The Hayloft | Peaceful Black Isle Retreat Near Fortrose | Balcony & Wood Burner

We moved to this peaceful corner of the Black Isle over 30 years ago, drawn by the quiet surroundings and beautiful setting. After many years working in television editing, we are now happily retired and, with our family grown up, are delighted to share this special place with guests.

Our daughter Zoe has recently moved back home and, together with her husband David and their two children, has built a house next door. If we are away when you arrive, Zoe will be here to welcome you.

The apartment above our outbuilding was originally created for our son, who now works as a cameraman in Edinburgh. We have since carefully upgraded it to provide a warm, comfortable retreat for visitors.

We love animals and birds, music, cooking, spending time with family, and enjoying life here with our Black Labrador Bella.

We have lived at Blairfoid on the Black Isle for 33 years, but our story here began even earlier. We first came to visit friends over 35 years ago and fell in love with the area so completely that we decided to make it home. Even now, there are days when it still feels as though we are on holiday.

What drew us here then is exactly what we still treasure today: the peace and quiet, the open countryside, and the slower pace of life. We love the lack of traffic, the fresh Highland air, and watching red kites and buzzards soaring overhead.

The Black Isle is also perfectly placed for exploring the Highlands, with beautiful beaches, woodland walks, historic villages, and stunning coastal views all close by. Nearby Chanonry Point is one of our favourite spots, where you can often watch the famous bottlenose dolphins from the shore.

For us, it is the perfect balance of tranquillity, nature, and easy access to everything the Highlands has to offer.

What makes our property so special is its peaceful rural setting combined with an excellent location for exploring the Highlands. You can enjoy the calm of the countryside while being within easy reach of villages, beaches, attractions and the city of Inverness.

Just 3½ miles away are the charming coastal villages of Fortrose, Rosemarkie and Avoch, where you’ll find gift shops, cafés, restaurants, takeaways, pubs and beautiful sandy beaches. Whether you’re looking for a seaside walk, lunch by the water or dolphin spotting, it is all close by.

We are only 12 miles from Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, offering excellent shopping, dining, river walks and transport links. Inverness Airport is around 40 minutes away, making travel easy for guests arriving from further afield.

Loch Ness and the historic Urquhart Castle are only around 45 minutes away, ideal for a memorable day trip. The mountains, lochs and spectacular scenery of the West Coast are also within easy reach.

Another favourite destination is Cromarty, just 20 minutes away, a charming and historic village with very little traffic, pretty streets, independent cafés and a small seasonal ferry crossing to a quiet sandy beach.

It is this rare combination of peace, convenience, coast, countryside and Highland adventure that makes staying here so enjoyable.