Embo House, Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland

Embo House was a Castle of the Clan Gordon and dates from the 16th Century, with an elegant Georgian make-over in about 1790. Today it is a luxurious, "grade A" listed mansion, Scottish Tourist Board rated 5*, occupying a commanding position over the Dornoch Firth, providing contemporary, exclusive use, self-catering or partly-catered accommodation for groups of friends, family or golfers.

Downstairs there's an airy and well-equipped kitchen, with a log-burning stove and seating for up to 10. Next door is the grand dining room with seating for 16, perfect for celebration dinners.

There is plenty of space for everyone to relax in their own way. The cosy sitting room has an open fire and a smart TV, while the cedar-lined library has underfloor heating, a bluetooth sound system and another open fire. Finally, the games room, or whisky bar, contains a pool table, leather sofas and bar stools, Sky Sports on the huge TV mounted above the fireplace, a good sound system - and a well-stocked whisky bar, which operates on an honesty basis.

7 of the 8 generous double en suite bedrooms have sea views. 5 have super-king beds which can be arranged as doubles or twin beds. There are also a couple of low, children's beds which can be put up in bedrooms on request - and a cot.

In the 8 acres of landscaped garden you will find a large, 6 wo/man hot tub, a tree house, a beautiful glass summerhouse, a golf practice pitching area - also croquet boules and ping pong. A path from the garden leads directly down to the sandy beach, a 10 minute walk away.

The house is situated 2 miles north of the Royal Burgh of Dornoch, the county town of Sutherland, with a Championship Golf Course (rated No 3 in the world), historic cathedral and castle. The town boasts a clutch of good restaurants and shops. This is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, being sandwiched between two, easily accessible Sites of Special Scientific Interest which are home to all kinds of wildlife. Embo House provides a great base from which to explore the North Highlands and all that is on offer in this beautiful part of Scotland.