Long term lets (over 1 month) Short-breaks (4 days or fewer) Hen or stag parties Corporate bookings House-swap
Changeover day:
Flexible
Access:
Car advised Nearest amenities: 1 km
Family friendly?
Suitable for children of all ages Not suitable for elderly or infirm
Notes:
May take pets - please enquire No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
This is a luxury spacious self-catering holiday property forming part of a magnificent church conversion which dates back to 1840 in the fishing village of Lybster. Set on the far northeast coast of the Scottish Highlands, in Caithness, this luxury property offers an unrivalled holiday experience.
This spacious property (185 square meters) will attract families as well as groups of friends and sleeps up to 7 (+ cot) in accommodation over 2 levels comprising 3 luxury en-suite bedrooms (one king; one double and one triple); well appointed dining kitchen, laundry room, study recess and exceptionally spacious lounge with cathedral style windows and outlook onto open country views.
The layout has been designed to be comfortable and family friendly. It is particulalry well-equipped for toddlers, children and young people with lots of toys, books, games, DVDs and a PS2 (with its own flat screen). Flat screen TV's are also provided in each of the bedrooms.
Appointed with quality fixtures and fittings, every effort has been taken to retain the integrity of the church walls, the deep window recesses, cathedral style windows and the retention of the original church beams. Each room has been independently designed with individually selected fabrics and furnishings.
Large Gallery Lounge with original church beam and floor to ceiling cathedral styled windows
Dining Kitchen
Seating for 8 people
Hardwood Staircase
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/83714
The Scottish Highlands region
The towns of Wick (with airport offering shuttle flight connections (FLYBE) from Edinburgh and Aberdeen) and Thurso are both within 15 and 30 minutes drive respectively.
The town of Wick has a large Tesco Superstore and petrol station, Homebase, Pets at Home, Superdrug, Edinburgh Woolen Mill, Lidl, Somerfield, Wetherspoons and the usual variety of take-aways, restaurants, shops and parks and swimming pool. Thurso offers a variety of supermarkets, shops, cafes, bars and restaurants as well as a cinema, bowling facility and swimming pool.
In Lybster itself, you will find hotels, a cafe, restaurant, local butcher, convenience store and newsagent as well as a museum, picturesque harbour, small cove pebble beach and nine-hole golf course. The church is accross the road from the excellent Portland Arms Hotel which offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and superb day and evening menus (including children's menu).
Caithness area
Caithness is renowned for its unusual light and extraordinary skies, remarkable coastline and spectacular countryside. The infamous John O’Groats is a 40 minute drive, where there are daily ferries along the coast and regular sailings to Orkney. Why not visit the Castle of Mey? Lovingly restored by the late Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mother. The Dunbeath Heritage Centre and Pulteney Distillery in Wick are among many of the local visitor attractions in Caithness. Caithness Horizons in Thurso gives a fascinating insight into Caithness, past and present.
Lybster’s Waterlines Visitor Centre is a fascinating educational experience where the family can enjoy discovering its unique role in the once vibrant fishing industry. For the active angler, naturalist, ornithologist or photographer there is a multitude of facilities both local and further afield, with castles, historical sites, lochs and rivers all within easy reach and an abundance of wildlife and countryside to explore.
Local pursuits and facilities
Walking, cycling and hillwalking Lybster is a great location for walking, with coastal and forest walking opportunities only a short distance away. For guests that enjoy hillwalking, why not try our Caithness Hills (Carn Mhor, Maiden Pap, Scaraben and Smeath)? See www.walkcaithness.com and www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland for local walking and cycling opportunities and events.
Golf Lybster's very own 9 hole golf course is a few hundred yards from the church apartment. This heathland course has good views over the north sea and out to the Moray Firth. See www.lybstergolfclub.co.uk for further information.
Country Spa For the ultimate indulgence, Katrina Sutherland Country Spa offers an unforgettable spa experience. This country retreat, just over a mile from the church apartment, provides a range of pamper packages, a variety of treatments and a sauna and steamroom.
Why not indulge in a classic, luxury or signature pamper package? These can be arranged for the entire party an a half-day or full-day basis.
