visit dornoch and stay at
School Hill Croft
Peak through the window of this traditional highland Croft in Dornoch
You will find a hidden gem that is full of character and in a great location.
Exterior
Set in it’s own private South facing garden the fantastic traditional Highland Croft was built by the Duke of Sutherland’s Estate in around 1847. Enjoying a unique and envious location over other properties in the area by being slightly elevated enjoys uninterrupted views of the cathedral and town skyline.
Lounge
A truly majestic environment to enjoy all year round with an overwhelming feeling of Danish “Hygge” in winter. Handmade British furniture, a period Sword hung over the stone fireplace, feature window seat, plus antique & vintage decoration and paintings combine to create an unbeatble place to relax in the Highlands.
Kitchen
The traditional style kitchen follows though in the croft’s unique historic character styling with slate floors, a decorative fireplace, feature window seat and is complimented by a selection of quality modern equipment and SMEG appliances plus a Bose sound system to create a superb space for relaxing and entertaining.
Main Bathroom
Traditional in style the quality main bathroom has a blend of period and Art Deco to create an relaxing environment. Featuring both a large bath and also a walk in shower it caters for all requirments. There is a handmade radiator with towel rail and traditional basin.
Downstairs bedroom
A comfortable ground floor bedroom with views from the window overlooking the cathedral, feeling quite spacious fora croft this size due to the full height ceiling. The en-suite bedroom has a double bed, chest of drawers with a hair drier in it, mirror and wardrobe. Which is also where the iron and ironing board can be found.
En-suite bathroom
Adjoining the downstairs bedroom is a lovely ensuite, featuring slate floors and a large walk in shower. The room is quite spacious for a wee croft. Traditional dark tiles are complemented by a full suite of Villeroy & Bosch bathroom furniture affording a timeless high quality feel in a classic style.
Entrance hall
Slate floors and a handmade traditional radiator against a feature wall panel greet you as you enter the wee croft. There is a convenient character cloakroom under the stairs with coat hangers, shoe rack & tide clock along with access to the rest of the croft from the entrance hall.
Upstairs bedroom 1
At the top of the stairs you will find the the first upstairs bedroom traditionally in the eves of the property. The upstairs rooms are very cute, enjoy extended views over the cathedral, town and beyond. There is a hand made traditional radiator under the winder and a large chest of drawers.
Upstairs bedroom 2
Along the landing you will find the the second upstairs bedroom which again traditionally in the eves of the property. This room again enjoys views over the cathedral, town and beyond. There is a hand made traditional radiator under the window and large chest of drawers.
View
The whole property is slightly elevated and due to the garden is not blocked in front so uniquely offers views from the garden and every room in the house over the cathedral, townscape and into the distance beyond.
Dog friendly
Well trained dogs are welcome, but as the property is used by a number of different guests there are quite strict rules in place and charges for breach of these. It is essential that you are familiar with and understand the terms prior to booking the croft if you wish to take your dog.
EC Car Charger
For visitors with electric cars the croft benefits from its own EV charger. Please note you require your own cable to use this and it is on the street but you park safely up against the side of the house to use it so there are no issues with the cable crossing a public rights of way.
Property Features
A fantastic stay awaits adult groups, families and couples for the new guests and return visitors alike.
Location
Unbeatable location less than 100m from the heart of Dornoch, & short walking distance from golf club with beach beyond. Unique elevated position enjoys views fabulous over the town. The 13th century Cathedral is viewed from the garden & framed out of all the house windows with castles and the Glen of tranquillity beyond.
Comfort
The character of the traditional historic building follows inside, where you will find yourself warm and cosy in the surroundings of the 200 year old School Hill Croft. Offering 3 bedrooms one with en-suite, family bathroom, dining kitchen & enclosed garden all right at the heart of Dornoch.
Super Fast internet
Unbeleivably fast internet is provided at the croft with Fibre to the door. You can benefit from a premium package which offers both 300mb upload and 300mb download. This enables seamless use of mulitple devices simultaniously so you don’t need to worry whilst having video conferences if someone is also streaming and the kids are gaming.
Entertainment
A 55″ smart TV is available for use in the lounge. This has been fitted with a Bose sound bar which complements your choice of viewing. The soundbar also has Bluetooth connaction and can be used independantly for streaming Audio from your phone or device so you can enjoy your favorite music, radio or podcasts while relaxing in the lounge.
EV Car Charger
For visitors with electric cars the croft benefits from its own EV charger. Please note you require your own cable to use this and it is on the street but you park safely up against the side of the house to use it so there are no issues with the cable crossing a public rights of way.
