New & Exclusive for 2025
At the Highland Sanctuary, we pride ourselves on providing a warm and inviting atmosphere that truly feels like a home away from home. Our thoughtfully designed amenities ensure comfort and accessibility for all guests, creating a welcoming environment where you can relax and unwind. From personal touches that reflect the charm of the Highlands to cosy spaces that encourage connection and relaxation, every detail is crafted to enhance your experience. Find below a detailed list of the facilities available to make your stay memorable.
3 Spacious Bedrooms: Cosy, spacious and bright rooms (1 Kingsize, 1 Double & 1 Twin) with comfortable bedding and linens, perfect for 6 adults sharing or a family up to 7. The Kingsize bedroom is wheelchair accessible, leading through to the wheelchair accessible bathroom/ En-suite.
Bathroom: Large rolltop bath (not accessible) and accessible roll-in shower with instant access hot water and underfloor heating keeping it warm and cost all year round. Complimentary toiletries and soft towels are also provided.
Shower Room: Fully-accessible, underfloor heating and lovely hot towel rail. Equipped with complimentary toiletries and soft towels.
Storage Solutions: Wardrobes and drawer space for personal belongings with easy access.
All of the bedrooms and bathrooms have been newly refurbished in Spring 25, with modern and accessible features.
Open-Plan Living and Dining Area: A welcoming space for relaxation and socialising.
Fully Equipped Kitchen: Large window looking onto garden and the mountains beyond. Equipped a traditional AGA for that warm and cosy country feel, and all modern appliances, cookware, and utensils.
Sitting Areas: Plush sofas and chairs, perfect for unwinding, with ample room for maneuverability. Furniture can be moved aside for a perfect space for some morning yoga.
Dining Area: The old farmhouse style kitchen table can easily seat 8, and is bathed in sunshine at the start of the day through the large double patio doors looking out onto the garden.
Log Fire: A warm and inviting focal point in the living area, creating a cosy atmosphere during the colder months.
Scenic Garden Space: Our beautiful Highland Sanctuary is very private. You’d almost not know it was even there, with a large enclosed garden for you to relax in with a nice sheltered area for outside dining, including a patio which can be accessed from the kitchen/ dining area with large patio doors, leading to a grassy area perfect for adults, children or pets to runaround.
Privacy: There is no access to the back garden, so it is completely secluded and gives you 100% privacy.
Accessible: There is a ramp and fully lit access for all those that need mobility or wheelchair access.
Outdoor Seating on Patio Area: Large patio that catches both the morning and evening sun, and is fully accessible. Perfect for al fresco meals or morning coffee.
Fresh Herbs: All the plants are designed to provide fragrance, beauty or be edible. - so something to sooth the soul, and boost your nutrition too :)
Sports Store: We have a sports and games store where you can borrow beach kit, bikes and wash/ hang your wet suits.
Meditation or Yoga Space: Designated area for mindfulness practices, accessible to all guests.
Fitness Equipment: Basic tools like yoga mats and resistance bands available for those who wish to stay active.
Relaxation Areas: Puzzles, books, and magazines are provided for leisurely downtime.
Accessible Entry: Wide doors and level access to all areas.
Grab Bars: Strategically placed in bathrooms and showers for safety.
Accessible Shower: Roll-in shower and handheld shower head for ease of use.
Wheelchair-Friendly: Sufficient space in bedrooms and common areas for manoeuvrability.
Emergency Alarms: Visual and auditory alarms for safety.
Adapted Facilities: Designed to provide comfort and convenience, ensuring that all guests can fully enjoy their stay.
Next-to-me Cot
Highchair
Travel Cot
Please let us know when booking what infant facilities you require and we'll ensure we have them set up and made ready for your arrival.
No Wi-Fi: There is currently no wi-fi or TV provided - we want this to be a place where you can truly decompress - however 5G is really good in the area, and the reception is PERFECT on the beach - so if you need to take calls, or do downloads, streaming - ironically - the beach is the best for this in the whole area.
Private Office: If you need access to a private office to make work calls, or work with wi-fi, this can be arranged and is within 3 mins of the house - but it is by arrangement only.
Charging Stations: Convenient spots for charging devices in all areas and bedrooms.
If you are wanting a wi-fi enabled house - let us know too, in case we can support you with a different property in Embo. However, we think that once you’ve tasted a bit of the magic of a digital detox - you’ll wish you had done this years ago :)
Personal Chef Services: Optional meal preparation for guests (included if booking our Leadership & Resilience Retreat).
Customised Welcome Package: A selection of local treats and information about the area upon arrival.
Local Area Guide: To help you discover the unique charm of Embo and the surrounding area, we've created a dedicated space within the house with information on local attractions, activities, and points of interest. Browse through our curated guide to plan your excursions and make the most of your time in the Highlands.
On-Site Parking: Private and secure off road parking, or there is a large open car park close by if you would like to bring multiple vehicles.
Easy Access to Public Transport Options: Information available for those traveling without a car.
Smoke Detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and Fire Extinguishers: Located throughout property, details are within the H&S guide all guests are to read on arrival at the property.
First Aid Kit Available: For any minor injuries.
Secure Entry System: Peace of mind with controlled access.
Please Note: We have a strict no smoking, vaping or candles policy. Ashtrays are provided for outdoor use only.
Loch Fleet: A short drive (approx 7 mins), or you can walk there in about 1hr - and is a Sight of Special Scientific interest (SSSI). Boasting one of the largest populations of Harbour seals in the UK, a plethora of bird life and Ospreys nest onto far shore near Little Ferry. The tides are strong, so perfect for the natural wildlife but do NOT swim there - the rip tides can be lethal.
Embo Beach (1 min walk) and Dornoch Beach (10 min drive or about 1hr walk): Lovely beaches of golden sand for regular swimming and sea kayaking - but NOT Loch Fleet.
Royal Dornoch Golf Course (10 min drive or about 1hr walk):
Shop set in ‘Grannies’ (5 min walk): A lovely friendly local shop or you can walk to the shops in Dornoch along the old railway line too - which is about 50 mins each way.
More information on local amenities & attractions is available at the property.