Otter Lodge | Strathpeffer | Coulwood | Self Catering Holiday Cottage

4.6★

4 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Off road parking
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

46 Customer Review(s)

Susan
October 2024

“The lodge was amazing very warm and cosy super views and very well equipped .”

The lodge was spotless and had been ed very tastefully willing to y return. .

The lodge was spotless and had been ed very tastefully willing to y return. .

- Susan, October 2024
Marion September 2024

“Everything was perfect our second stay at otter lodge and would love to come next year”

- Marion, September 2024
Karen September 2024

“Otter Lodge has a lovely woodland location; beds were comfortable; washing machine and tumble dryer very helpful; heating worked well; clean and tidy; lovely local walks in Blackmuir Wood and further afield.”

Cleaning staff were lovely. Very well maintained exterior and balcony. As advertised no WiFi, but excellent 4G on EE, so we ran all our computers.

- Karen, September 2024
Claire July 2024

“Absolutely loved the location of this property and the space works really well.”

Have all the facilities you could need and the owners have thought of everything. The small touches really make the difference. No WiFi but loved this and didn't need it. A real get away destination in amongst the forest. Would recommend a stay here

- Claire, July 2024
Michael June 2024

“This was an amazing and cute cottage out in the woods.”

It was a beautiful setting and so quiet. The cottage was well appointed and cozy. Blackout curtains were perfect. The shower had little pressure but worked great. When you want to get away from it all, even Wifi, this is THE spot! It was close to Rogie Falls and the Singleton distillery. Beautiful setting!

- Michael, June 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to submit such a glowing review. We are glad you loved our little secluded getaway. We too actually apprecaite the lack of wifi and we are so glad that you were able to enjoy the local water - both before and after the malt! Property Owner
Karen March 2024

“Fantastic location right on the edge of the Forrest.”

Cabin was comfortable and cosy and had everything you would need for a stay. Had no hot water at first but quickly found out you need to switch it on at a switch that says don’t switch off

- Karen, March 2024

I am so glad that you enjoyed your stay - even if the water heater had been turned off - many apologies and I am glad it didn't put a dampner on your stay. Property Owner
Lisa September 2023

“This was my second visit to Otter Lodge this year and i was looking forward to having a bath after my long walks in the beautiful forests surrounding the area like last time.”

But i had no hot water the whole time i was there?Although there was a hot shower, so ok. The dishwasher was also waiting for a part so had to wash dishes with water boiled in kettle, no big deal as i was on my own. The TV signal wasn't great, but ok as not there to really watch TV, just annoying . I know most people go to escape modern life but nowaday it is difficult to not have to access the internet now and again so Wifi would be a good addition. Disappointed the bike shop is shutdown. I did like the Fair trade gift shop at the old station. I had an amazing holiday at the lodge love the feeling of being inside the forest and very peaceful. I had all the things i needed for a lovely stay as it is very well equipped. Its a great wee place. The signage for parking place could stand out a bit better its a bit weathered now. But all in all i loved Otter Lodge

- Lisa, September 2023
Helen September 2023

“Great stay, well equipped lodge.”

Excellent views and great position. Very clean and cosy. We had a great time doing the woodland walks with the dogs.

- Helen, September 2023
Jane August 2023

“The lodge was a haven for our dogs, with lovely walks in every direction from the front door.”

There were a couple of maintenance issues... the toilet seat and sink were both loose, and there were mouse droppings in the cupboard under the sink. We enjoyed our two week stay in Sept 2023, but a couple of things which would have helped us are: - Check out time - 9am is VERY early. We ended up leaving a day early because of this. - No WiFi - in this day and age it caused us problems and we ended up having to drive to Tesco in Dingwall to use their WiFi to do basics like online banking.

- Jane, August 2023
M July 2023

“Nice and beatiful place to stay.”

There were some problems with the unleashed dogs of the neigbours. Toilet seat is loose.

- M, July 2023
Aissa June 2023

“This was an absolutely beautiful lodge right in the centre of the woods.”

The carpets looked new and the lodge was generally immaculate, it even had a utility room. Was so comfortable and cosy. We will be back!

- Aissa, June 2023
Linda June 2023

“We really enjoyed our stay at Otter Lodge with our two dogs.”

