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Aiden House
5 Balvoolich, Durness IV27 4PW Scotland
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Room & Suite (82)
Dining (13)
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About
5.0
#1 of 5 B&Bs in DurnessLocation
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Aiden House B&B which is our family home is situated on a Croft in the village of Durness on the NC500 We also have 3 self catering shepherd huts . The B&B and Huts have breathtaking sea and mountain views and are furniture to a high standard . . Kenny and Alexandra look forward too welcoming you all to Aiden House & The Shepherd Huts.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Breakfast available
Hiking
Fishing
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Special diet menus
Room features
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English
Location
5 Balvoolich, Durness IV27 4PW Scotland
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 37 out of 100
37
Inverness Airport
75.7 mi•
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Car Hire
Reviews
5.0
526 reviews
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Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Aiden House emerges as a top-notch destination for travelers seeking both luxury and value in the picturesque north of Scotland. Guests have called out the modern, immaculate rooms that promise comfort and breathtaking views.
The hotel's amenities, including an exceptional breakfast, earn rave reviews for meeting high standards of cleanliness and convenience. With its tranquil atmosphere and friendly, accommodating service, Aiden House stands out as a haven for those looking to explore the scenic surroundings while enjoying a sense of indulgent tranquility.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Modern
Value
Exceptional
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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526Reviews7Q+A76Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
We had a lovely night at Alexandra’s B&B and only wish we could have stayed longer! The photos really don’t do it justice! We stayed in one of the three self catering “huts” rather than main house, which was ideal for us and good value for the area and quality of accommodation. Beautiful views across Durness.
This is also one of the most stunning locations on the NC500 and Balnakeil beach one of the most beautiful we’ve ever been to (this beach is short walk from Aiden House or 2 mins in the car, also right next to the lovely craft village and cocoa mountain). Sango bay, village shop and petrol pump close by also.
Alexandra was a very attentive host even before we arrived and she was so friendly throughout our stay. Everything in the “shepherds hut” we stayed in was in pristine condition, the whole place sparkling clean and equipped with everything you might need, including a fully stocked kitchen area (though make sure you check shop opening times first as there’s not a lot of options if you’re cooking for yourself!). Loved decking area with outside seating, looking over spectacular views.
Free parking on premises and secure key system. All precautions taken re covid-19 and we felt very safe.
This is also one of the most stunning locations on the NC500 and Balnakeil beach one of the most beautiful we’ve ever been to (this beach is short walk from Aiden House or 2 mins in the car, also right next to the lovely craft village and cocoa mountain). Sango bay, village shop and petrol pump close by also.
Alexandra was a very attentive host even before we arrived and she was so friendly throughout our stay. Everything in the “shepherds hut” we stayed in was in pristine condition, the whole place sparkling clean and equipped with everything you might need, including a fully stocked kitchen area (though make sure you check shop opening times first as there’s not a lot of options if you’re cooking for yourself!). Loved decking area with outside seating, looking over spectacular views.
Free parking on premises and secure key system. All precautions taken re covid-19 and we felt very safe.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 9 Aug 2020
Thank you Emma for a fantastic review, love the photos. Delighted that you enjoyed your stay but even more happy you felt safe. We are so lucky to be in a prime location, I never get tired off our fantastic views. Hopefully we’ll see you back for longer the next time . Take care & best wishes, Alexandra
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alexandra’s place is a real gem. She has a careful routine in place to keep her guests safe, always wearing a mask, lots of disinfectant and minimal contact routines. Takeaway breakfast was rich and tasty. Lovely rooms. Nothing like coming back to a warm, dry and clean room after a gusty day in the highlands. Beds are super comfortable too. So happy with our stay.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 6 Aug 2020
Thank you for taking the time to write a fantastic review. I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay at Aiden house and found the rooms to be cosy and comfortable after a very wet day :-) Thank you for recognising what I have put in place to keep us all safe from covid. Glad you enjoyed your takeaway breakfast. Can’t wait for life to hopefully get back to normal then I can have you all chatting around my family table again. It was a pleasure having you stay in our home and I hope one day we’ll have you back to stay. Take care and look after each other. Best wishes, Alexandra
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Perfect stay for us for 2 nights - our Supercar made it into the drive with ease. Host was very accommodating and the rooms spotless - nothing was too much! Even with a takeaway breakfast during Covid we sat out looking over the views and it was an amazing breakfast - with THE BEST FRUIT BOWL (Strongly Recommend). Views incredible (recommend room 1). Overall experience was fabulous ! 5 star rating isn’t enough !!!!
