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About Hamilton Cottage
Hamilton Cottage is a detached sandstone cottage ideal for couples looking for a rural hideaway. Built in 1823 on the original estate which emcompassed what is now Arabella Holdings, it has traditional charm combined with up to date style and convenience. Set on one level, the cottage comprises a double bedroom, shower room and an open plan living rea where there is a modern kitchen. The luxurious leather sofa in the living room converts to a double bed if required.
Places to Visit
Walking, Fishing, Sailing
Hamilton Cottage makes an ideal base for all sorts of activities, fishing and sailing can be had at many locations close by whilst the area is ideal for walkers, whether you’re an enthusiastic ‘Munro-bagger’ or its just a gentle stroll you prefer. Detailed fishing information can be provided on request.
Tain & Dornoch
Tain and Dornoch are 5 miles and 14 miles from Arabella respectively. Both towns are Royal Burghs dating back as far as 1066 when Tain was granted its first Royal charter by King Malcolm III. Tain is steeped in history, revealed and explained by a visit to Tain Through Time – one of the main […]
Shandwick Inn
‘The Shandwick’ is a friendly pub/restaurant approximately 2 miles from Hamilton Cottage. Highly recommended for a relaxed meal, great homecooked food and plenty of it. Extensive menu with daily specials board. Good range of vegetarian choices.
Portmahomack
Portmahomack is a lovely old fishing village tucked in a sheltered bay on the north-west shore facing the Dornoch Firth with views to the hills of Sutherland in the distance. Sweeping sands form a horse-shoe bay and provide an ideal and safe bathing area. Nowadays fishing boats and yachts moor in this harbour created by […]
Nigg Old Church
Nigg Old Church stands on a long oval hill with two deep gorges on either side of it, a typically early Christian monastic site. The present building dates from the seventeenth century but the thickness of the walls and several curious features of the structure suggest that medieval masonry underlies the whole.
Natural Heritage
The whole of this corner of the Moray Firth and its coastal zones are important for wildlife: not just the famous dolphins but also for many thousands of migratory and over-wintering swans and geese. Close to Arabella are sites which have been designated under European and UK law. NiggThe monks of Saint Columba of lona […]
Inverness
The capital of the Highlands, Inverness, is an easy drive of around 35 miles away and offers all the facilities you might expect of a modern city, including Eden Court – an excellent theatre which has recently cundergone a major refurbishment. An everchanging programme of current film releases can also be seen there with some […]
The Rarichie Fortifications
Back in the prehistoric Iron Age, the other end of the Hill had a similarly defensive role. A grouping of fortified structures occupies the top of the western slopes of the Rarichies, Easter and Wester, above Shandwick. The main fortification commands extensive views that look directly along the coast and over to the great seventh-century […]
Hill of Nigg
Looking out from Arabella Holdings towards the South East, it is difficult to miss the Hill rising above the fertile landscape. Views from the Hill of Nigg are unsurpassed and extend over three Firths and six counties. On a clear day, you can see Ben Rinnes to the south and Dunrobin Castle to the north […]
Dunrobin Castle
Dunrobin Castle is a short drive further north from Dornoch just north of the small town of Golspie. The fairy tale architecture of gleaming white turrets and sweeping spires draw crowds of tourists each year to tour the castle and look at the splendour of life in years gone by.
Distilleries
A trip to the Highlands wouldn’t be complete without visiting one or two of the reknowned malt whiskey distilleries in the area. Close to Hamilton Cottage are the Glenmorangie Distillery (Tain) and Dalmore Distillery (Invergordon), a little further afield can be found the Balbair Distillery on the Balnagown Estate (this vast estate is home also […]
Cromarty-Nigg Ferry
Known as The King’s Ferry as there has been a ferry running between Cromarty and Nigg at least since the 1100s and probably earlier, for it would have been a natural route from the south and west of Scotland at all periods, including that of the Picts. Pictish royal connections have been claimed as being […]
Birdwatching
Within walking distance of Hamilton Cottage is Nigg Bay, a site of special scientific interest and home to thousands of migratory birds during the winter months. The recreation of a coastal habitat at Nigg Bay aims to reverse the effects of ‘coastal squeeze’ on a number of bird species such as Skylark, Reed Bunting and […]
Beaches
As well as Portmahomack, there are beaches nearby at at Hilton and Shandwick (which is an Award winning beach).
Links
Anta Pottery www.anta.co.uk Lovely pottery and soft furnishings. Factory shop worth a visit (especially for sale items and ‘seconds’!) They also do great cake in the cafe… Arabella Therapies www.spanglefish.com/ArabellaTherapies Website for Tracy’s reflexology and massage treatments. Don’t forget treatments are half price for Hamilton Cottage guests Avoch Dolphin Trips www.dolphintripsavoch.co.uk Dolphin Trips Avoch – […]
The Rarichie Fortifications
Back in the prehistoric Iron Age, the other end of the Hill had a similarly defensive role. A grouping of fortified structures occupies the top of the western slopes of the Rarichies, Easter and Wester, above Shandwick. The main fortification commands extensive views that look directly along the coast and over to the great seventh-century […]
Location Map
Arabella is approximately 30 miles north of Inverness, not far off the main A9 through the Highlands. From Inverness, travel north on the A9, over the Cromarty Bridge. Bypass Dingwall, Alness and Invergordon. Approximately 6 miles north of Invergordon, at a staggered crossroads, you will see a large green road sign indicating Arabella to the […]
Bookings can also be made through www.lovetoescape.com
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Inside Hamilton Cottage
Hamilton Cottage is a detached sandstone cottage ideal for couples looking for a rural hideaway.
Outside Hamilton Cottage
Outside of the cottage there is a small area of garden leading to a parking/seating area.