STAY : Review of Badachro Distillery, Little Aird Hill Cottage, Badachro, Wester Ross, Scottish Highlands
What seems like a very long time ago, was actually only a few weeks ago that I was exploring Wester Ross with Visit Wester Ross, part of their Are You a West Coaster campaign.
The accommodation that they arranged for me was Little Aird Hill Cottage, Badachro Distillery. I read up about it online but it does little to prepare you for the quiet cosiness that awaits. This self catering cottage is right next to the craft distillery and in the grounds of Vanessa and Gordons home; but it is completely separate.
REVIEW OF BADACHRO DISTILLERY, LITTLE AIRD HILL COTTAGE, BADACHRO, WESTER ROSS, SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
The way they have located the cottage and focused the views, you would never know you where located in the distillery garden. This cottage comes with its own parking space, woodland garden which in Summer will be glorious and even a back porch to hang and clean your wellies and raincoats if you’ve been out hiking.
The airy timber built chalet is open plan - one large room that triples up as a bedroom with a king sized bed, kitchen and lounge. A bathroom with toilet and shower, back porch with washing machine and coat hooks and places for the wellies and the muddy trainers, and the front sun room/snug with floor to ceiling windows that allow you access to that view no matter where you sit; a wee breakfast table and two comfy chairs with foot stools.
The kitchen is fully equipped and suitably functional with crockery, cutlery, microwave, stove, fridge and dishwasher. You do need to buy groceries in advance of your arrival as there is nothing available in Badachro and you need to drive to Gairloch to pick up provisions - so come prepared especially with the essentials like milk, bread, butter, coffee, etc.
The bed is super comfy and cosy with ample layers of luxurious duvet and blankets to get your Wester Ross hygge on. TV is available and perfectly viewed from the bed! I can vouch for this!
I loved the fire place/wood burning stove. There is amply chopped wood outside and a box inside providing kindling, matches, paper etc - all you need to get a cracking wee fire going. Once you’ve managed to get it lit, the room heats up pretty quickly and retains the heat for most of the night. There is also underfloor heating so no cold feet during the night!
Littel Aird Hill Cottage is located right next to this family owned distillery. Multi award winning Badachro Distillery produces small batch, artisan gin, whisky and vodka. I especially loved the Raspberry gin but know that the Badachro Gin is a favourite amongst many.
Delilah is the copper still that happily infuses local botanicals such as wild myrtle, coriander, gorse blossom, lavender, rose-hip petals, and elderflower; many of which can be seen from the cottage. You are most welcome to stop by to have a look around and a taste although no formal tours are available. All their products are available to purchase from the shop.
This accommodation is most delightful. Although packed with some mod-cons including free wi-fi, its super easy to just switch off and engulf yourself in the quiet and stillness. For 2 people this would be a fantastic getaway, and get away from it all you will! If you love a good hike, there is plenty of walks around the lochs, Badachro Bay, the hills and mountains.
If you want some inspiration on things to do and where to eat, read my blog post on Wester Ross HERE.
Little Aird Hill Cottage, Badachro Distillery, Wester Ross. www.badachrodistillery.com
Dogs are allowed but strictly by prior arrangement
2 people only cottage
Minimum 3 night stay
Free wi-fi and TV
Covid clean with regulations to follow on departure
Own car park area
3 night stay costs £330