On this page I have handpicked the best large holiday homes in Scotland, along with things to do nearby. Also see my guide to over 500 large houses to rent across the UK.
All the properties are of an excellent or exceptional standard throughout.
Sleeps 8 Scotland
Dolce Casa
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets No | WiFi | Open fire | Hot tub | Near a pub | Games room
About & Things To Do
A delightful detached two storey cottage in Northern Highlands & Cairngorms National Park.
Things to do: Mountain biking, fishing, golfing, walking in the surrounding hills and woodlands, bird watching and Castle and Whisky trails.
Knock Old Castle
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
Dates back to the 14th-century this castle has a unique design with ancient turrets, modern interiors and handcrafted wooden features.
Lovely gardens with a hot tub that overlooks the countryside and the sea, along with a sauna in one of the turrets.
The property is located on the Ayrshire coast, only a short walk from the shore and close to the bustling town of Largs with shops, restaurants and a promenade.
Things to do: Ideal location to explore the islands of Cumbrae, Arran and the Isle of Bute.
Ferries run to Dunoon and the Cowal Peninsula, giving access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Close to the start of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100 mile long coastal walk.
There is an abundance of walking, cycling, gardens and castles to visit, riding, fishing, racing and a choice of golf courses, including the world famous open venues of Troon Prestwick and Turnberry.
Crosston Farm
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 5 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Open fire | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
Converted farmhouse just outside Fofar.
Things to do: Great location for trips to the Coast. Abroath, Stonehaven, St Andrews all within easy reach.
Also great for the National Park with trips to Balmoral, Braemar. Stirling.
Cardean Mill
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Near a pub
About & Things To Do
Built in 1840 and located in the idyllic, tranquil riverside location, Cardean Mill is a beautiful property perched between two bridges with picturesque surroundings.
Things to do: Gleneagles and St. Andrews are a 45 minute drive away, there is an outdoor activity centre and canoeing, walking and cycling tracks.
Explore Glamis Castle or take a day trip to the ski centre nearby.
Grannda Mhor
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets No | WiFi | Near a pub
About & Things To Do
Dates back to the 14th-century this castle has a unique design with ancient turrets, modern interiors and handcrafted wooden features.
Lovely gardens with a hot tub that overlooks the countryside and the sea, along with a sauna in one of the turrets.
The property is located on the Ayrshire coast, only a short walk from the shore and close to the bustling town of Largs with shops, restaurants and a promenade.
Things to do: Ideal location to explore the islands of Cumbrae, Arran and the Isle of Bute.
Ferries run to Dunoon and the Cowal Peninsula, giving access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Close to the start of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100 mile long coastal walk.
There is an abundance of walking, cycling, gardens and castles to visit, riding, fishing, racing and a choice of golf courses, including the world famous open venues of Troon Prestwick and Turnberry.
An incredibly special Scottish Cottage set back into the hillside, its full length panoramic window taking advantage of the most spectacular seascape views to the south-west across Asknish Bay.
Things to do: Visit Craobh Haven, a popular holiday and sailing village.
Atlas
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 4 | Pets No | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
Set in idyllic countryside near the hamlet of Galcantray, this fabulous lodge is a twenty-minute drive from Inverness Airport and only three miles from the pretty village of Cawdor.
Things to do: Cawdor and its castle made famous in Macbeth is only three miles away from where you can enjoy a meal in the Cawdor Tavern.
Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is nine miles away and has an array of good quality restaurants and lively pubs.
Failte
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets No | WiFi | Hot tub | Seaside
About & Things To Do
An absolutely stunning stone cottage centrally located in the charming fishing village of Portknockie on the beautiful Moray Firth coast.
Things to do: The Moray Firth coastline is quite dramatic, and the famous dolphins can be seen regularly as they pass by.
This east coast has many small fishing villages. For whisky lovers, it is easy to access the Malt Whisky Trail and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Visit nearby Cullen with its white sandy beach and popular links golf course.
Aurae
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets No | WiFi | Hot tub | Sauna
About & Things To Do
This detached Highland lodge is situated in a wonderful location with uninterrupted views towards the Black Isle and Ben Wyvis.
Things to do: Visit the attractive seaside town of Nairn with its fabulous sandy beach, or revel in the history of the area with a visit to Clava Cairns, a prehistoric burial ground.
Cawdor and its castle made famous in Macbeth is three miles away from where you can enjoy a meal in the Cawdor Tavern.
Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is nine miles away and has an array of good quality restaurants and lively pubs.
Strathnaver
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets No | WiFi | Hot tub | Games Room
About & Things To Do
This delightful cottage is situated on the outskirts of the village of Kinloss, close to the shores of the beautiful Moray Firth in Morayshire.
Things to do: There is also a small snug/music room complete with Yamaha piano and DVD library.
There is also a separate Freeview TV with DVD player.
A short drive will take you to the idyllic coastal village of Findhorn, with its pretty marina and golden sandy beaches.
Low Park
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
This characterful, detached property can be found near the village of New Galloway.
Things to do: For local amenities, you will find the closest shop and pub within 2.5 miles of the property, situated in the village of New Golloway.
To keep you busy whilst staying at the property, you can take a walk along the Loch Ken, or adventure around the Galloway Forest Park, where you can find red deer.
Bridgend House
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
This superb detached house is on the village green, set in the heart of the very popular Loch Ness village of Drumnadrochit.
Things to do: There is a beautifully kept garden to the front and the rear of the property.
The gate at the bottom of the garden provides direct access to the River Enrick, a great fishing spot.
Clachnaben View Lodge
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
This contemporary-styled lodge is situated on an elevated site, close to the village of Banchory, from which open views can be enjoyed across the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside.
Things to do: The nearby town of Banchory is a smart place with lots of quality restaurants and bistros.
The area offers a wealth of cycle trails and walking routes with lots of wildlife along the way.
Katchana
Sleeps 8 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
An appealing and unusual detached property in the isolated hamlet of Farr, one mile from the village of Kincraig, between Kingussie and Aviemore.
Things to do: Sit and relax in the fabulous hot tub or enjoy outdoor activities in the Cairngorms National Park, relax in the wonderful surroundings or tour the area’s many attractions and trails.
See Also
- 101 Things to do in Scotland with Kids
- 101 Things to do with Kids in Edinburgh
- 101 Things to do with Kids in Glasgow
- Best Family Hotels in Edinburgh
- Best Family Hotels in Glasgow
Sleeps 9 Scotland
6 Whitecraigs Crescent
Sleeps 9 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
Resting away from the hustle and bustle of the historic town of Hamilton, is this impressive, detached property, 6 Whitecraigs Crescent.
Things to do: While staying here, spend some time at Loch Lomond, where you will find opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing and canoeing.
You can explore the Trossachs National Park, where you will find rolling hills and forests offering hiking and leisurely strolls.
Sleeps 10 Scotland
Sobrachan
Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 4 | Pets No | WiFi | Open fire | Hot tub | Games room
About & Things To Do
This house is in the most beautiful setting overlooking Loch Awe.
Things to do: Visit Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. Head to the harbour town of Oban, with regular ferries to the Western isles.
The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is also nearby.
Knowehead Bothy
Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 4 | Pets No | WiFi | Open fire | Hot tub | Games room
About & Things To Do
This contemporary stone property is set amid Aberdeenshire countryside, near the lovely village of Insch.
Things to do: Cairngorms can be reached by car.
An hour’s drive from the Lecht and Glenshee ski centres.
Riverside House
Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Open fire | Near a pub
About & Things To Do
This detached house is situated in the town of Blairgowrie in Scotland.
Riverside House sits on the verges of the River Ericht.
Things to do: Perth and Dundee are within easy reach.
Suffolk Cottage
Sleeps 10 | Bedrooms 5 | Bathrooms 2 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
Being the largest of the Meiklebob Cottages, Suffolk Cottage derives its name from the largest kind of sheep that lives on the farm; Suffolk.
This lovely property is located next to nine other cottages and sits on the fringes of Dalbeattie in Dumfries and Galloway.
Things to do: Sit out in the hot tub in the evening within the enclosed garden and star gaze with your loved ones and take it all in.
The surrounding area offers many opportunities for activities and fun, make Suffolk your property choice for a holiday in Dumfries and Galloway.
Sleeps 12 Scotland
Berryburn
Sleeps 12 | Bedrooms 6 | Bathrooms 5 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Games room
About & Things To Do
A regal Victorian house situated just three miles from the famous runaway wedding destination of Gretna Green.
