. Thank you so much we had a very, very special time and look forward to returning.