The old school house is a lovely place for food if you like a drive round in the car. Really good find!
The old school house is a lovely place for food if you like a drive round in the car. Really good find!
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 4 Oct 2020
Thank you so much for the fantastic review too an amazing couple that I will always have fond memories off. You were a absolute delighted to have stay in our family home and were so understanding off how I’v had to change breakfast to a takeaway to keep us all safe and healthy. It was also a joy too have your supercar sitting outside our house, love it :-) Kenny does the fruit pots so I’ll pass on your kind words too him, thank you. I really hope we see you back in the near future. Take care off each other. Best wishes, Alexandra & Kenny Xx
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I highly recommend staying at Aiden House. The rooms were extremely comfortable and the owner took great pride in their cleanliness and attention to detail. we spent the evening on a beautiful beach within walking distance of the B&B and had a very good nights sleep. The views from the room were something else and it was lovely to watch the wild rabbits as the sun was setting. We had a very nice breakfast starting with a bowl of lovely fresh fruit including Scottish grown strawberries and raspberries. The cooked breakfast was perfectly cooked and kept us going for the rest of the day. The owner was very friendly and spent some time chatting to us before we set off on the next leg of our journey. Thank you.
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 24 Jun 2022
Thank you Caroline for such a lovely review. I’m glad you enjoyed your stay, welcome back anytime. Best wishes, Alexandra
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just back from an amazing two night stay in the Kenandra Shepard’s hut with my 7 year old son. The hut it’s self is immaculate, can not fault it at all. It is completely covid safe with contactless check in to hand sanitizer at entrance to hut and also inside. Very modern throughout and spotlessly clean. Had everything we needed and the views are spectacular, was perfect for an early morning rise to watch the sunrise right from the decking.
The accommodation is in the perfect place to visit Balnakeil beach, cocoa mountain, Durness beach, Golden eagle zip line, Smoo Cove etc.
The Host Alexandra was amazing from booking until we left. Even gave me a travel update of a road closure on route to accommodation. If I could rate this place higher I would. Can’t wait to get dates organised so I can return.
The accommodation is in the perfect place to visit Balnakeil beach, cocoa mountain, Durness beach, Golden eagle zip line, Smoo Cove etc.
The Host Alexandra was amazing from booking until we left. Even gave me a travel update of a road closure on route to accommodation. If I could rate this place higher I would. Can’t wait to get dates organised so I can return.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 10 Aug 2020
Thank you for a amazing review and for being such fantastic guests. I would also like to give you a special thank you for leaving the hut absolutely spotless, would never know you had been in the hut. Glad you enjoyed Durness, yes the beaches etc are just stunning. You were so lucky to get such amazing weather. Would be a pleasure to have you both stay again. Also thank you for the thank you card, very thoughtful off you. Keep safe & best wishes, Alexandra Xxxx
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at Aiden House for the last two days of our road trip to relax and on the recommendation of others. It met all of our expectations and more. The bedroom and en-suite bathroom were immaculately clean, the bed comfortable and the shower high-powered. You couldn’t fault the place, the location nor the hospitality of Alexandra and her husband. Also the views from the room were spectacular and all Covid-19 government regulations were in place and adhered to.
On the last day we ordered take away breakfast and we were stunned by the amount of food served, how delicious it was and how it set us up for the busy day ahead.
We booked Aiden House as it was recommended by another traveller on the NC 500 route and we would recommend it without hesitation to others.
We hope to return one day!
On the last day we ordered take away breakfast and we were stunned by the amount of food served, how delicious it was and how it set us up for the busy day ahead.