Perfect for a relaxing break, particularly watching the local wildlife from the veranda. Facilities were as described and really comfortable. Just wished we'd booked for longer.

- Linda, June 2023
Margaret May 2023

“The Lodge was perfect.”

Comfortable, clean and in a beautiful location. Somewhere you can just chill and enjoy. Brilliant for the dogs with perfect doorstep walks.

- Margaret, May 2023
Col May 2023

“Great place for a holiday.”

Sitting on the decking having coffee and listening to bird song. Very relaxing. Property is ideal. Great base for exploring the Highlands too. I'd love to go back

- Col, May 2023
Kathryn April 2023

“Beautiful Lodge Not overlooked Great Birdlife Very Comfortable.”

Would recommend.

- Kathryn, April 2023
Norman April 2023

“Had a very good week,enjoyed watching wild life birds told there is foxes ect.”

but did not see any plenty of good walks but not able to do some.

- Norman, April 2023
Lisa March 2023

“Had a lovely time at the lodge, peaceful, comfortable in beautiful surroundings.”

Had everything i needed for my stay. Will be back again.

- Lisa, March 2023
Stuart October 2022

“I love this place.”

This was my second time staying at Otter Lodge, and it weas exactly what I needed. I will definetely be back soon!

- Stuart, October 2022
Marilyn Sandra October 2022

“Our 3rd holiday in otter lodge .”

Many improvements made since our last visit the sofas had been replaced and the radiator in the living area although there were no instructions on how to operate it, also some baking trays were provided which were non- existent last time but no oven gloves which would have helped. The toilet seat is still loose. Overall the lodge is always very clean and comfortable and would stay again

- Marilyn Sandra, October 2022
Margaret September 2022

“Lovely place.”

Perfect for us and the dogs.

- Margaret, September 2022
D July 2022

“We had a lovely stay at Otter Lodge perfect base for sightseeing around the Highlands .”

Cottage had everything we required for our stay , very clean . Loved sitting on the balcony watching the birds and the dogs loved the walks in the woodlands . Would highly recommend staying in either of the cottages . We would recommend popping for an ice cream in Strathpeffer Sweet Company shop who treat the dogs to a doggy ice cream !! . Managed to see Dolphins at Chanonry Point at last , had many a day out at Forres Roseisle as the weather was beautiful we will certainly be back again Thank-you Lisa and Darron

- D, July 2022
Clare May 2022

“Fantastic location, cosy cabin, lots of wildlife to see and great local walks, cabin had everything we needed and more, the property owner has definitely thought about the occupant.”

The laundry room was fab. Take some bird seed as there are bird feeders in the trees and we saw some great birds including woodpeckers. The walk from the cabin out of car park to the left takes you up the cats back to touchstone maze with great views of Ben Wyvis and red kites. There’s a secret rope swing in black muir woods to see if you can find it.

- Clare, May 2022
Ian May 2022

“Super facilities, plenty of room, great woodland location where we saw deer red squirrel and wildcat from the veranda.”

Really quiet and not far from shops and takeaways.

- Ian, May 2022
Stuart March 2022

“This is the absolute best place on Earth.”

Loved it.

- Stuart, March 2022
Joyce November 2021

“Lovely time lucky with the weather, cabin really cosy and comfy, great as nothing is open at this time of year.”

Fabulous walks straight from the cabin, beautiful views at the top of the hill, could walk to Dingwall along the hill if you so wished. Very dark in the evening took a bit of getting of getting used to, really quiet a definite getting away from it all break, we loved it!

- Joyce, November 2021
Marilyn Sandra October 2021

“Having stayed at this cottage last year we were disappointed that the cottage was not up to the same standard.”

The toilet seat was loose at one side ,I would have thought the cleaner would have noticed this and reported it to the owners, the fridge had not been defrosted so the ice box would not close, consequently the fridge door did not close tightly and the fridge dripped water all over the top shelf ,we had to chip the ice off ourselves. The fitted sheet on the double bed did not fit properly so the corners came loose every night and there were no pillow protectors. There seemed to be less equipment than last year eg. not a single baking tray. Having said all that the cottage was well cleaned .We rebooked for next year before we went this year expecting the standard to be the same so hope these problems will be addressed .

- Marilyn Sandra, October 2021
Lucy September 2021

“The lodge was very nice but the kitchen what's was not up to scratch example ...”

The lodge was very nice but the kitchen what's was not up to scratch example not enough plates utensil knives and forks cooking pans , other than that things were good

- Lucy, September 2021
Charles August 2021

“What a great setting for the lodge.”

Mostly very peaceful and a great centre for exploring Easter Ross. It was a pity that the local hotels weren’t ready for too many passing trade customers. The coffee shops were great though.

- Charles, August 2021
David August 2021

“Otter Lodge was located in a lovely setting and served as a fantastic holiday for myself and my children to enjoy our Scottish Holiday.”

The children loved being in the woods and there was plenty for them to do and explore locally. The lodge was well equipped and were able to enjoy a number of home cooked meals using the little kitchen.

- David, August 2021
Marianne July 2021

“We enjoyed a fabulous time in Otter Lodge, it was clean and comfortable and in a brilliant location for birdwatching and the woodland wildlife Strathpeffer is a pretty Victorian Spa Village with a lot to offer.”

It has a local grocery store where you can buy most things however Dingwall, a short drive away has a large Tesco. There is a great Deli in the village which is open for breakfasts, lunches and evening meals (you need to book meals), it also sells lovely filled rolls ideal for picnics. There are some great walks in the local area but also this is a great base to go further afield. Places we went that I would recommend :- The Touchstone Maze..accessed close to Lodge. The Eagle Stone..directions from village. Knockfarrel Neolithic Hillfort. Museum of Highland Childhood & Victorian Railway Station which does coffee etc and a craft shop. Rogie Falls...just 10mins away. Castle Leod...in the village. Further afield we visited, Loch Glass, Ben Wyvis Nature Reserve, Black Rock Gorge. Finding the Lodge! Use Google Map to find Blackmuir Wood. The turning is between two white houses. Follow the track all the way down past the visitor car park. The last turning on the right has parking for Lodges. We will definitely be back.

- Marianne, July 2021
Andrew June 2021

“There were more things available within Otter lodge than we thought there would be.”

Teatowels, a couple of dishwashing tablets, washing capsules for washing machine, washing up liquid, hand wash, bin bags. Tumble dryer was also there which is great as an extra if you can't dry outdoors. In addition to the fridge with the freezer compartment in the kitchen there is also a chest freezer in the utility room which was great as we could stock up for the week. We had more towels than we a needed. There were plenty of electric heaters should you use the cabin in wintertime. At times the freesat tv seemed to struggle with signal and it cut out for a few seconds at a time. Sometimes repeatedly. Im not sure where the satellite dish is located but maybe the trees were affecting it. Its a really peaceful location but you can travel easy enough to other parts of Scotland. All in all i wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

- Andrew, June 2021
Alan May 2021

“A beautiful cottage in beautiful surroundings”

- Alan, May 2021
Wendy May 2021

“We had an absolutely fabulous holiday.”

Just what we needed. We would love to head back to Otter Cottage for another holiday.

- Wendy, May 2021
Christine October 2020

“This is a beautiful cosy lodge situated in the middle of very old woodland.”

It is a perfect base for exploring the Highlands but if you want to stay closer to home there are lots of lovely walks including the maze which is well worth a visit. The lodge is very comfortably furnished. We very much look forward to future visits!

- Christine, October 2020
Fiona October 2020

“Absolutely stunning location - beautiful views and woodland walks right on the doorstep.”

The facilities in the cabin were absolutely excellent - we honestly couldn't have asked for more. The fact that we could bring our 4-legged family member too was an added bonus and she had the time of her life! We would certainly book again - both this cabin and with Sykes - the whole experience couldn't have been easier from start to finish.

- Fiona, October 2020
Marilyn Sandra October 2020

“The lodge was very clean with lots of anti virus cleaning products left for us to use if we wanted, The location was perfect for us to enjoy all the local wildlife including a pine marten!”

The only criticism is that the path to the lodge from the car park was not marked and was difficult to find, we had to ask someone from one of the other lodges where it was.

- Marilyn Sandra, October 2020
Glen September 2020

“Lovely quiet location away from the other cabins.”

