Braehour farmhouse was acquired 15 years ago in a very derelict
state, by Richard and Isobel Middleton. Richard started work on this property
and single handedly started restoration. Stripping all the roof back and re-doing
with original Caithness slate, acquired by various means, some of which entail stripping
roofs of old farm buildings which farmers wanted to replace. All of their
holidays were spent driving from Buckinghamshire to Caithness to work on the house.
Sadly, Richard died in 2004 and Isobel elected - after some thought
- to complete the project. With the help of some very good workmen and craftsmen
we have Braehour farmhouse.
Beautifully restored and keeping the "old" feel and look about it. The interior
finishing off has been done with great thought and imagination by a local crafstmen,
Roger Warren.
There is a double lounge with the original staircase as a central feature.
A wood burning stove sits in a magnificent fireplace that was created especially
for the room. Four comfortable sofas, one of which is a sofa bed. Two
reclining chairs, books, games, TV and DVD and Freeview complete the room.
It is furnished with some new and some old. Most of the "old" were pieces
that Richard either bought or made over the years with Braehour in mind. The
house has a very lived in fell and is extremely comfortable. A well equipped
kitchen, including fridge-freezer, dish washer and washing machine, is bright and
cheerful. Catering is for six people and we hope that everything needed is
supplied. Bed linen and towels are provided, but extra towels may be a good
thing to bring with you. Fully double glazed and with oil central heating
it is a very warm and cosy establishment. Electricity is by means of a card
meter.
There is a large area on entering the building through and arched doorway which
allows plenty of room for storage, boots, coats, fishing tacklet. There are
coats racks for hanging wet clothing on and a shoe rack for the wet footwear.
We also have a travel cot for the tiny tot!
It sits in about 2 acre, and although the garden is not yet completed, there is
a burn running through the bottom which leads into the
Thurso River. There is a pine forest across the burn from which roe
deer, red deer and sika deer appear. It is quite normal at certain time of
the year to see up to 70 deer walking through.
Buzzards and peregrines are also to be seen, as are Merlin, Hen Harriers, Owls,
Pheasants. Otters, foxes and an occasional wildcat can also be seen.
Ample parking for everyone's vehicle, an outside tap to wash away the debris before
leaving home also assist your stay to be as pleasant as possible.