Bedrooms
The 3 bedroom property consists of 2 on the upper level and 1 en-suite bedroom downstairs. In keeping with the period of the property the upstairs bedrooms have low ceilings in the eves and all rooms are fitted out with natural soft furnishings from the local fabric shop.
garden
Uniquely for such a central location the property offers an enclosed South facing garden around 20m x 10m which has a low fence to provide a more secure environment for your children and pets to use outside.
Dog Friendly
Well trained dogs are welcome, but as the property is used by a number of different guests there are quite strict rules in place and charges for breach of these. It is essential that you are familiar with and understand the terms prior to booking the croft if you wish to take your dog.
Local interests & Activities
Golf
The Royal Dornoch historic course dating from 1616 needs no introduction. The famous championship course is legendary & the second “Struie” course also a very enjoyable challenge.
Beach
Miles of golden sand await you at this hidden treasure, the award winning beach runs for miles and miles from Dornoch Point all the way up to past Embo. A hidden gem for beach lovers.
Shopping
A selection of interesting unique shops are based in Dornoch where you certainly won’t see any familiar chains. Local hand made crafts are good quality and some can be found in School Hill Croft.
Hogmanay / New Year
A real experience in Dornoch are the Hogmanay celebrations. Hosting one of the largest street parties in Sutherland the 3 day long event is also very family friendly along with the Loony Dook.
Cathedral
An attraction in it’s own right for the seasoned historian but a lovely place to visit anyway during your visit to Dornoch. The centrally located impressive 13th century Church is steeped in history.
Walking & Hiking
From beach & forest walks to hillwalking in the Great Glens, Sutherland is a great spot to explore the outdoors including Struie Hill with panoramic views of the sea to the East & down the estuary to the West.
Fishing
Multiple fishing disciplines in can be enjoyed in the area. Sea Trout can be caught from the beach along with Trout & Salmon in the estuaries, rivers & lochs of the local area at reasonable rates.
North Coast 500
Based on the East edge of the North Coast 500 Dornoch is a great base to explore the famous driving route. Consistently being named as one of the best driving routes in the world Dornoch is close to the action.
SUP & Kayak
The predominantly sheltered Dornoch bay is a great spot for SUP’s and Kayaks, with parking close by there’s easy access to explore the coast and regular sightings of seals amongst other wildlife in the area.
Dunrobin Castle
Built by the Dukes of Sutherland with parts going back to the 13th century, this is an amazing castle and a great day out, inspired by European architecture with fairy tale style pointed round turrets.
Wild Swimming
The sea offers the most obvious place to wild swim and is indeed amazing, attracting wild swimmers from far and wide. Although there are a number of remote lochs which are also excellent.
Cycling & MTB
Miles of quiet lanes & tracks make Sutherland a great base for family & road cycling and with a close proximity to the Wildcat trails in Golspie, for some serious off road MTB fun.
Hygge (Hoo-ga)
Plan a visit
Relax, unwind and play one of the worlds best golf courses from your base at School Hill Croft in the Highlands of Scotland.
Enjoy your stay from the Croft’s elevated position just 2 minutes walk from the centre of Royal Dornoch, 5 minutes from the Golf Club and 10 minutes from the beach.
Overlooking the wonderful 13th century Cathedral and not just one but 2 castles a fantastic highland experience awaits you.
The Croft itself is probably the best kept example or a traditional Highland croft in Dornoch and dates back to the early to mid 1800’s. The croft was originally built by the Duke of Sutherland’s Estate as an Estate House.
You can still enjoy original features such as a floor to ceiling internal stone wall in the lounge with stove, low ceilings and small windows all with an aspect out over the garden and Cathedral so you are not overlooked.
Booking can made through the main platforms or directly
See links below to check calendars and make bookings
Booking.com
Click here to book through Booking.com
air bnb
Click here to book through Airbnb
Book Direct
Prior to contacting for bookings please check availability.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there WIFI and is it fast?
School Hill Croft is unique by being subscribed to a premium “Full Fibre” internet service which provides speeds of 300Mb download & 300Mb upload which is exceptional for the Highlands and enables seamless remote working and entertainment streaming.
Can I book directly?
Booking can be made directly with us via email or through our listing on Air BnB.
Are pets allowed?
It’s not a holiday without our furry friends so we welcome them to School Hill Croft. Although please not upstairs or on the furniture.
Does the property have a fire / stove?
The property benefits from a stove in the lounge, there is also an open fire in the kitchen although this is decommissioned to meet insulation guidelines so can not be used.
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