Great for wildlife. Good access to Strathpeffer and to local walks. Alison the house keeper was very good at responding to queries / concerns and generally very helpful. We had to contact her about a cracked glass and difficulty closing the bathroom window on arrival and she responded to this, providing a box of glasses. We had a water cut on the first day and were kept informed about the repairs (the whole village was affected). We were also given bottled water by Scottish Water. Some minor concerns: - the shower sometimes only ran cold and we had to turn the shower on and off to restore functionality. - the kitchen equipment (pans and utensils) were of poor quality and not best suited to self catering. - cleaning products were not ecologically certified and this kind of accommodation could make an effort to provide eco-certified products as part of their effort to care for the environment. Some suggestions for improvement: - a better range of pots/pans/kitchen utensils could be provided. - it was somewhat unclear how waste was to be sorted and where it should be left. Whilst glass can be taken to the Old Station in Strathpeffer for recycling, there was only one small blue bin there for all other recyclables. Could this be made clearer / improved somehow? - several bird feeders were evident on site. Could information on who refills these and where to find supplies be provided?

- Glen, September 2020
Robert September 2020

“Lovely location for exploring the area.”

Quiet and out of the way, clean and comfortable

- Robert, September 2020
Alan August 2020

“Very nice, clean and comfortable Lodge.”

Will definitely be booking again. Had an excellent week.

- Alan, August 2020
Jennifer July 2020

“Ideal base for exploring North of Scotland.”

- Jennifer, July 2020
Colin September 2019

“Really enjoyed the holiday, however on advertising it said wi-fi available, this ...”

Really enjoyed the holiday, however on advertising it said wi-fi available, this was misleading although it was tranquil,I had to venture into strathpeffer each day to get online, In future, please advertise properly stated advice

- Colin, September 2019

Thank you for your feedback and i am glad you have enjoyed your holiday. In regards to the wi-fi, unfortunately our lodges have never had wi-fi so have never been advertised with this feature. If you wish to discuss this further then please contact Sykes Cottages on 01244 345 700. Property Owner
M August 2019

“We enjoyed the location of Otter lodge”

- M, August 2019
Robert April 2019

“Super location in the woods; especially if you enjoy walking there are a myriad of paths locally.”

Clean, cosy lodge with every amenity.

- Robert, April 2019
David September 2018

“My wife has walking difficulties and I struggle carrying items any distance.”

Otter lodge was a long way down a fairly steep gravel path from the parking area.It is not possible to get near to the lodge for loading and unloading luggage.Upon arrival we contacted the housekeeper who kindly asked the people who were renting Eagle lodge if they would swap with us because of our problems. They kindly agreed to do so,if they had not we would have had to find alternative accomodation or drive the 420 miles home which we had done to get there.The only mention in the information is that it is not suitable for wheelchair users ( the front steps we presumed).No where does it mention the extreme problems of using the lodge if you have any walking or carrying problems.Eagle lodge was somewhat more usable for us, but still it is a long way from the parking area to bring any luggage into the lodge.All in all if it was not for the kindness of other people our holiday would have been a disaster by not being given correct information about where we were to stay.Please ensure full information is given to potential renters in future.As you can tell we are not impressed by Sykes cottages.

- David, September 2018
Paul August 2018

“The lodge had some excellent finishing touches”

- Paul, August 2018
Linda June 2018

“This was really a very last minute booking after being letdown by another company,your representative helped me a great deal by searching for a lodge for me in Scotland I very much appreciated her help.”

- Linda, June 2018

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Summary

All ground floor apart from 2 steps up to the lodge
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
Bathroom with a shower over bath, basin and WC
Open-plan living area with kitchen, dining and seating area
Utility.
Electric heating
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge with Icebox, washing machine, dishwasher, tumble dryer
TV
Power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Cot and highchair available
Ample off road parking a short walk away from the lodge
Decked veranda with furniture
2 well-behaved dogs welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub 5 miles
Note: Unfenced pond near property, children to be supervised
Note; The lodge is a walk down a gravel track, no parking directly outside the property, may not suitable for anyone with mobility issues as there are two steps up to the lodge
If you have any limited mobility, please look at PR 974034 Eagle Lodge which is a shorter walk from parking and flat access.

The property

EPC Rating: Band F

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About the location

STRATHPEFFER

Inverness 20 miles.