We booked Aiden House as it was recommended by another traveller on the NC 500 route and we would recommend it without hesitation to others.
We hope to return one day!
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Date of stay: August 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 26 Aug 2020
Thank you for such an amazing review. I’m so happy you enjoyed your stay and my takeaway breakfast due to covid. It was such a pleasure having you stay at Aiden house, hope we see you back one day. Take care & look after yourselves. Best wishes, Alexandra
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Four of us stayed for two nights whilst driving the NC500. The house is spotless and Alexandra very helpful and gave us lot of information about the area and the route of a local walk with stunning views. The bedrooms and en-suites are beautifully decorated, Alexandra really has a good eye for decor. The views were beautiful and breakfast was superb. Alexandra and Kenny made us feel very much at home with lots of little extras and a personal touch. Thank you for a wonderful stay and we will be back.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 3 May 2022
Hi Joanne, Thank you for taking the time to write such a beautiful review, I’m glad you enjoyed your stay. It was a absolute pleasure to have you all stay, welcome back anytime. Best wishes, Alexandra
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here to go to the Highland Gathering and to explore the area. Literally the only downside to our stay was that we hadn't booked for longer! We were sad to leave! The house is beautiful, situated high up so that the views are spectacular. Our room was room 1, which had double aspect windows so we could see the dramatically beautiful coastline and the mountains. The bed was so comfortable and the room was spotless with everything you need for a lovely stay - tea, coffee, biscuits, mints, a brilliant shower and comfy chairs. You can watch rabbits hopping around just outside, take in the beautiful backdrop which is mesmerising, eating biscuits and sipping coffee. Honestly, what more could you want? Breakfast was superb with loads of options on offer - all beautifully prepared and delicious. We can recommend the smoked salmon and kippers in particular and the fresh fruit bowl was perfect. It set us up for the day. Alexandra and Kenny really go out of their way to ensure your stay is wonderful. Alexandra is knowledgeable about the area and the sights and honestly, nothing is too much trouble. We have stayed in tons of hotels and B&Bs as you will see from our reviews and Aiden House stands out as exceptional. We even enjoyed free parking at Aiden House after we had booked out to attend the Highland Gathering. Anyone not giving this place 5 stars wants their head seeing to, or is just completely unreasonable. As experienced travellers, we highly recommend this place and can't wait to go back. Having only scratched the surface of this beautiful place, we hope to be back soon!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Room 1 has amazing views of the coast.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 23 Aug 2023
Sorry for the late reply but thank you so much for such a fantastic review. I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay, it really was a pleasure to have you stay in our family home, welcome back anytime. Glad you enjoy the Durness Highland Gathering. Take care & best wishes, Alexandra
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a fantastic 3 night stay in Acacia - one of Alexandra's beautiful 'shepherd's huts'. These huts are small but perfectly formed and feel remarkable spacious. Spotlessly keen, thoughtfully appointed, responsive heating system, good shower. the location and view are unbeatable - we woke up to stunning views of the sunrise over the sea and distant peninsula, with rabbits and sheep nearer to hand. It's a luxurious, private, fun and quirky place to stay to explore the local area - Sandwood bay, smoo cave, and walks straight from the huts west along the coast were wonderful, and we enjoyed cooking all our meals in the hut at night to enjoy that dramatic shifting view. Friendly, great service too. A delight all round.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 11 Aug 2020
Thank you Beth for a fantastic review. So happy you enjoyed your stay in our self catering huts. Too be honest we just love them too. The views are amazing to waken up to and you had such good weather which is a bonus. It was such a pleasure having you both stay and we would love to see you back again. Take care & best wishes, Alexandra
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked one of the huts for the end of July. The hut was ok, it had everything we needed. The wi-fi was flaky but I imagine that to be common in such an area. The reason for the low review is that I felt unwelcome. These are difficult times obviously and I think there are a range of behaviours acceptable as long as they are consistent. In a nutshell we received a list of instructions about the safety measures in place, which included the mandatory wearing of face coverings at all time on the property, from the point we reach the car park to the point when we are inside the hut, with even a note that we will be asked to leave with no refund if we do not comply. In light of this it was quite astonishing that the host showed to welcome us in the very same car park without any protection. Maybe we are not entitled to the same consideration as we are not locals? Or have foreign sounding names? I felt this was disrespectful and should have been avoided, I did not feel comfortable for the whole stay after this episode.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from , Owner at Aiden House
