Accommodation

There are nine ensuite bedrooms. Each can be configured for double or twin beds. The beds are made up with crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets. The bathrooms all have large showers and free standing baths.

The drawing room and galleried hall provide sufficient space for groups to be together in front of roaring log fires or with french windows to fling open on those occasional warm sunny days. There is also a snug for time out to watch television, DVDs or for children to play with the selection of games.

The dining room seats up to twenty two people with a resident chef who takes prides in using local, fresh, seasonal ingredients from the garden and nearby suppliers.

Upstairs there is a very popular games room with a snooker table and table tennis table. There is also an outdoor tennis court and croquet lawn.

Ground Floor
Large galleried hall, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, 2 double/twin bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, kitchen, drying room and secure gun room.

First Floor
Billiard room, 7 double/twin bedrooms each with an ensuite bathroom on the first floor.

Additional cottage for six, with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, finished to the same high standard as Ardtalla. Therefore a total number of 24 guests can be accommodated, if required.

Dogs are not allowed in Ardtalla, although kennels are available if required.

Sporting

Shooting
The estate offers a high quality driven partridge shoot. There is also driven pheasant, rough shooting, duck flighting, walked-up grouse and grouse shooting over pointers. Roe deer and limited red deer stalking is available.

Fishing
Salmon, sea trout and trout fishing is available on the River Alness and Loch Morie.
The Novar Fishings comprise about 6.6 miles of double-banked salmon fishing on the River Alness producing an average rod catch of 435 salmon & grilse per year – 557 fish were caught during the 2010 season.
The Novar Fishings are split into two sections: the upper beats comprising Beats 1 and 2; and the lower beats comprising Beats 3, 4, 5 and 6. The upper and lower beats are split by about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) of fishings controlled by Kildermorie and Ardross Castle estates. The average length of each beat is 1.1 miles (1.8 km), with typically 15 to 20 named pools per beat allowing for 4 rods. Both banks are included; however most of the fishing is from the southern (right) bank.
Further trout fishing is available on stocked lochs. Fly fishing instruction can be arranged on the estate.

Clay Pigeon Shooting
Clay pigeon shooting, archery and Falconry demonstrations are also available on the estate.

Activities

Golf
Ardtalla is an ideal base for groups of eight to eighteen golfers wishing to play some of the finest courses in the Highlands of Scotland including Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, Tain, Fortrose and Nairn. Other notable courses in the area can be found at Brora, Golspie and Strathpeffer among others. There are more than 20 golf courses within an hours drive.

The staff at Ardtalla can arrange tee times and transport for you and may be suggest a visit to a local ditillery or a famous Highland castle on your way home from a game.

In the unlikely event, that you return from a rainy day out, there are drying facilities to make sure your clothes and equipment are ready for the next day.

Mountain Biking
There are over 150 miles of tracks on Novar, accessible by mountain bike. There is the challenge of a ride to the Fyrish Monument or a cycle over the hill to a picnic prepared for you on the moor or beside the river.
The staff at Ardtalla will organise mountain bike hire for guests and have them awaiting your arrival. it is also possible to arrange a mountain bike guide for the more adventurous.

Falconry
A highlight for a visitor of any age is a falconry display in the walled garden. These usually take place in the early evening and are highly interactive. Children of all ages delight in donning the falconer’s glove and having the experience of handling these majestic birds.

Archery
The timeless sport of archery can be brought to the walled garden or to hidden glades on the hill. For most people a half day is an ideal introduction to the sport. A qualified instructor is on hand to make the experience enjoyable with high quality equipment.

Whisky Tasting
The waters of the River Alness and the malting barley grown on Novar are key ingredients in the fine local malts of the Highlands. A whisky tasting can be sampled at Ardtalla or at a local distillery. The Dalmore, Glenmorangie and Balblair are all near by.

Other Activites
Table tennis and billiards are available, and tennis and croquet in the walled garden.

There is the opportunity to explore the North Highlands including the castles of Dunrobin and Cawdor and Dornoch Cathedral.

Property location

Testimonials