100 BEST Self Catering in Scotland

Large luxury historic holiday home on a beautiful sandy beach in the far north west Highlands near Durness, Sutherland

A vast expanse of soft, pale sand fringed with tufted green dunes slopes gently into clear blue sea, making a stunning backdrop for the grand, striking house that sits looking over the water in this quiet corner of Scotland. A-listed, Balnakeil House was first conceived in the 17th century and has gone through several transformations including substantial redesign in the 18th century and now after standing empty for twenty years, has been beautifully renovated and furnished to make a very special luxury holiday home.

There's been a spate of special birthdays for the last of the baby boom generation, giving an excuse for groups of us to get together in large holiday homes in lovely locations in Scotland and celebrate in style. Open the front door of Balnakeil House and straight away style is what we see: a beautifully decorated hallway hung with original paintings and a grand staircase leading up to the first floor; doors leading on the left to the large kitchen-dining-living room and on the right to the cosy games room.

The house takes a bit of exploring - three floors contain two staircases, three living rooms, nine bedrooms and numerous bathrooms (not to mention walk in cupboards and other nooks and crannies) all furnished with a combination of lovely, well chosen antiques and quality new furniture. I love the many, beautifully shaped windows with their small panes, neat surrounds and wooden shutters. Of course the views through these are stunning and since the bay faces west, we are treated to glorious sunsets over the sea and moonlight rippling on the water in a wobbly line to the horizon.

I've developed a habit of taking a stroll along the beach to the end of Faraid Head peninsula before breakfast and late in the evening. It's quiet here anyway, but at these peaceful times I like to sit in the pale light and watch waves and wildlife: puffins, smaller than I expect them to be, defying gravity on their tiny wings, seals and dolphins, an occasional otter, oblivious to my presence. This coast is one of contrasts: long flat sands and dunes, huge towering cliffs, rugged hills and barren moorland. In the side of a cliff near Durness a huge cave has been carved out of the limestone - Smoo Cave - easily reached by foot but best explored by boat. Men have come here for 6,000 years; now a small boat takes us deep inside to where the Smoo burn crashes down through a sink hole, a waterfall bathed in light from the shaft above.

After days spent exploring wonderful beaches, hiking in spectacular scenery or putting golf skills to the test on the amazing Durness course, Balnakeil House could not be bettered as a place to spend an evening socialising with friends, either lazing about informally downstairs, or dressed in our best, indulging in too many courses at the enormous dining table and relaxing with after dinner brandies in the lovely drawing room. Roll on the next birthday...