Scotland’s best holiday home with stunning loch & mountain views crowned

A CHARMING cottage with impressive loch and mountain views has been named one of the best holiday homes in Scotland.

Three sets of Scots homeowners have been celebrating after winning a top award for their stunning rental properties at the 2024 Skyes Awards.

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Druidaig Cottage in the Highlands came out won Gold in the national category for Best for Views in the prestigious competition.

With impressive views over Loch Duich and the Five Sisters of Kintail mountains, Druidaig Cottage owned by Linda Aldam is situated in Letterfearn, near Dornie, close to the town of Fort William.

The property – which Linda converted from an old tin cottage – is also nestled amongst a plethora of wildlife, with deer and badgers often found roaming the lawn.  

It offers the perfect oasis for those looking to escape the hum-drum of city life and to immerse themselves in nature.

The cottage is elevated on a hill with a full length covered veranda from which the spectacular location can be truly appreciated in all weathers.

The spacious accommodation on one level has two generous bedrooms, a twin and a double, with doors leading out to a private decking area.

And if you want to leave the beautiful surroundings of Druidaig, a short drive around Loch Duich takes occupants to the much-photographed Eilean Donan Castle.

On winning the coveted title for the second year in a row, Druidaig Cottage owner Linda Aldam said: “Druidaig Cottage really does have something special to offer and it’s a privilege to be able to host people from busier towns and cities who don’t have views like these on their doorsteps.

“To win an award for it for two years running is the cherry on the top!”  

Elsewhere, Steven and Fiona Fraser, owners of Woodend Croft in Pitmedden, Aberdeenshire, scooped gold in the Best in Scotland category.

Woodend Croft was born after Steven and Fiona knocked a derelict house on the grounds of their own home down to replace with a modern property.

With 55 bookings so far this year, the holiday let first became available to holidaymakers in May 2023 and is now a popular base for those visiting the area to play golf.  

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Woodend Croft owner, Fiona Fraser, said: “We’re over the moon to have won this award, especially as we’ve not been holiday letting for very long.

“We put our all into making sure everyone who visits Woodend Croft is hit with that real ‘wow factor’ and are made up that we seem to have achieved this.  

“Holiday letting is very rewarding, and we’d encourage anyone up for a new challenge to try it out – Sykes are incredibly supportive and always there to help, with everything down to interior design choices.”    

Meanwhile, 2 Abbey Row, a stylish first-floor apartment in the historic town of Kelso in the Scottish Borders, was also recognised, securing silver in the Best in Scotland category.

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The Sykes Gems Awards 2024, run by staycation specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages, saw thousands of entries from across the UK and Ireland – with Woodend Croft, Druidaig Cottage, and 2 Abbey Row beating off tough competition to take home their trophies.   

Properties were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Sykes’ CEO Graham Donoghue and Managing Director James Shaw, as well as The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski. 

Properties were judged using owner entries and guest feedback, alongside details like photos, occupancy figures and property amenities.

This year, there were 31 categories, including Best Luxury Property, Best Renovation and Best for Pet Friendly Breaks, with Best for Activities and Best for Sustainability two new categories introduced in 2024. 

The judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Woodend Croft, Druidaig Cottage, and 2 Abbey Row, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort and value for money.  

The Sykes Gems Awards first launched in 2017 and aims to celebrate the best properties in the UK’s holiday let sector.  

James Shaw, Managing Director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, added: “It has been brilliant to see so many fantastic properties recognised in this year’s Sykes Gems Awards. 

“We know how hard our owners work to ensure their properties remain at a high standard year-round and it is great to be able to reward their efforts.

“While it was difficult to choose winners after receiving so many wonderful entries, these three Scottish properties were clear front runners that deliver unforgettable breaks for guests.”  

For more information or to book a Gems award-winner, visit sykescottages.co.uk or call 01244 617683.  

To view the full list of winners, visit here.