A cozy retreat by the coast—perfect for families seeking peace, nature, and unforgettable memories.
Home in the Highlands
Top 5% Holiday Home Based on Ratings
Unbeatable location
Firthview Cottage is tucked away in the stunning countryside of Canisbay, just 5 minutes from John O’Groats. Remote, peaceful, and picture-perfect.
Explore and Create Family Memories
.png)
Sail to the Enchanting Orkney Islands
Hop on a ferry from Gill's Bay and journey to the Orkney Islands, where Neolithic wonders like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar await. Don’t miss the beautifully preserved Italian Chapel, built by Italian prisoners during World War II. With its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, the Orkney Islands are a must-visit destination.
Spot Wildlife in the Pentland Firth
Experience unforgettable wildlife sightings from the scenic coastline around John O’Groats. These waters are teeming with marine life, offering incredible opportunities to spot orcas, porpoises, and puffins in their natural habitats. Keep an eye out for charming puffins nesting on cliffs.
Hike the Cliffs of Duncansby Stacks and Dunnet Head
A short drive brings you to Duncansby Head, where a scenic walk reveals the towering Duncansby Stacks rising dramatically from the ocean. Alternatively, visit Dunnet Head, the true northernmost point of mainland Britain, offering panoramic views and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
John O’Groats
John O’Groats
Castle of Mey
Castle of Mey
Duncansby Stacks
Duncansby Stacks
Orkney Ferry Terminal
Gill's Bay
Dunnet Head
Dunnet Head
Hear from our Guests
Brian
Sarah was so helpful from the moment we booked always responded immediately with any help and advice
the accommodation was spotless and had every utility you could think off the view over stroma was breathtaking as was the views all round the property you could not hear a sound from inside
it was a perfect stay for us
I would recommend this accommodation 100% and I would book this place again next time we come to North East Scotland
Craig
Wonderful cottage looking over the sea to Orkney. Everything is spotless and well thought out. Large, comfortable and everything you need. Lovely garden space was a super and unexpected extra.
Sarah is a great host and on-hand for assistance. This is a highly recommeded cottage.
Caroline
Lovely cottage, beautifully decorated, well equipped and spotlessly clean. The views over Stroma to Orkney are pretty special too.
Angela
We had a lovely week in a beautiful cottage very clean everything you needed. Was a lovely warm cottage could not fault it at all
Alisa
The cottage was very clean and well equipped and also had a lovely garden. It was well positioned to allow exploration of the various sites of interest in the area and was a short drive or cycle to some beautiful beaches. The hosts were welcoming and responsive if there was an issue. Ailsa
Caroline
I had a fantastic stay at Sarah’s place, it was peaceful, clean and homely, also eco friendly. Sarah and her family were very helpful and friendly. I would certainly stay here again.
I also got to see Orca which is what I went to the area for. So altogether an absolute brilliant holiday. Thank you Sarah😊
Nicole
The worst part of our vacation was that we had to drive again. A fantastically beautiful location and an outstanding holiday home. There was everything you need for a relaxing, wonderful vacation. Every detail was incredibly thoughtful and combined with love and logic. The property offered plenty of space to play and romp for our 2-year-old, we felt completely comfortable and can definitely say this holiday was really worth it. Sarah has always been great and informed us about specialties. Especially good, was the navigation link that took us directly to the house. This is so thoughtful and predictive that we've saved a lot of stress.
We would love to come back. Hopefully we will find a free period next summer. Thank you for everything.
Kyliv
What an incredible week we have had. The cottage was absolutely immaculate, in a stunning location and just as described if not better 🙂 Sarah and John were absolutely lovely and a pleasure to meet. They were always on had if we needed anything at all. I would definitely recommend to anyone. We wouldn’t definitely go back. Thank you so very much for a wonderful stay.
Tom
I would 100% recommend staying here.
Sonia
Sarah's home was amazing. it was clean and had everything we needed. It is in a very peaceful location.
Stephen
Ideal base for exploring the North coast of Scotland. The croft/cottage was spotless with everything we needed. Beds were very comfortable, fantastic views across to Stroma and large garden with hosts on hand to help with local info. Would definitely stay again next time we're in the area.
