“hythe” (landing-place, harbour, port, haven)
The house:
in a stunning location in Findochty, right on a small secluded sandy beach, built in 1873 as two fishermen's cottages, and now joined together to form a beautifully and fully renovated 4 bedroom family home. Enough parking at the front door for two vehicles.
Inside:
on the upper floor you will find the master bedroom with king sized bed and ensuite shower room, 1 double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, 1 single bedroom and a family bathroom, whilst the lower floor provides a spacious open plan kitchen diner with separate utility and a cosy lounge with a wood burning stove.
Outside:
to the rear, stairs take you to a secluded raised deck area for outdoor entertaining. A further smaller deck to the side of the house has a bench to take in the spectacular views and magnificent sunsets in privacy.
Little extras:
jacuzzi bath, TVs in 3 of the 4 bedrooms, selection of books, board games and DVDs.
Beaches/Harbour:
immediately to the front of the property is a small sandy beach with seating areas and a BBQ. Relax in the morning with a coffee and the paper or in the afternoon with a glass of something cold. In the evening be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and occasionally even whales.
A couple of minutes stroll to the right of the house brings you to a larger beach with rock pools ideal for 'crabbing', dog walking or just a pleasant walk.
A short stroll in the opposite direction will bring you to the harbour area where fishing boats and pleasure craft are moored, overlooked by the statue of a fisherman known as 'The Mannie' . Fishing boats are still operating from the harbour; visit at the right time of day and you might hook yourself a shellfish bargain from one of the friendly locals..
Food, drink and supplies:
the local pub is within 5 mins walk where you can sit outside and enjoy the views with a cold drink and maybe sample something from the menu.
There is a shop about 5 mins walk away where you can buy most of your fresh goods such as milk, bread, cooked meal meats, fantastic steak pies and a morning paper. Next to the shop there is a pharmacy which also doubles as a post office. There are the usual larger supermarkets just a short drive (about 3 miles) away in Buckie. During the week there are several mobile vans that operate in the village selling fish suppers and pizzas if you don't feel like cooking. In either direction, in Cullen and in Buckie, there are numerous options for takeaway food including great fish suppers, as well as various cafes and restaurants and fantastic ice cream at Cullen and in Buckie.
Activities:
there are excellent walks and cycling paths either side of the village; the Moray Coastal Trail goes past the house, and the Speyside Way (one of the four official Long Distance Routes in Scotland) begins in the centre of Buckie. Go right from the house and you can walk/cycle along the cliff tops to Portknockie where the remains of Green Castle can still be seen and of course the famous Bow Fiddle Rock. Go a little further on the path and you will overlook the stunning beach and golf course at Cullen. Go left from the house and down beside the pub, you can walk onwards to Strathlene Golf course and driving range, to a lovely waterfront cafe at Strathlene, and then on to Buckie. The area is full of walks and cycle rides with the Winding Walks at Fochabers (about 15 mins drive) having purpose built cycle tracks within the forest.
The Moray Firth is famous for the world's largest and most northerly bottlenose dolphins. They pass the house daily – if you keep a vigilant eye then you should see them. More information on their activities can be found at the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay.
There are many excellent links golf courses in the area, and lots of good fishing; sea fishing from the shore and by boat, river fishing on the Spey and other smaller local rivers..
There are numerous iconic whisky distilleries on the area, and many have visitor centres and conduct tours.
Christies Garden and Visitor Centre with its outdoor children's play area, Baxters Visitor Centre and Craft Village and Johnstons Cashmere Centre are nearby. There is a swimming pool in Buckie and bowling, swimming and a cinema in Elgin.
But we hope your favourite activity will be relaxing at the house enjoying the tranquillity and views!
NOTE We have been leasing the property as a holiday let for 7 years. During that time we have amassed excellent reviews and feedback (which can be provided on request), to the extent that almost 50% of our bookings are with return visitors.
The property has a Short Term Let Licence.
If you require further information please visit www.beachfrontcottagefindochty.com
