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Garvault House Hotel Kinbrace Nature photoGarvault House Hotel Kinbrace Exterior photoGarvault House Hotel Kinbrace Exterior photo

GARVAULT HOUSE, Kinbrace

•
9.0|Perfect
Check rooms and rates
From$161 /nightOnly on Our Website-10%
Check-in
05Nov
Check-out
06Nov
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Kinbrace, Kinbrace, KW11 6UF
-
Miles from Thurso
Perfect
9.0
/10
5.0
4.9
/5

Remote off-grid hotel in Kinbrace with 9.8 location rating and free cooked-to-order breakfast

Accommodations & Rooms

Garvault House offers private bathrooms in all guestrooms, each providing lake, mountain, or river views. The hotel features single, double, twin, and family rooms, including a separate stable block with its own character. A 9.8 guest rating for location reflects the property's remote position in the Scottish Highlands.

Dining & Breakfast

A free cooked-to-order breakfast is served with continental, à la carte, full English/Irish, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options plus local specialities. Homemade snacks and treats are offered on arrival, and dinner is served communally upon request with a focus on dietary preferences. The on-site bar stocks local whiskies and beers, and a packed lunch service is available for day trips.

Activities & Surroundings

The hotel provides a free shuttle service from Kinbrace train station, located 10.7 km away, making access easier despite the remote location. Guests can walk directly from the property for hiking, cycling, fishing, and guided walking tours, with opportunities for stargazing and wildlife sightings. Whale-watching is available in the area, and the surrounding landscape offers scenic walking paths and nature access.

Pet-Friendly & Family

Garvault House is pet-friendly, providing pet bowls and allowing dogs in the hotel and gardens. Family rooms are available, and the hotel offers kids' meals as well as board games and puzzles for children. A picnic area and outdoor furniture make it easy for families to enjoy the grounds together.

Facilities & Safety

The cozy drawing room features a real fire, and a library with extensive reading materials is open to guests. Safety measures include fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, while daily housekeeping keeps rooms clean. Free private parking and free WiFi are available on-site, and a bar and dinner service are offered upon request.

Highlights

Location: The most remote hotel in mainland Scotland, off-grid with a 9.8 guest rating

Dining: Free cooked-to-order breakfast and communal home-cooked dinners with dietary accommodations

Rooms: Private bathrooms with mountain, lake, or river views; single, family, and stable block rooms

Activities: Hiking, cycling, fishing, walking tours, stargazing, and whale-watching nearby

Family: Pet-friendly with family rooms, kids' meals, board games, and picnic area

Transport: Free shuttle from Kinbrace train station, 10.7 km away

Must-do experiences

  • Explore the stunning Flow Country trails right outside Kinbrace.
  • Visit the nearby Strathnaver Museum for local history and culture.
  • Savor traditional haggis at the Kinbrace Hotel's restaurant.
  • Discover the unique wildlife at Forsinard Flows RSPB Reserve.
  • Attend a local ceilidh at the village hall for lively Scottish music.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Quadruple Room Bath
    2 persons
    24 m²
    4 Single beds / 1 Queen-size bed
  • Single Room Bath
    2 persons
    10 m²
    1 Single bed
    Bathtub
  • Deluxe Double or Twin Room Lake View
    2 persons
    22 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Free parking
  • Pets allowed
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Fishing

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches

Children

  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
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Garvault House Location

Kinbrace, Kinbrace, KW11 6UF
Map view
Explore Kinbrace
Local Experiences Around Garvault House
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Hermitage Forest
30 minutes' walk
A scenic woodland with diverse wildlife, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics. Free access daily.
Strathnaver Museum
10-minute drive
Local history museum showcasing the culture of Strathnaver. Engaging exhibits and guided tours available.
Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve
15-minute drive
Nature reserve featuring peatlands and unique birdwatching opportunities. Open year-round for visitors.
Hiking & Biking Trails
30 minutes walking
A range of trails for all skill levels. Rentals and maps are available at local shops.
Fishing at Loch Laird
15-minute drive
Tranquil fishing experience ideal for beginners and experts. Day permits are required; rentals available locally.
The Bell In
15 minutes' walk
Traditional pub with hearty Scottish fare. Signature haggis and local ales. Reservations recommended.
The Laid Back Café
10-minute drive
Cozy café offering homemade pastries and light bites. Vegetarian options and friendly atmosphere.
The Hall of Fame
10-minute drive
Local venue for live music events featuring regional artists. Family-friendly with a vibrant community atmosphere.
Kinbrace Village Hall
15 minutes' walk
Host to various community events and movie nights. Check the schedule for family activities and special shows.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Kinbrace 15 min  ·  1.2 km
  • Airports
    Wick John O'Groats (WIC) 149 min  ·  99.3 km
    Kirkwall (KOI) 227 min  ·  151.1 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-19:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 12.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, German, Italian
Number of rooms:
7

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Garvault House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Garvault House offers a unique experience with its isolated location and distant loch views, appealing to guests seeking tranquility. The home-cooked dinners are frequently praised, and the communal dining experience creates a welcoming atmosphere for many. Some guests have noted the absence of tea-making facilities in the bedroom, but the overall experience, with the charm of a bygone era, provides a memorable stay.
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Review score
Based on 4 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
100%
Recommend
Location
9.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.5/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Remote location
Cute staff
Delicious food
Cons
Unfriendly manager
Guest reviews
based on 4 reviews
8.4/10
based on 250 reviews
9.0/10
Sebastian from Germany
Single
single room bath
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 06, 2026
9.0/10

peaceful highland stay

warm welcome good food quiet road perfect retreat
the welcome was indeed warm. the food i had was really good. i enjoyed the drive on the quiet road. the setting provided the perfect retreat.
the collectibles created some dust in my room.
Location
9/10
The house provides distant views of a loch and hills. Its remoteness certainly adds character. the surrounding area is very quiet. I heard no traffic noise at all. walks are possible.
Facilities
9/10
the wifi connection worked well throughout the premises. the bar offered a good selection of drinks. dinner is a four-course meal with all dishes homemade, which represents good value for the price. the breakfast had a good choice with no shortage of food.
0 Helpful
|
Jennifer from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Double or Twin Room Lake View
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 23, 2025
9.3/10

Highland Solitude

historical house distant views unique character
The house exudes history in a remote, windswept setting. Distant views showcased a loch and rolling hills. Its isolation enhances its unique character. I found the location ideal for a quiet escape.
I noticed ceiling lights need attention in the bathroom.
Service
10/10
The owners provided coffee and cake upon my arrival. Dinner included sitting with other guests at a communal table. I found this a very social experience.
Location
9/10
This hotel is situated far from the nearest town. Drives provide access to scenic walking routes. The hotel offers an escape into nature.
Rooms
9/10
My room featured a comfortable bed. Homemade dinner was served in the dining room. The rooms did not require keys, which I found reassuring.
0 Helpful
|
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Jacob from United Kingdom
Single
Double or Twin Room Mountain View
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 20, 2025
9.3/10

highland house stay

loch view attentive staff tea offering
The location is isolated, it includes distant views of a loch. it is set in an isolated area, that adds to the character. the staff was lovely and attentive. I got tea upon arrival.
the absence of a lift posed a problem with heavy luggage, particularly to get the suitcases to upper floor.
Service
9/10
the staff offered a warm welcome with tea and cake upon my arrival. they were quick to assist with luggage and provided helpful information on local attractions and nearby walking trails.
Rooms
9/10
the room had mountain views and a comfortable bed. i had a shower in the en-suite, it included fresh towels and toiletries and the room temperature was easily adjustable.
Dining
10/10
dinner featured home-cooked meals, it included local ingredients. the menu offered vegetarian options, the chef was flexible with dietary requirements and breakfast included a selection of cereals, fruits, and hot items.
0 Helpful
|
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benjamin from germany
double or twin room mountain view
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 17, 2025
6/10

underwhelming stay, some issues noted

tea absence mediocre meals
The room lacked essential amenities. i found the absence of tea and coffee making facilities inconvenient. also, the meals felt mediocre. There was no packed lunch option, despite the hotel being quite remote. the place seemed rather cold at times.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Garvault House
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Garvault House?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Is parking available at Garvault House?
Free private parking is available on-site without reservation.
Which airport is closest to Garvault House?
Wick John O'Groats Airport is located 100 km away.
What breakfast options are available at Garvault House?
Breakfast includes à la carte, continental, and Full English/Irish options for an additional charge of 12 GBP.
What activities can guests enjoy near Garvault House?
Guests can engage in activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing in the nearby area.
Does Garvault House have any on-site dining options?
An on-site bar is available, along with dinner service upon request.
How far is Garvault House from the nearest train station?
The nearest train station is 11 km away.
What are some notable attractions near Garvault House?
Nearby attractions include scenic walking paths and whale-watching opportunities.
What room amenities are offered at Garvault House?
All rooms include a private bathroom and complimentary bottled water.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Garvault House?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for all guests.

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