A restored Victorian manor on Scotland's remote Dunnet Head offers exclusive-use access to a playground with royal heritage and acres of dramatic Highland scenery, writes Sam Bradley

These days it’s all too easy to whizz past somewhere special (or fly straight over it). Scotland’s North Coast 500 boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, but those on a schedule could easily bypass the beautiful area of Dunnet, and its most magnificent manor, the House of the Northern Gate. A stay here is an invitation to slow down and truly fully appreciate this wild landscape at its most spectacular: rugged, windswept, desolate and undeniably beautiful.

LOCATION

The House of the Northern Gate is set in the far northeast of the Scottish Highlands, about 10 miles from John o’ Groats. It’s hard to get to, as paradise often is, with Inverness the closest commercial airport 2.5 hours away by car. Trains go to Thurso (20 minutes away) and there is also a small airport in the nearby town of Wick, and the location is perfect for travellers on the North Coast 500 route. 

Upon arrival, the location is idyllic. Set on Dunnet Head amongst 1,800 acres of uninhabited moorland, the views stretch endlessly towards turquoise ocean waters and moorland in one direction, and back over farmland and quaint village scenery in the other. It’s a short walk down to the remote and secluded sandy beach, and the estate also boasts five lochs as well as plenty of rambling routes for hikes and picnics. The nearby village of Dunnet provides easy access to supplies and activities.

ETHOS

Originally built in the late 1800s, the property is now owned by the Dunnet family, who bought it in 2018 (their ancestors had left the area 200 years previously) and have lovingly and painstakingly restored it to its former glory. The romantic nature of the project has made it incredibly personal – it’s as far from a commercial hotel as night and day.

GUEST PERSONAS

The manor will be appreciated by fans of the monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II stayed at the property in the 1950s, and these days King Charles is said to cherish his annual visits to the area, roaming the beaches and wide-open expanses while the locals pay him no heed (he planted a tree in the walled garden when he officially opened the property in 2021). 

Like the king, the House of the Northern Gate is for those who have an appreciations for nature and wide open expanses; for those who view a holiday as a chance to refresh in quiet and solitude… it’s not unusual to relax on a beach with nothing for company except a few curious seals.

Movie buffs may also recognise the manor from its appearance in a few notable films, most recently Row (filmed in 2024) – and music aficionados will appreciate Led Zeppelin having explored buying the house to be a recording studio.

ROOMS

The refurbishment of the manor took four years of intense renovations, and the results are spectacular. The house consists of nine bedrooms, seven of which are en-suite, and each named after a nearby landmark, and all restored to their original state but also lavishly furnished and modernised (think Egyptian cotton, fluffy towels and cosy bath robes). The communal parts of the house are fantastic for socialising. Large dining and living rooms are great for spending time together with friends and family, and there’s also a gym and table tennis. In winter the movie room is a firm favourite, as is the cosy lounge with fireplace (and there’s plans underway for a jacuzzi and spa area) while in summer the outdoor firepits and sunset viewing areas are the main draw cards. And there are a few grand touches; reminders that it’s an extraordinary sort of place – from the lavish artwork on the walls, to the grand staircase, to the turret room (complete with vintage telescope for spotting passing ships in the Pentland Firth). 

 RESTAURANTS: WHAT TO EAT  

The house is let on a self-service basis, but with a large and fully equipped kitchen for whipping up delicious meals, and a beautiful dining room that seats 22 guests. When booking, the reservation manager can put you in touch with their locally acclaimed chef who is often brought in to look after the catering, specialising in meals using local ingredients like venison, organic beef, salmon and lobster. Other extra services include daily turndowns, as well as butlers and concierges on hand.   

For those looking for a change of scenery, the bar and restaurant in the Northern Sands Hotel is a ten minute stroll down the hill.

WELLNESS FACILITIES

The fully equipped gym is useful for when the weather turns bad, and the soon to be built spa and jacuzzi will be a great health and wellness addition. However, it’s impossible to stay in such a remote and beautiful area and not make the most of the outdoor surroundings. From hikes and walks through the endless heather moorlands, to learning to surf to bracing swims in the invigorating ocean and lochs, the best way to clear your head and move your body is by exploring the estate and spending time outdoors.

WHERE TO WORK

The whole house is equipped with quick internet and lots of suitable desk space, but the library is undoubtedly the most inspiring work room in the house. A large wooden desk and walls lined floor-to-ceiling with books (many of them collectors’ items) are sure to unlock the creative genius within.

ECO CREDENTIALS

Too many to mention: restoring the estate has provided employment to many locals in the area, and its function as a guest property and wedding venue continues to do the same. The estate also oversees an incredibly large area of land, all managed for the benefit of the public who hike the trails and enjoy the beach.

Most of the power for the house is sourced through solar panels, and a lot of the heating is provided through a ground source heat pump system bringing heat from deep underground.

INSIDER TIP

Owner George Dunnett, who worked hard on the renovation over the last few years and is still integrally involved in the property, advises guests to enjoy as many of the local attractions as possible. Nearby Dunnet Beach is perfect for surfing lessons (North Coast Watersports come recommended) while John o’ Groats and Dunnet Head (the most northerly point of mainland Britain) are well worth a visit. There are also sea stacks, a natural sea pool, whisky distilleries, fishing and multiple golf courses all nearby, not to mention castles and a deserted island.

SERVICE 

Managers Jake and AJ will greet you on arrival and do everything possible to make your stay memorable. Locals to the area, they’re the right people to ask for just about anything. 

VERDICT

Those looking for a truly relaxing holiday escape will thoroughly enjoy the House of the Northern Gate. It’s great for spending time together with friends or as a family, whether in the summer when the sunny evenings just never seem to end, or for a cosy winter break.

PRICE

The manor is booked on an exclusive use basis for around £1,600 per night; which considering the size is incredibly good value for groups and large families. Due to the logistics of getting there - and the amount of activities to be enjoyed – it’s recommended to spend at least five days if possible. The estate is also regularly hired out for weddings, also on a very reasonable basis.