Garvault House

Hotels
9.3 (359 reviews)
Kinbrace , Kinbrace , GB

listing image 1
Show all photos
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
D
Dave • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Very remote.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-22 • via Nuitee
T
Tony • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Very very Unique place with great atmosphere and people!

2026-10-21 • via Nuitee
K
Kristien • couple • gb
9
A unique and special hotel.
2026-10-18 • via Nuitee
V
valerie • couple • gb
8
Pros:

What a place stunning location wild & remote
not your normal hotel our 2nd visit & still refreshingly quirky .Adrian is the perfect host & gathers total stangers round the dinner table & it just works.if you want a hotel that will live long in the memory this is the place,if your at all fussy or snobby go elsewhere to a same old faceless hotel chain

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
C
Catherine • couple • au
9
We enjoyed our stay very much.
Pros:

Garvault House provides a very welcoming and homely experience. It is set in the dramatic landscape of the flow country.

2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
L
luc • couple • ch
9
un des souvenirs mémorable de notre séjour en écosse
Pros:

l'accueil, nos hôtes exceptionnel, le repas du soir et le brunch du matin. les rencontres durant ces repas. les discussions au coin du feu ou dans le bar avec d'autre locataires. la magie de la région.

Cons:

le fait de partir

2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
J
Jakub • extended_group • pl
10
Pros:

Niesamowite miejsce i wspaniały właściciel, który utożsamia piękno Szkocji i tej wspaniałej kultury

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
G
Gwen • solo_traveller • gb
1
A bad choice
Pros:

The location was beautiful

Cons:

Hotel had unpleasant smell of damp, bedding also smelt of damp which was difficult to live in. No menu with choice of meals available. I was informed having a menu only provided waste. The lady who ran hotel was extremely aggressive towards me when I decided to leave and not stay at premises.

2026-10-08 • 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
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
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