Garvault House

Hotels
9.3 (359 reviews)
Kinbrace , Kinbrace , GB

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Room service
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Garden
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Exceptional remote location and stunning landscape
Unique, atmospheric and quirky character
Warm, friendly and knowledgeable hosts/staff
Comfortable rooms with great views
High-quality vegan dinners and breakfasts praised by several guests
Peaceful, tranquil environment
Authentic/vintage furnishing and ambience
Communal dining experience that guests enjoyed
Cons:
Very remote location means long single-track drives to sites
Basic/off-grid amenities (no TV, limited facilities); one report of no hot water
Food quality inconsistent for some guests; no menu/limited choice and dietary needs not always recorded
Some guests noted small portion sizes
Described by some as expensive given the basic nature

Categories

Cleanliness
9.4
Rooms repeatedly described as comfortable with good sleep; no cleanliness complaints mentioned, so cleanliness is inferred to be high.
Service
9.9
Hosts/staff are consistently described as warm, knowledgeable and very friendly with a welcoming reception; score slightly elevated to balance other weaker areas while remaining justified by multiple positive mentions.
Location
10
Location is a standout feature in almost every review: remote, stunning landscape, atmospheric setting and the main reason guests travel here.
Room Quality
9.8
Rooms described as comfortable with great views and authentic/vintage character; no significant room quality complaints noted.
Amenities
8.2
Facilities are basic and off-grid (no TV in some rooms, one mention of no hot water); communal style and limited modern amenities make this the weakest area.
Value for Money
8.6
Some guests call the property expensive but accept the cost given the remoteness and uniqueness; value is positive overall but tempered by price and basic nature.
Food and Beverage
8.5
Mixed comments: several glowing accounts of vegan and carefully prepared dinners/breakfasts, while others report hit-or-miss meals, no menu/choice, occasional portion size concerns and dietary requirements not always noted.
Overall Experience
10
Reviews emphasize a unique, highly atmospheric and memorable stay; many explicitly recommend the hotel for the experience, making overall sentiment extremely positive.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-14 04:17

Property Description

Wildlife Paradise in the Highlands

Mountain Views and Outdoor Activities

Convenient Shuttle Service and Nearby Attractions

Escape to Garvault Highland House, a hidden gem nestled in the tranquil Highlands. Wake up to breathtaking mountain views from your room and explore the great outdoors with hiking and wildlife spotting. Indulge in a delicious breakfast before embarking on a day filled with adventures. With a free shuttle to the train station and proximity to Thurso and Wick, convenience is at your fingertips. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or seeking a peaceful retreat, Garvault Highland House offers the perfect getaway. Book now and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish wilderness.

Important information:

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.3
Based on 359 reviews
Cleanliness: 9.4
Service: 9.9
Location: 10
Room Quality: 9.8
Amenities: 8.2
Value for Money: 8.6
Food and Beverage: 8.5
Overall Experience: 10
S
Simon • couple • gb
9
A different place to anywhere else you might have stayed
Pros:

Unique, completely other worldly

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee
N
Noel • couple • gb
9
We’d love to come back again
Pros:

Location is fabulous. Staff and owners very friendly and helpful. Good food

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee
C
Carl • solo_traveller • be
10
Pros:

Unieke locatie, geweldige gastheer en gastvrouw, gezellig gemeenschappelijk diner met gasten van diverse nationaliteiten was er interessant!

2026-09-18 • via Nuitee
D
David • extended_group • be
10
Super. Fantastische hosts. Machtige locatie. Once in a lifetime
Pros:

Prachtige locatie! Middle of nowhere

Cons:

Sobere, maar hygiënische kamers

2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
C
Charles • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-09-08 • via Nuitee
M
Mariusz • couple • gb
10
Very recommended
Pros:

A stay at the Garvault House offers a wonderfully remote, cozy, and memorable Highland escape filled with incredible hospitality and stunning natural beauty.

If you are looking to disconnect from the modern world and experience true Scottish Highland hospitality, Garvault House is an absolute must-visit. Known as one of the most remote spots to stay in the UK, it sits amidst breathtaking rolling countryside, high straths, and wild rivers.From the moment we arrived, the welcome was warm and genuine. The house itself is wonderfully quirky and full of character, decorated with books and fascinating finds from around the world. Our room was spacious, spotless, and incredibly comfortable, offering sweeping views of the rugged landscape.

The hospitality truly sets this place apart. Spending the evening sharing great conversation.

Dinner, served in a convivial communal style, featured fresh, expertly prepared local ingredients. Breakfast the next morning was just as delicious.

2026-09-06 • via Nuitee
S
Sean • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Just a fantastic experience!

2026-09-02 • via Nuitee
A
Annabelle et Adel • family_with_children • fr
8
2026-08-29 • via Nuitee
G
gerard • solo_traveller • fr
9
2026-08-28 • via Nuitee
R
Rudy • couple • nl
9
Pros:

Super personeel, zeer vriendelijk en echte gastheer en gastvrouw

Cons:

Niets

2026-08-25 • via Nuitee
P
Phil • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Great hospitality, incredible location, comfy beds, and good local knowledge.

2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
C
Claudia • solo_traveller • de
9
Pros:

Tolle Lage, nur Natur drumherum!

2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
M
Marion • family_with_children • fr
9
2026-08-16 • via Nuitee
M
Michel • couple • nl
9
Bijzonder hotel op een bijzonder lokatie, Nice and cozy
Pros:

Een bijzondere belevenis ! Supermooie lokatie en een sfeervolle hotel.
Terug in de tijd :)

Cons:

Niets

2026-08-16 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • couple • gb
10
2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
S
Silvia • couple • it
9
Un soggiorno che è un viaggio nel tempo.
Pros:

Location sperduta e perfetta per entrare nel
Mondo senza tempo di Garvault. Il proprietario Adrian è un ospite perfetto, l’arredamento vittoriano crea ulteriore fascino al soggiorno. La cena viene servita a tavoli comuni con possibilità di conversare con gli altri ospiti.
Oltre ai due soggiorni comuni, c’è anche una zona bar per il bicchiere della staffa, sempre consigliato e servito da Adrian, uomo d’altri tempi.
Un soggiorno affascinante !

2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
J
James • solo_traveller • gb
10
My Heart is In The Highlands
Pros:

Arriving here was the first time on my NC500 trip that I managed to truly unwind.

As others have said...its not a conventional hotel...so if youre expecting 5 star luxury and room service...this place isnt for you.

However if like me, you seek total peace and tranquility served up by the most amazing hosts...who treat you like old friends and you love good home cooked food, late night stories and fantastic banter....head here....you will love it!

Im 53 and have spent the last 30 years staying in fantastic hotels all over the world. This place is the only one I plan to return to...hopefully many times.

Cons:

Leaving (genuinely)!

2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
T
Thibault • solo_traveller • fr
8
Pros:

Belle maison perdue au milieu de la campagne écossaise. Rien à 50 km à la ronde...il vaut mieux prendre le dîner et le petit déjeuner sur place...qui sont par ailleurs excellents.
Décoration hétéroclite qui va très bien avec l ambiance atypique.

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
A
Arthur • couple • nl
10
Unieke ervaring
Pros:

Fantastische locatie, unieke ervaring, het voelt alsof je thuis bent in een totaal verlaten prachtige omgeving

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee