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"The house itself is a dream, as is the majestic, rugged and very remote location."
The shower, unfortunately, was not working and we all had to share the bath but the owner dealt with this for us in a prompt and efficient manner. We enjoyed walks to the bay nearby and were enthralled to see the seals joining us one by one until there were 17 of them inquisitively watching us from the water. Be aware if you have a dog that the garden at the rear is not enclosed and sheep are regular visitors into the grounds. All in all a great house in a very remote last wilderness in northern Scotland.
Reviewed by Lisa4.4★Apr 2024
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"This is a lovely, peaceful rental which is away from it all."
The views out over the bay from the sun room were amazing. We loved watching the seals and stags from the window with a cup of coffee. As the description suggests, the lodge is wonderfully remote, so you do need to make sure that you take everything you need with you that you might want on there first day/night because you can’t just “pop to the shops” to pick it up.
Reviewed by Fiona5.0★Mar 2024
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"We had a lovely stay at Culkein Lodge!"
The home was clean, comfortable and a wonderful place for a week of rest and relaxation. Set in an idyllic setting, the huge windows were perfect for taking in the scenery. Couldn’t recommend more and hope to be back!
Reviewed by Ty5.0★Dec 2023
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"Property is super and in a wonderful location."
Culkein Lodge, is warm and well cared for with very comfortable beds and nice bedding. We had horrendous weather whilst staying there but the house is cosy and we had the wood burner on.
If you plan on using the wood burner though, take some logs. We knew to take some from last year as there aren't many at the house.
If you get a chance to speak with the local fisherman, definitely do, they are more than happy to sell you fresh shellfish.... we manged to get fresh lobsters.
We did have an issue with a bulb blowing in the utility room and we couldn't find a replacement bulb but really wasn't much of an issue.
We couldn't find a welcome pack, standard small details about the house, check in / out and general info but no issue. We just wanted to make sure we weren't missing anything!
Definitely going to go back again, wonderful place.
Reviewed by Nicholas4.4★Sep 2023
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"Culkein Lodge was wonderful - a real home away from home."
We felt so relaxed and very comfortable. The house was incredibly well-equipped -
it had everything we needed and more ... + books galore!
We never tired of looking out of the windows at the ever-changing scene and it was a real bonus when the inquisitive seals popped their heads out of the water. A wonderful break - would love to return!
Reviewed by Lynne5.0★Oct 2022
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"The house was absolutely superb."
Stunning location and exceptionally warm and comfortable. Cracking location for exploring North Assynt.
The house itself is very well equipped, I think the only thing it was missing was some shellfish crackers... we improvised though. Managed to buy some lobsters straight off the boat one day from a friendly local fisherman, which was one of the many highlights.
This house is arguably even more appealing in stormy weather, very cosy with the log burner on.
Definitely recommend this house!
Reviewed by Nicholas4.7★Oct 2022
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"Had a fantastic time staying 2 weeks with our family of five + dog."
Amazing location/views and very comfortable. We kayaked amongst the curious seals and, on one occasion, an otter surfaced right next to us. Some minor snags with facilities (some of them our fault) with which the owner was prompt and helpful in response. Overall our favourite house to come to in the Highlands and we plan to return next year.
Reviewed by Ben4.7★Jul 2022
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"The house was lovely and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay."
The location is stunning. There was a window, however that wouldn't stay shut/ lock. Not really an issue for us and we managed to do something to make it shut, but it would be something that needs repairing. We let the cleaning lady know.
Reviewed by Michele5.0★Jul 2022
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"Culkein Lodge was just fabulous!"
Stunning costal location with virtually no passing traffic. The house was supremely comfortable, the best
sofas and beds of any self catering property we have stayed at. The owner was delightful and so helpful. We saw otters and stags from the house and Golden Eagles at Kylesku. There was a delightful little grocers shop at Drumbeg, 1.6 miles away which was lovely to walk to. We would highly recommend Culkein Lodge and would love to return in the future to such a special place.
Reviewed by Lesley5.0★Jul 2022
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"Overall, we loved this house."
It is large, comfortable and civilised. The spotlit book collections were a joy. There was everything in the house that we needed with generous supplies of starter fuel for the stove. We also appreciated very much the comfortable sofa and seats downstairs and the quality beds and bedlinen. We also appreciated the supplies of cooking essentials in the kitchen All this set in such beautiful surroundings. We had lovely walks and trips out. We had a really lovely week there at New Year and it was well worth the travel.
Dec 2021Jan 2022
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"We absolutely loved our stay in this wonderful house."
Every room was beautiful! The kitchen, utility & boot room were perfect for the dogs. All areas are very well equipped. Loved being able to cook & keep an eye on the sky & any passing wildlife! The sun room was a particular favourite. It is where we spotted the pair of sea eagles whilst reclined with binoculars in hand on the comfy sofa! Waking up in the morning to watch the sea & sky was also wonderful. Going to bed & seeing the night sky was another joy. So dark, & starlit. Culkein Lodge is most certainly a special place. We loved going exploring, (the roads are wonderful, & the dogs loved Clashnessie beach. The pie shop in Lochinver is a great place to have lunch), but it was always so lovely coming back to such a comfortable, well positioned house. You really don't take your eyes away from the windows for long!! Thank you for sharing it. Nikki & Geoff Pearce.