Often compared to a Bavarian Mountain resort, the picturesque spa village of Strathpeffer owes its growth to the discovery of water springs during the 1700s, and was declared in 1819 to be the healthiest drinking water in Britain! The original Spa Pavilion has been magnificently restored after a period of disuse and now serves as a venue for a variety of events, including concerts, dances, dramas and exhibitions. The former Victorian railway station, which in times past brought many visitors from near and far, has now been beautifully restored to house craft workers and their shops, and is also home to the Highland Museum of Childhood. Visit the restored Pump house (also a Tourist Information point), take a walk along a forest track, or enjoy the views from the nearby pictish hill fort at Knockfarrel. Whatever you decide there's plenty on offer for all the family.

Note: Unfenced pond near property, children to be supervised. Note; The lodge is a walk down a gravel track, no parking directly outside the property, may not suitable for anyone with mobility issues as there are two steps up to the lodge. If you have any limited mobility, please look at PR 974034 Eagle Lodge which is a shorter walk from parking and flat access.

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“The lodge was amazing very warm and cosy super views and very well equipped .”

“Everything was perfect our second stay at otter lodge and would love to come next year”

“Otter Lodge has a lovely woodland location; beds were comfortable; washing machine and tumble dryer very helpful; heating worked well; clean and tidy; lovely local walks in Blackmuir Wood and further afield.”

“Absolutely loved the location of this property and the space works really well.”

“This was an amazing and cute cottage out in the woods.”

“Fantastic location right on the edge of the Forrest.”

“This was my second visit to Otter Lodge this year and i was looking forward to having a bath after my long walks in the beautiful forests surrounding the area like last time.”

“Great stay, well equipped lodge.”

“The lodge was a haven for our dogs, with lovely walks in every direction from the front door.”

“Nice and beatiful place to stay.”

“This was an absolutely beautiful lodge right in the centre of the woods.”

“We really enjoyed our stay at Otter Lodge with our two dogs.”

“The Lodge was perfect.”

“Great place for a holiday.”

“Beautiful Lodge Not overlooked Great Birdlife Very Comfortable.”

“Had a very good week,enjoyed watching wild life birds told there is foxes ect.”

“Had a lovely time at the lodge, peaceful, comfortable in beautiful surroundings.”

“I love this place.”

“Our 3rd holiday in otter lodge .”

“Lovely place.”

“We had a lovely stay at Otter Lodge perfect base for sightseeing around the Highlands .”

“Fantastic location, cosy cabin, lots of wildlife to see and great local walks, cabin had everything we needed and more, the property owner has definitely thought about the occupant.”

“Super facilities, plenty of room, great woodland location where we saw deer red squirrel and wildcat from the veranda.”

“This is the absolute best place on Earth.”

“Lovely time lucky with the weather, cabin really cosy and comfy, great as nothing is open at this time of year.”

“Having stayed at this cottage last year we were disappointed that the cottage was not up to the same standard.”

“The lodge was very nice but the kitchen what's was not up to scratch example ...”

“What a great setting for the lodge.”

“Otter Lodge was located in a lovely setting and served as a fantastic holiday for myself and my children to enjoy our Scottish Holiday.”

“We enjoyed a fabulous time in Otter Lodge, it was clean and comfortable and in a brilliant location for birdwatching and the woodland wildlife Strathpeffer is a pretty Victorian Spa Village with a lot to offer.”

“There were more things available within Otter lodge than we thought there would be.”

“A beautiful cottage in beautiful surroundings”

“We had an absolutely fabulous holiday.”

“This is a beautiful cosy lodge situated in the middle of very old woodland.”

“Absolutely stunning location - beautiful views and woodland walks right on the doorstep.”

“The lodge was very clean with lots of anti virus cleaning products left for us to use if we wanted, The location was perfect for us to enjoy all the local wildlife including a pine marten!”

“Lovely quiet location away from the other cabins.”

“Lovely location for exploring the area.”

“Very nice, clean and comfortable Lodge.”

“Ideal base for exploring North of Scotland.”

“Really enjoyed the holiday, however on advertising it said wi-fi available, this ...”

“We enjoyed the location of Otter lodge”

“Super location in the woods; especially if you enjoy walking there are a myriad of paths locally.”

“My wife has walking difficulties and I struggle carrying items any distance.”

“The lodge had some excellent finishing touches”

“This was really a very last minute booking after being letdown by another company,your representative helped me a great deal by searching for a lodge for me in Scotland I very much appreciated her help.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

STRATHPEFFER