Caithness
House of the Northern Gate
Introduction
The House of the Northern Gate sits on 1,800 acres of private moorland at Dunnet Head, the northernmost tip of mainland Britain. It is an exclusive-use estate with nine bedrooms, a media room, gym, library, walled garden and private path to a secluded beach. The views, across Dunnet Bay and the Pentland Firth to Orkney, are uninterrupted and often visited by puffins, deer and, in the winter months, the Northern Lights.
Inside, the feel is Highland baronial meets quietly luxurious: wood-burning stoves, deep baths, Egyptian cotton bedding and shelves of well-chosen books. Most bedrooms are en suite. The main kitchen is large and sociable, with space for ten around the table and high-spec appliances throughout. There is a second catering kitchen if you bring in a private chef.
The drawing room, turret alcoves and library are made for downtime, while outside the house there is access to cliff walks, lochs and the nearby Dunnet Head RSPB reserve. A 15-minute drive gets you to the Castle of Mey or Dunnet Bay Distillery. You can arrange everything from in-house massage to wild swimming or surf lessons. This is Scotland at its most remote, but everything you need has already been thought of.
Facilities & Services
The house is fully equipped for exclusive-use stays, combining comfort, practicality and attention to detail across all spaces. There are nine bedrooms in total, seven of which are en suite. All feature high-quality mattresses, Egyptian cotton bedding, bathrobes and views over either the moorland, bay or garden. One ground-floor bedroom can be configured with an accessible bathroom for guests with reduced mobility.
Communal areas include a large drawing room with a wood-burning stove, a library with writing desk and reading chairs, a media room with a 75-inch smart TV, and a well-stocked boot room with maps, games and table tennis. The walled garden offers a sheltered outdoor space, while the gym is equipped with a Peloton bike, weights, rowing machine, TRX and yoga mats.
The kitchen is fully fitted with dual ovens, gas hob, fridge, freezer, dishwashers and a Nespresso machine. A second catering kitchen allows for private chef services or event support. Wi-Fi is strong throughout. There is ample parking on site, along with an EV charging point.
Additional services, including housekeeping, massage treatments, chef hire and concierge planning, can be arranged in advance. Dogs are welcome by prior agreement. The estate is also equipped for private events, retreats and small weddings.
Location
The house sits at the end of a private track on Dunnet Head, the northernmost point of mainland Britain. It is surrounded by open moorland, cliffs and sea, with no neighbouring buildings in sight. The setting is exceptionally quiet, with only the sound of wind, waves and occasional wildlife.
Inverness is the nearest major city, around two and a half hours’ drive to the south. Most guests arrive by car, either as part of a North Coast 500 route or via the A9 and A836 through Caithness. The roads are good, but remote in parts, so allow extra time and plan fuel stops accordingly.
Thurso railway station is a 20-minute drive from the house, with daily services to Inverness. Wick John O’Groats Airport is slightly closer but offers limited scheduled flights. The estate can assist with transfers, including private drivers from Inverness or ferry ports.
The house has ample parking and an EV charging point. A what3words address is available for accurate navigation. While the property feels remote, essentials such as supermarkets, pharmacies and restaurants are accessible in Thurso. Local guides, activities and catering services are also available and can be arranged in advance.
Good to know
The property is rented on an exclusive-use basis only. Minimum stay requirements may apply, depending on the season. Check-in and check-out times are flexible where possible, but typically fall in the afternoon and mid-morning respectively.
A welcome guide is provided on arrival, including information on the house, local contacts and suggestions for day trips. While the estate is remote, supermarkets and other essentials can be found in nearby Thurso, around 15 minutes by car. Grocery deliveries can also be arranged in advance.
The house is well-insulated and heated by an eco-friendly biomass system, with ample hot water and powerful showers. Mobile signal can be limited in parts of Dunnet Head, but Wi-Fi calling is available throughout the house.
Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement and will find plenty of space to roam, though livestock may be present on nearby land. Families with young children should note that the house contains antiques and original features, but cots and highchairs are available on request.
The weather in Caithness is changeable. Bring warm layers and proper footwear, especially if planning cliff walks or outdoor activities. Wellington boots and waterproofs are provided in a range of sizes.
What's nearby
Despite its remote setting, the House of the Northern Gate is well positioned for exploring Caithness and the north coast. The nearest village is Dunnet, five minutes by car, home to the award-winning Dunnet Bay Distillery and a long stretch of sandy beach popular with walkers and surfers. You’ll also find the Northern Sands Hotel here, with a casual pub and restaurant.
The Castle of Mey, once the summer home of the Queen Mother, is around 15 minutes away and open to visitors between May and September. Its walled garden and views across the Pentland Firth make it a worthwhile stop. John o’Groats is a 20-minute drive east, with ferries to Orkney and access to dramatic coastal walks at Duncansby Head.
To the west, Thurso offers supermarkets, shops, cafés and train connections to Inverness. Beyond that lies Scrabster Harbour, the departure point for the NorthLink ferry to Stromness in Orkney, and home to excellent seafood at the Captain’s Galley.
Nature lovers can visit the RSPB reserve at Dunnet Head, explore sea stacks, clifftop trails and lochs across the estate, or drive inland to the Flow Country, a globally significant peatland and habitat for rare wildlife.
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