Things to do: Gretna Green is within easy reach. Visit scenic Solway Firth.
Sleeps 13 Scotland
Glencairn
13 guests | 4 bedrooms | 10 beds | 3.5 bathrooms | Hot tub
This luxury house has excellent 4.96/5 star ratings based on 70 reviews.
About & Things To Do
Luxury house in Aviemore. The spacious holiday home provides quality living space with many extras including wifi, hot tub, underfloor heating, sauna and full length balcony, ideal for a large family or gathering.
Things to do: House is located next to a local forest with many running and mountain bike trails. Aviemore is in the Cairngorms National Park, in the Scottish Highlands. Near to secluded lochs, mountain trails and ski runs.
Sleeps 14 Scotland
Mountain Bear Lodge
Sleeps 14 | Bedrooms 6 | Bathrooms 5 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
A timber clad lodge set in a peaceful setting half a mile from the forest village of Nethy Bridge.
A great base for exploring the northern Highlands.
Things to do: There is a range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, mountain and quad biking that you can take part in.
Go for a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway or visit Cairngorm Reindeer Centre.
Auburn Cottage
Sleeps 14 | Bedrooms 6 | Bathrooms 3 | Pets No | WiFi | Hot tub
About & Things To Do
This detached house is situated in the centre of two golf courses at Letham Grange near Arbroath.
Things to do: Relax in the hot tub on a sunny afternoon or make the most of the fun-filled games room.
The town of Arbroath is a short distance away with its sandy beaches, coastal walking and cycling, as well as golf courses.
Sleeps 15 Scotland
Suidhe Lodge
Sleeps 15 | Bedrooms 6 | Bathrooms 6 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Open fire | Hot tub | Near a pub
About & Things To Do
A stunning Victorian lodge, located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, in the village of Kincraig.
Things to do: The nearby Alvie Estate offers clay pigeon shooting, 4×4 off road driving and horse riding.
Visit the Highland Wildlife Park.
Sleeps 18 Scotland
Dalvey House
Sleeps 18 | Bedrooms 9 | Bathrooms 6 | Pets No | WiFi | Open fire
About & Things To Do
Adam style mansion in stunning landscaped grounds, close to Forres, one of Scotland’s oldest small towns.
Things to do: Take a trip from Chanory Point to do some dolphin watching.
Head to Culbin Forest, which borders lovely beaches and offers great cycling and walking routes.
Sleeps 33 Scotland
Ormidale House
Sleeps 33 | Bedrooms 13 | Bathrooms 6 | Pets Yes | WiFi | Hot tub | Games Room
About & Things To Do
A grand, stately home set in the heart of Ormidale near the villages of Tighnabruaich and Colintraive.
A real secluded, rural location with spectacular wildlife surroundings and breath-taking vistas.
Things to do: The area is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, ideally located on Argyll’s Secret Coast, which is made up of beautiful, wild and rugged land and sea.
Let Us Help You Find The Perfect Big Cottage
We spend hours every day searching for the best accommodation so you don’t have to. We’ve handpicked the finest large holiday homes across the UK.
All the properties sleep 8 or more and are of an excellent or exceptional standard throughout.
Perfect for big families or multiple families and occasions. Or friend getaways.
INSPIRATION
6 Best Holiday Rental Websites
Find your perfect holiday rental – including cottages, apartments & glamping sites.
There’s also links to deals – including special offers or last minute deals. You may pick up a bargain!
Want more sites to check? We have 16 on our guide to the best holiday rental booking sites.
Airbnb
Best For: Everything
Number Of Listings: 7 Million Worldwide
Pricing: Budget to Luxury
Sykes Cottages
Best For: UK Cottages
Number Of Listings: +15,000
Pricing: Budget to Luxury
Snaptrip
Best For: Last Minute Discounts
Number Of Listings: +60,000 (from cottages.com, Hoseasons & more)
Pricing: Budget to Luxury
HolidayCottages.co.uk
Best For: UK Cottages
Number Of Listings: +15,000
Pricing: Budget to Luxury
Booking.com
Best For: Everything (not just hotels)
Number Of Listings: +1 Million Apartments & Holiday Homes
Pricing: Budget to Luxury
VRBO (previously HomeAway)
Best For: UK Cottages
Number Of Listings: +15,000
Pricing: Budget to Luxury
