Sandend Cottage with stunning sea views near beach

Description from the owner

Set in the picturesque ‘get-away-from-it-all’ fishing village of Sandend, between the pretty harbour towns of Cullen and Portsoy, this cottage has stunning views over the wide sandy beach from the kitchen, lounge and two front bedrooms. The back, single bedroom gives access to an elevated garden terrace and summer house, again with stunning views, which are ideal for outdoor entertaining and barbeques. The enclosed garden and back utility/’wet’ area, along with fantastic coastal walks, makes this an ideal cottage for dog owners or walkers.

Children are welcome,... but should not be left unattended in the garden – although fenced in, there are some drops from the elevated terrace. However, with a modern kitchen and totally refurbished bathroom, along with all the modern facilities you would expect, we are sure you will enjoy a break on the beautiful Banffshire Coast.

Sandend is a 17th century fishing village, one of the smallest and perhaps one of the most attractive along the Banffshire coast. It is known by the privileged few as a mecca for surfers and kayakers and occupies a beautiful location opposite a pretty beach, perfect for catching the waves or just building castles in the sand. At its east end is the newly re-opened Glenglassaugh Distillery, founded in 1875 but mothballed in 1986. Nearby are the remains of the Glassaugh Windmill, built in the early 1700s. Still standing are a stump surrounded by a lower base: which explains its local name of the cup and saucer.

Nearby Portsoy is a vibrant town, attractive with it’s twisting streets around the 17th century harbour. It has a number of pubs and restaurants as well as local shops and a small supermarket. It is also the home of the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival which takes place at the end of June.

In the other direction Cullen is also worth a visit. Driving from Sandend, the cluster of cottages making up Seatown along with a wide expanse of sandy beach, are majestically framed by the arches of the disused railway viaduct. Cullen is famed as the home of ‘Cullen Skink’ – a lovely thick potato and smoked haddock soup, as well as one of the best ice cream shops in the area.

Further afield, this part of the North East of Scotland also lends itself to day trips, exploring the Castle trail, partaking in a dram along the Whisky Trail or perhaps getting close to the dolphins and other wildlife along the Moray Firth. The coastline is stunning, with its mix of cliffs and coves and wide beaches with the whitest of sands and pretty fishing villages and harbours, and you can take a boat trip to help you further appreciate it.

The Scottish Highlands were popularised as a tourist destination when Queen Victoria bought Balmoral Castle in 1848. It is easy to understand why, with the wide open spaces, the 'big' sky, rugged mountains and tranquil glens. Home to many of Scotland's most famous whiskies and the Cairngorms National Park, there are many opportunities for outdoor pursuits, including walking, fishing and mountain biking. There are also plenty of award winning golf courses to enjoy, with two 'Royal' courses within half an hour of the cottage. Whether you want to take advantage of the many activities on offer or relax and unwind, the Highlands will have something for you!Read more

Additional Location Information

Additional notes from owner

Discount of £25 for 2 consecutive weeks
Ask for rates for Christmas and New Year
Short breaks only available off peak, between November and March

What Past Guests Are Saying

• S Henderson, A Grainger & Elsie
  Penicuik

  Spectacular setting

  Left on 07/26/2010 for a stay in July 2010
  
  

  We had an amazing week at Sandend. The location is stunning with views of the beach from the cottage, it always looks different depending on the light/weather/time of day. Get up early enough and you can have it all to yourself! The smell from the nearby smoke house in the morning is very evocative. There are loads of great walks nearby, our dog had the time of her life. There is lots of information leaflets at the cottage advising on all the things to do in the area. Nearby Cullen is lovely, one of the highlights of our holiday was sitting out at the picnic benches in Cullen, eating delicious fish and chips, over looking the beach in the evening sun, bliss! The cottage is truly a home from home, it has everything you could ever want, Wendy and Colin are very friendly, welcoming and helpful. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Tourists, Families w teenagers, Romantic, Families w children

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• Matthias
  Kamenz nr Dresden/Saxony/Germany

  Overwhelming!

  Left on 07/16/2010 for a stay in June 2010
  
  

  We came a very long way (2000 km) by car. But the accommodation and location were more than worthy. A fantastic flat, spacious, sunny with everything we needed. And much more. The perfect welcome pack including the right wine for the first evening. From the first second we felt home.
  Almost all rooms have a view to one of the nicest beaches of the UK.
  A great garden place with all opportunities to sit and relax overlooking the beach! Simply fantastic and at a reasonable price.
  We usually travel all over Europe using self-catering accommodation. This one was the best we have ever experienced. Seems to be impossible to improve anything. We enjoyed an unforgettable time there. Thank you very much, Wendy and Colin.

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
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  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

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  Was this review helpful? Yes