Lydia
Sarah's place was so warm and comfortable I felt right at home there. It had everything you needed in terms of facilities, the decor was lovely and it had a really cosy feel to it. It was in a lovely, peaceful location meaning it was perfectly quiet at night except for the sounds of wildlife. After being out in the cold and ice it felt so wonderful returning to Sarah's place! I went during December when it was very cold and icy. It was amazing seeing the coast and it's points of interest when nobody else was around but I did find it quite hard at times to find something to do as most things were shut. If you are going so you can be away from it all, in a beautiful remote coastal village then Sarah's place would be perfect for you to do that. I really couldn't fault the cottage one bit!
Caroline
Our stay at Sarah's was just perfect...The house is beautiful, cozy, welcoming, very clean, functional, neat, quiet, surrounded by greenery...The place is peaceful, almost at the end of the world and yet we found new things to do every day in this splendid place in Scotland: local tours, surfing, wildlife sightings, walks, a day on the Orkney Islands, restaurant, distillery... etc...Sarah (and her lovely family) is a wonderful host. Caring while being discreet, she takes care of your well-being without being intrusive. Everything is designed to make you feel good, every little detail will delight you. A real gem! Another huge thank you for your kindness and smile, Sarah.We even had the chance to see nice little lambs born during our stay.We hope you'll have the opportunity to stay in Canisbay, in this beautiful "Firthview" house, pampered by the adorable Sarah!We already miss the Highlands...See you later, Sarah (fingers crossed)
Darius
Wonderful place! We felt right at home straight away, and truly enjoyed our stay. The host was very responsive, gave great advice on places to visit and the house was fully equipped with everything we needed and had a lovely views to enjoy while having morning coffee. Also loved the cute sheep coming to say hello every time we went outside. Thanks for everything and we hope to come back soon!
Lindsay
Couldn’t have asked for more, Sarah has thought of everything for the cottage. A great location that we used as a base for exploring. Very peaceful and cozy, nice decor and absolutely spotless. Kitchen was equipped with everything needed and plenty of storage. Wouldn’t hesitate to book again
Matthew
Wonderful cottage, wonderful location and a fabulous host. The views are great and the cottage has all the mod cons and is very comfortable. We will go back 100%. Thank you Sarah!
Ian
What a fantastic cottage! Firthview was a last minute booking as our previous cottage fell through on the Wednesday before we were due to arrive on the Saturday and all I can say is thank goodness it did. Sarah and the family have created a beautiful home from home with absolutely everything you need. It's beautifully designed inside and the view outside is beautiful. The cottage is an ideal base for exploring the NC500 coast road and all it has to offer. John o groats is a 5 minute drive away and Wick and Thurso take about 25 minutes in the car.
Fleur
Gorgeous cottage - well equipped, spacious and comfortable. Pristine condition, absolutely spotless. Beautifully appointed with views on all sides. Never enjoyed washing up so much looking out the window!! Super comfortable beds, fantastic shower, decent Wi-fi - was able to stream movies for the kids. Loads of outdoor space, garden on 3 sides and courtyard for parking and somewhere to store our bikes. Great bike ride to John O’Groats and Duncansby Head. Fantastic beaches at Dunnet Bay and Keiss/Reiss. Annie’s Bakery is a must. 3 min drive to Gills Bay ferry which takes you to The Orkneys which are stunning. Will be back, the big skies and endless sea are a real tonic for anyone wanting the get away from it all. The cottage is the icing on the cake.
A Closer Look at Firthview Cottage
4 guests | 2 bedrooms | 1 bathroom | 3 beds
Firthview Croft is a lovely, traditional family cottage, in a fantastic location on the north coast of Scotland overlooking the Pentland Firth, the Island of Stroma and the Orkneys. The croft itself is part of a traditional highland steading situated in a peaceful area from which to base yourself for an active holiday or relaxing retreat. Located just off the NC500 route, it was completely refurbished in 2021.
The cottage has a kitchen, living room, bathroom and two generous bedrooms, a double and a twin. The kitchen, with its sea view, is a favourite spot for our guests as it makes washing up a pleasure!
Outside, the cottage is surrounded by gardens on three sides and a courtyard to the front. Spectacular views of the Pentland Firth, Orkneys and the uninhabited island of Stroma can be seen from the garden. The steading outbuildings mean there is storage for equipment (bicycles, surfboards etc) available.
What Firthview offers
Scenic views
Garden
Internet
Kitchen & Dining
Outdoor furniture
Free parking
Heating
Washing machine
Room-darkening blinds
Home safety
Cooking basics
Wine glasses
Bed linen
Hangers
Clothes storage
Clothes drying rack
Books and reading material
TV