Prior booking for treatments and pamper packages is essential and notice to use the steam and sauna facility advisable, although these may be available at shorter notice. See www.seabreezebeauty.co.uk for further details.
How to get there
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
WICK: 20 km
Railway:
WICK: 20 km
Ferry:
WICK: 20 km
FLYING? Flybe and Eastern Airways offer budget flights (weekdays) to Wick from Inverness, Edinburgh and Aberdeen (the ariport is a 15 minute drive from the Church Apartment). Car hire can be arranged from Wick airport.
DRIVING? Set just off the main A9 in the north east of Scotland, Lybster is approximately 4.5 hours drive from Edinburgh, and 2 hours from Inverness (which also offers flight connections to many UK airports).
From Wick Leave Wick following signposts for Inverness. Keep driving along the A99 for 13 miles. On approaching Lybster, turn left into Quatre Bras. The Church Apartment at Lybster is on the immediate right (the Church is opposite the Portland Arms Hotel on the main street).
From Inverness Leave Inverness on the A82, heading north. At Longman roundabout, take the first exit (signposted Thurso / Ullapool). Carry on driving, staying on the A9. After approx 49 miles, bear right onto A99. Carry on into Lybster. At Lybster, turn right onto Quatre Bras. The Church Apartment at Lybster is on the right hand side (the Church is opposite the Portland Arms Hotel on the main street).
Activities near Caithness
Sports: Horse Riding Golf less than 15 mins walk
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Facilities
Luxuries:
Internet access, DVD player
General:
Central heating, TV, CD player, Telephone, Satellite TV, Wi-fi available
Single beds (3), Double beds (2), Cots (1), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 12, Sleeps maximum of 7
Other:
Linen and towels provided. Highchair available.
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Whether it’s a well-equipped kitchen, a family-friendly layout, spacious and luxurious bedrooms with their own en-suite, the local malt, the Molton Brown or the luxury robes, The Church Apartment at Lybster offers the discerning guest the ultimate in warmth and charm.
The property has been designed for practicality and comfort, with the occasional decadence to remind you of where you are. The large gallery lounge has been sympathetically divided to ensure the room lends itself to making sure everyone is able to do their own thing - the study recess with its own flat screen for PS2 and DVDs for the youngsters, the seating area for those squishy sofa days and the designated TV corner, with its very own corner sofa.
The bedrooms capture the ambience of this wonderful church conversion - The Plum Room, with its rich colours, imposing original church beam, deep window recesses and staged platform housing the double bed; The Brodie Room, sleeping up to 3 people with its simple understated and delicate furniture and sumptuous woollen plaid, offering flexible sleeping arrangments with a super-kingsize bed with an extra single (or 3 singles) and The Oak Room, with its magnificant kingsize four poster, coordinated oak furniture and rich indulgent fabrics and commanding cathedral floor-to-ceiling window.
All of the bedrooms have their own independent luxury en-suite shower rooms and flat screen digital TV's. The main TV in the lounge has a SKY Package and SKY+.
Further details outdoors: A spacious and secure entrance hall for the exclusive use of guests (where an array of tourist information materials and leaflets are provided) can be used to safely store pushchairs, bikes, etc.
This is very spacious accommodation that is child-friendly with a well designed layout which is luxurious, yet practical and comfortable. Beautiful open country views from the lounge.
There is no garden to this property, but lots of dog walking opportunities in the area - with a park just a short walk away from the main door (and lots of glorious beaches!). If you have a well-behaved dog that would like to join you on holiday, then please enquire.
Further details
Fresh flowers, welcome drinks, luxury robes, egyptian linen, Molton Brown products and complimentary malt (over 18's only) are all part of the package.
Wi fi access is completely free of charge for those guests wishing to bring their own laptop. The PS2, situated in the study recess has its own flat screen, which means that others in the holiday party can watch uninterrupted TV/DVDs in the lounge (SKY+). There are also flat screen digital TV's in each of the bedrooms.
As well as the PS2 (with games), there is a range of toys, DVDs, books and board games which makes the property ideal for children and young people and it is toddler friendly!