Nikki & Geoff PearceOct 2019
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"We had a brilliant holiday at Culkein Lodge, such a lovely property in an absolutely stunning location."
Very well equipped, beds very comfy, warm heating! Plenty to entertain the teens in the late evenings, football table, playstation etc ) Being able to Kayak from the front door was just perfect. We saw plenty of Seals and even an Otter! The weather was very mixed but we had some super days out to places such as Balnakeil, Lochinver, Ullapool, all within a couple of hours drive, and Clashnessie Beach/Falls closer to home. Assynt Aromas Secret Tea Garden & Sophie's Choc-o-latte a couple of Cafe's not too far away definitely not to be missed :-) Would definitely love to return one day
Tracey SaundersSep 2019
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"Fantastic week at the start of April, only problem was that it went too fast."
House was great, spent a lot of time sitting in front of the windows with the binoculars watching the seals putting on a show. Several good coastal walks from, or near to the house. Do order some fresh prawns from Mr MacLeod as recommended on the sheet in the house - they were delicious and great value. Equally good were the pies from the Bistro in Lochinver. We have a huge amount of photos especially of the mountains in the snow.
Great week - many thanks
JoanNov 2018
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"We have stayed three times and can say without reservation that it is the best equiped and most comfortable house we have ever rented."
The views are stunning and the peace and solitude cannot be matched. Whatever the weather this is a perfect place to chill and relax. Seals close to the house and the bay perfect for kayaking. I recommend taking your own boat to access the water for a closer look at the seals. Fresh lobster and langoustine available to order from Drumbeg store
Alan MiddletonNov 2018
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"One of the best holiday houses we have stayed in on the west coast of Scotland."
Very comfortable, and everything of the highest quality. The location is perfect... you can wander to the waters edge with your mug of coffee or, if it is raining, sit inside and enjoy the view through the large windows. Never seen so many seals so close. Perfect place for a boat or canoe. Kylesku hotel definitely worth a visit. Favourite beach was Achmelvich, followed by beach at Culkein.
Fleur McIntoshNov 2018
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"This is one of the best houses we have rented in Scotland."
The location is perfect and the house is superb. The kids had a wonderful time. The first night we watched the sunset as a seal played in the harbour less than 20 feet away. The local beaches at Clachtoll and Clashnessie were fabulous for body boarding and swimming. Although we went in October the water was still warm enough for watersports. The walk to Sandwood Bay is worth all the effort.
This place is a photographers dream, the air is so clear and the photo ops are incredible.
My only note of caution - I have a vw minibus which, when fully laden would not have made the hills on the road from the A894. I was fortunate to have come in via the coast road from Lochinver.
Scott ShepherdNov 2018
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"My wife and I stayed at Culkein Lodge during our honeymoon and have fallen in love with it."
The Lodge is fantastic and the surrounding area is simply breathtaking. The icing on the cake for us was sitting in the bay during the evening watching the seals. The Clashnessie beach is the best beach I have seen with crystal clear water lapping along clean white sand. Add to this that we were the only ones there for most of the day (but may be worth reminding that this is the North Atlantic....very very cold if you decide to take a dip). We loved our time here so much we will be back for our anniversary (if its not already booked).
Terry WalfordNov 2018
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"Our stay at Culkein Lodge was one of the most wonderful holidays my family have had and completely surpassed our expectations."
The setting of the house is as incredible as the pictures suggest. The dual aspect is fantastic. The quiet bay in front of the house was perfect for my small children to play along and they loved watching fishermen leave and arrive at the jetty, while the coastline behind the house is the most magnificent stretch of wild open ocean and amazing for watching sea birds. The house is extremely comfortable and the luxury bedding was particularly appreciated after a day outside! The remote feel of Drumbeg Culkein hits you immediately and the spectacular drive from Lochinver is the best possible start to any holiday. We spent our journey home planning our next visit.
Laura SmithNov 2018
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"We had a fabulous time at Culkein Lodge."
The house was exceptionally well appointed and very comfortable. I appreciated the beautiful kitchen, comfortable beds;the youngsters the table football and the Sky TV.
Be prepared for the fact that the house is on the end of a scenic road so we had several visitors driving past the house only to turn around again - so not quite as private as you first think. The roads are breathtakingly scenic but quite tricky to negotiate.
Local dining out within reasonable range of the house- bearing in mind the roads - is limited to the local pub, and we enjoyed our meal there. I advise booking in advance!
I loved the tea rooms/ candle shop.
If you arrive on a Saturday, I advise stocking up at Ullapool or Lochinver as the only shop in Drumbeg closes on Sat at 5pm and opens on Monday. Drumbeg stores were everything you would want from a local village shop and deserve their award winning status.
The housekeper was very helpful and the house spotless. All in all a great place in a magical setting.
Wendy ShilitoNov 2018
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"Fantastic week at the start of April, only problem was that it went too fast."
House was great, spent a lot of time sitting in front of the windows with the binoculars watching the seals putting on a show. Several good coastal walks from, or near to the house. Do order some fresh prawns from Mr MacLeod as recommended on the sheet in the house - they were delicious and great value. Equally good were the pies from the Bistro in Lochinver. We have a huge amount of photos especially of the mountains in the snow.
Great week - many thanks
JoanNov 2018
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