Responded 6 Aug 2020
Thank you for the review which is not true. Had you off read your confirmation I asked you to wear a facecovering from the carpark to the hut. You were told you could take the facecovering off on your balcony and obviously in the hut. This is too keep you, my guests and my family safe. I have never welcomed my guests without a facecovering and guests that check into the huts check themselves in as it’s self check in. I wear full PPE when cleaning the huts and rooms in the B&B at all times. I also wear a mask to the washing line when guests are around. Below is what’s on your confirmation, All guests have to wear a face covering as soon as you arrive in the carpark too leaving. Only time the face covering can be removed is in the Shepherd Hut or on your private decking at hut. If you choose not to wear a face covering you won’t be aloud to stay and will be told to leave. No refund will be given. This is for the safety for you, other guests and my family. Only time I never have a mask on is in my utility room when ironing and sometimes I will talk to my guests threw the window with social distancing. You booked Kenandra self catering hut with sea and mountain view but you forgot to mention that I let your 8 year old child stay and never charged you 1p for that. You also forgot to mention that I upgraded you to Acacia hut with amazing sea and mountain views free off charge. You also forgot to mention the beautiful beaches etc in Durness. The huts are set up for 2 people and after your nasty review all new bookings will only be for 2 people (no kids) as if this is the result I get for being kind well that’s the end off that. I greeting you nicely like all my guests and I don’t care if your local or where your from my T&C stand for everybody as just incase you have forgotten we are in a Pandemic and I will do my upmost to keep everyone safe. Also it does not matter where your from in the world everyone is welcome. The weather was horrendous when you were here so maybe that’s why you never enjoyed your stay as you certainly were made to feel welcome. I will be emailing Trip Advisor and ask for this to be taken off as it’s not true. Remember I have all our correspondence as I have to keep it for 4 months for track and trace and I will show all off it to Trip Advisor to show your review is not true. Shame on you knocking a good business down at a time like this. Kenny and I work extremely hard to give our guests a amazing stay. We have had all fantastic reviews and feedback apart from this and all our guests are praising us for what we have in place for covid, all have felt extra safe. Best wishes, Alexandra
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Good afternoon, please could you email me and i’ll try to help you. Sorry I can’t put my email address or website in this reply to you as Try Advisor won’t allow it.
Please send me a email. You'll find it on my website.
Good evening, yes I do but I need you too email me. My email address is on my website.
Alexandra
Good afternoon, I don't do business on here I just check my reviews. Please send Aiden house a email and I'll reply straight away. Thanks.
Please send me a email. Email addresses will be found on my website. Sorry I don't take bookings through Trip Advisor. I only look at trip advisor to check reviews. Look forward too hearing back from you. Alexandta
"Reverse into the parking spaces if you’re driving a rubbish old car like my hire car"Read full review
"The fresh fruit option at breakfast, followed by haddock - both so fresh, so good! "Read full review
"Ask Alexandra for her advice on eating dinner in the local area, as you cannot book in advance anywhere."Read full review
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LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandScottish HighlandsCaithness and SutherlandDurness
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
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Frequently Asked Questions about Aiden House
Which popular attractions are close to Aiden House?
Nearby attractions include Balnakeil Beach (0.6 miles), Durness Beach (0.5 miles), and Smoo Cave (1.3 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Aiden House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and reduced mobility rooms.
What food & drink options are available at Aiden House?
Guests can enjoy breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Aiden House?
Conveniently located restaurants include Smoo Cave Hotel, Cocoa Mountain, and Sango Sands Oasis Restaurant and Bar.
Is Aiden House located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the centre of Durness.
Are there any historical sites close to Aiden House?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Ceannabeinne Township Trail (2.0 miles).
Does Aiden House have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is Aiden House accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.