Conditions
30% deposit to secure the reservation with the balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Short breaks are payable at the time of booking.
Please see our website for further information and our other property in Caithness which suits those on a more modest budget.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Prices for group size 7
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
May 2009
2 May 09
5 Jun 09
595£595
0-
0-
1 Week
June 2009
8 Jun 09
27 Jun 09
655£655
125125
125125
3 Nights
July 2009
27 Jun 09
1 Aug 09
795£795
0-
0-
1 Week
August 2009
1 Aug 09
5 Sep 09
795£795
0-
0-
1 Week
September & October 2009
5 Sep 09
31 Oct 09
595£595
125125
125125
3 Nights
Winter 2009
31 Oct 09
19 Dec 09
495£495
125125
125125
3 Nights
Festive Season
19 Dec 09
27 Dec 09
895£895
0-
0-
1 Week
New Year
27 Dec 09
4 Jan 10
895£895
0-
0-
1 Week
Early 2010
4 Jan 10
3 Apr 10
495£495
125125
125125
3 Nights
Spring 2010
3 Apr 10
29 May 10
595£595
125125
125125
3 Nights
June 2010
29 May 10
26 Jun 10
695£695
125125
125125
3 Nights
SUMMER 2010
26 Jun 10
17 Jul 10
855£855
0-
0-
1 Week
SUMMER 2010
17 Jul 10
21 Aug 10
950£950
0-
0-
1 Week
SUMMER 2010
21 Aug 10
4 Sep 10
895£895
0-
0-
1 Week
September & October 2010
4 Sep 10
30 Oct 10
695£695
125125
0-
3 Nights
Winter 2010
30 Oct 10
18 Dec 10
495£495
125125
125125
3 Nights
Christmas 2010
18 Dec 10
28 Dec 10
950£950
0-
0-
1 Week
New Year 2010 - 2011
28 Dec 10
8 Jan 11
995£995
0-
0-
1 Week
172
Prices for group size 2
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
September to December
10 Sep 09
19 Dec 09
445£445
125125
125125
3 Nights
Christmas
19 Dec 09
27 Dec 09
795£795
0-
0-
1 Week
New Year
27 Dec 09
4 Jan 10
795£795
0-
0-
1 Week
Early 2010
4 Jan 10
3 Apr 10
445£445
125125
125125
3 Nights
Spring 2010
3 Apr 10
5 Jun 10
495£495
125125
125125
3 Nights
June 2010
5 Jun 10
26 Jun 10
595£595
125125
125125
3 Nights
SUMMER 2010
26 Jun 10
17 Jul 10
755£755
0-
0-
1 Week
SUMMER 2010
17 Jul 10
21 Aug 10
850£850
0-
0-
1 Week
SUMMER 2010
21 Aug 10
4 Sep 10
795£795
0-
0-
1 Week
September & October 2010
4 Sep 10
30 Oct 10
595£595
125125
125125
3 Nights
Winter 2010
30 Oct 10
18 Dec 10
445£445
125125
125125
3 Nights
Christmas 2010
18 Dec 10
28 Dec 10
850£850
0-
0-
1 Week
New Year 2010 - 2011
28 Dec 10
8 Jan 11
895£895
0-
0-
1 Week
122
The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Why not stay a fortnight? 10% reduction for 14 night bookings
Only the 2 of you? Check out our special discounted weekly rates for couples.
Celebrating a Marraige or Civil Partnership? The Church Apartment at Lybster has become a popular destination for honeymooners wishing to come to the Highlands to celebrate in a romantic and luxurious setting. Fresh flowers, champagne and a wedding gift are complimentary for all couples celebrating their honeymoon. Don't forget, we offer a further 10% off if you are wishing to stay for a fortnight.
30% deposit required to secure the reservation. Balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Reservations made within 8 weeks, payable in full. For convenience we accept payment by PayPal, cheque or direct bank transfer.
Why not celebrate the festive season in the Highlands? Come and enjoy our Highland Hospitality by spending Christmas at the Church Apartment. A real christmas tree, traditional decorations and lights are provided.
