Self Catering in Highlands and Islands - Thurso

Northbanks House is a stunning house in Castletown, Highland, with a woodburning stove, a games room and panoramic views across to Dunnet Head and Orkney. Thurso less than 4 miles; John O'Groats less than 17 miles.

Northbanks House is a striking detached home set within the quiet farming community of Murkle, just outside Thurso, offering a wonderfully spacious retreat for up to 18 guests. With six bedrooms, generous living areas, and far-reaching views towards Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the British mainland, and the Orkney Islands beyond, this property makes an exceptional base for families and groups eager to experience the wild beauty of the Highlands. A private tree-lined driveway sweeps you away from the single-track road and into your own peaceful hideaway, where parking for at least five cars and a large wrap-around garden immediately set the tone for a relaxed, uninterrupted stay.

The garden itself offers multiple vantage points, including a crazy-paved seating area at the rear and an additional viewpoint along the side, perfect spots to settle with a morning coffee or take in the changing colours of the northern sky even with a chance to see the stunning Northern Lights. Inside, the welcome begins in the tiled vestibule, from here you step into an impressively vast hallway with wooden flooring flowing throughout the ground floor. This level is thoughtfully arranged for both gathering together and spreading out, a games room, a formal lounge with tri-aspect windows and a large TV, and a second, more relaxed family lounge featuring a log burner, wall-mounted TV, and direct access to the side garden patio and hot tub area.

A bright conservatory/sun lounge gives you yet another space to unwind, complete with comfortable seating and doors to the back garden. The kitchen with a double Belfast sink and dining room are the heart of the home with a vast, high-end space designed for sociable cooking and long, leisurely meals. With a central island, electric AGA, additional electric oven/grill, combination/microwave oven, American-style fridge/freezer with water and ice dispenser, five-ring gas hob, and dishwasher, it has everything needed for feeding a full house.

The dining table seats up to twelve, making group dinners a pleasure rather than a chore. A utility room with a sink, washing machine, pulley, and ample storage sits nearby, along with a hallway for additional coat and boot space, an office for those who need a quiet workspace, and a back door leading to the garden. Upstairs, the sleeping accommodation is arranged around a wooden staircase and offers space, comfort, and flexibility for mixed groups.

They include an emperor-size bedroom with a Smart TV, along with a king-size bedroom also offering a Smart TV and an en-suite shower room with a walk-in shower, basin and WC, as well as a sofa bed making this a family room. The family bunk room provides a great space for younger guests, while the triple bedroom includes a double and two singles with an en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC. A further double bedroom also features a sofa bed, making it ideal for family use, and the final bedroom offers an additional double bed The family bathroom boasts a bath with an overhead shower, ideal for unwinding after long walks.

Only a short drive from Thurso, with its beaches, shops, and riverside walks, Northbanks House places you perfectly for adventures across Caithness. Explore Dunnet for its dramatic headland trails, golden sands, and distillery tours, or head into the countryside around Spital to discover ancient broch sites and sweeping hilltop views. Whether you're drawn to wildlife spotting, coastal hikes, heritage attractions, or simply quiet evenings with unforgettable sunsets, this exceptional property provides a welcoming and luxurious base for your Highland escape.