Christmas & New Year are the most popular weeks of the year at the Church, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Now taking reservations for Christmas & New Year - guarantee your preferred dates for 2010 for only 20% deposit
Guestbook for Church Apartment at Lybster
"Perfect honeymoon destination. We came here for a week to celebrate our honeymoon, and it was absolutely fantastic. The apartment has been beautifully decorated, was spotlessly clean and had everything we could have wanted and more. I don't think the 'wow factor' this place has can be put into words but the photos do not do it justice! There were posh toiletries, champagne for honeymooners and even provisions for the first night. The pub across the road was perfect after a long drive, the steak pie was delicious. Even though we came off season there was plenty to do: the whiskey distillery in Wick, the restaurant in Scrabster and the stunning coastline at Dunnet Head to name a few. Come up along the east coast for the best views and stop at the glass workshop in Tay for souveniers. We will definitely be back." Mr and Mrs Mc, Hampshire, England, 23 March 2009
I've always hankered after owning a converted church, so it was a delight to holiday in one, and it's a high quality conversion. Luxuriously equipped, clean and generously prestocked with essentionals. Huge relaxing upstairs living room with 2 large separate sofa areas, and a nice view of the neighbouring cows in the evening. The free wifi let me keep my emails up to date and check the ferry sailings. Lybster is a quiet village with its own picturesque little harbour (20 mins walk or 2 mins drive) and within easy striking distance of John O'Groats and the ferries to the Orkneys. We found a super beach about 20 mins north at Reiss Sands (by the Golf Clubhouse) and had a beautiful sunny day on 3 miles of deserted sand. Had previously just spent a few days on a crowded Cornish beach - what a contrast. I even had a swim in the North Sea - yes, it really was warm enough. (I didn't bother with the wetsuit I'd taken to the beach.) Fantastic family beach. If you like hilly moorlands in which to walk and picnic, they are 5 mins drive away. We also used the very impressive Catemeran ferry from Gills Bay to take our own car over to Orkneys and had a lovely relaxing day driving around there, returning on the other ferry to Scrabster, which gave us a wonderful view of the Old Man of Hoy. Sipping wine on the deck of the very smart car ferry as we passed within 300yds of the 1000ft cliffs of Hoy - it was like being on a cruise. The day trip via ferries to the Orkneys is easy, informal and well worthwhile. As an English tourist from the home counties, I've previously been deterred from visiting northern Scotland by the seemingly vast distance, and the "unimproved" nature of the road network beyond Glasgow (where we stopped overnight). Well, driving north from Fort William was a revelation. Quiet 'A' roads with huge vistas and beautiful scenery - the miles flew by, and we easily outpaced the SatNav's timetable because the roads feel so quiet (compared with the South-East!) It was really easy driving. We were very impressed by all our host's generous touches - the welcoming bottle and chocolates, and all the helpful stuff in the fridge and also in the well equipped utility room. Thank you so much. We will definitely return. Mr and Mrs A, Berkshire, England 31 August 2009
"Wonderful week in a great Apartment – many high class features….We want to come back to this charming place". - Mr M And Ms K Munich, Germany, 8 August 2008
"This is real heaven! This Apartment is outstanding, just as your warm hospitality. Our 2 boys couldn’t stop playing with the toys!" - P Family, Berlin, Germany, 16 August 2008
"Great house! Merci pour cette très belle maison!" - L Family,Paris, France, 23 August 2008
"Fantastic house and wonderful welcome. Thank you". - R Family, Manchester, England, 30 August 2008
"Outstanding in every way! Your every need catered for by the most welcome host. We had an amazing time in this special Apartment". - Mr. And Mrs. C, Edinburgh,Scotland, 4 September 2008
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
Key:
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Booked
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Available
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Unknown
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Arrival/Departure dates
Availability notes:
YOU WILL ALWAYS GET A QUICKER RESPONSE BY MAKING AN ONLINE ENQUIRY, but do call if you would rather and leave a message on the answering machine and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Send Enquiry
To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/83714
Contact details for the advertiser of home 83714
Name:
Sandra Thain
Tel:
+44 (0)1955 611291
Languages:
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
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