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“Discover the House of the Northern Gate: A stunning baronial-style residence in Scotland’s far north with 9 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, and breathtaking views above Dunnet Head. Explore its private beach, Dunnet Bay, 1800 acres of moorland, hidden caves, and lochs. Perfectly located on the North Coast 500, enjoy dramatic cliffs and vistas of the Pentland Firth and Orkney Islands. Experience unparalleled hospitality and tranquility in the Scottish Highlands.”

 
 
 
 

Thurso, Scotland

House of the Northern Gate

Highland Coastal Estate

ABOUT  |  THE HOUSE  |  HISTORY  |  Contact

Originally Built In
1894


Associated Family Names
Dunnett, Sinclair, Calder, Vyner


Number of Rooms
9

Type of Architecture
Baronial


Seen in (tv/movies)
Featured in The Crown on Netflix. Featured in upcoming feature film: Row (due for release in late 2024). Also featured in a thriller “Eclipse” with Tom Conti in 1977

Location
Thurso, Scotland


Perfect for
Couples, Weddings, Family Gatherings, Retreats, Golf


Property type
Exclusive Use

 

About The House of the Northern Gate

The House of the Northern Gate is a beautifully restored baronial style house tucked away in the far north of Scotland. Boasting nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and its very own state-of-the-art-gym, this enchanting residence offers stunning views from its spectacular setting above Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain. Surrounding the estate are awe-inspiring landscapes, including the estate’s own beach, the breathtaking Dunnet Bay, and 1800 acres of moorland for hiking. Hidden caves and inviting lochs provide further opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Situated along the renowned North Coast 500 route, acclaimed as the best driving route in the world, this luxurious coastal estate is encircled by dramatic cliffs with panoramic vistas of the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. With its warm hospitality, tranquil ambience, and remarkable scenery, the House of the Northern Gate offers a captivating haven for those seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Our House

The House of the Northern Gate is a beautiful, exclusive-use Highland coastal estate, exclusively yours for a luxurious retreat. Immerse yourself in the elegant and inviting ambience of a remarkable house amidst a picturesque setting. Enjoy utmost privacy, comfort, and a warm welcome, all while drawing inspiration from the breathtaking views that surround you during your stay.

The recently restored baronial house features a lounge with an open fire and spectacular coastal views, a dining room that seats up to 22 and includes a fireplace and views out to the bay, a library, cinema/TV room, games room, two well-equipped kitchens, and nine beautifully appointed bedrooms.

The residence offers sweeping views of Dunnet Bay’s white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Dramatic cliffs provide incredible views of the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands. Ideal for large groups, families, weddings, this majestic Scottish estate serves as an ideal base to explore the Scottish Highlands.

To reach the house, most travellers opt for a train or plane journey to Inverness, followed by a scenic 2 hour and 30 minute drive along the beautiful coastal landscape. Alternatively, you can fly to Wick airport, or take a train to Thurso, both less than 30 minutes from the house.

Exclusive Use

Wedding

The House of the Northern Gate is an exceptional wedding venue set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, offering an elegant and luxurious setting for your special day. The remarkable location on Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of mainland Britain, provides stunning views of Dunnet Bay and the Pentland Firth. The estate's 1800 acres of moorland, secluded white sandy beach, and impressive cliffs offer unique backdrops for wedding photos. This venue combines charm, privacy, and unmatched natural beauty, creating a truly memorable wedding experience.

Golf Retreat

From the stunning coastal views to the proximity to renowned golf courses, The House of the Northern Gate offers an ideal destination for golf trips in Scotland. With a choice of local links courses and the world-famous Royal Dornoch course just an hour to the south, golfers will be spoiled for choice. The estate provides a luxurious and private accommodation option, allowing golf enthusiasts to relax and unwind after a day on the greens.

Events & Meetings

The House of the Northern Gate is the perfect place for a corporate retreat, with the local area offers a plethora of attractions and activities. The estate boasts vast heather moor, perfect for hiking, and is also home to Peedie Sands, a stunning secluded beach just a short five-minute walk from the house. Additionally, there is a wide range of activities available in the vicinity, such as surfing, canoeing, paddle boarding, freshwater fishing, horse riding, bird-watching, distillery tours, and local sightseeing tours.

Activities

With over 2000 acres of lush glens, lochs, wilderness and beaches, guests can enjoy a wide array of activities right on the estate. From a raucous game of woodland laser tag to foraging and fishing, the possibilities of what you can do are almost endless. We’ll take care of all the minute details, coordination and planning for you — you just need to show up for the fun. And, if you want to head off the property for a day, the Portpatrick Dunskey Golf Club, pubs, and village are just a short walk from Dunskey. All activities must be booked at least 30 days prior to arrival.

Our history

"A visit from the Queen Mother"'

The House of the Northern Gate, also known as Dwarwick House, possesses a commanding position on Dunnet Head overlooking the village. Constructed by Mr Thomson-Sinclair of Freswick in 1894, the house was later owned by Admiral Sir Edwyn Alexander-Sinclair, who fired the first shots in the Battle of Jutland in the First World War, until his death in 1945. It was the first property in the area to utilize electricity, powered by a steam generator in a stone outbuilding. In 1948, Commander Clare and Lady Doris Vyner purchased the house and estate, hosting a visit by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 1953. The Queen Mother’s view from the house led to the purchase and renaming of nearby Barrogill Castle as the Castle of Mey. After passing through various owners, the house and estate were acquired by a branch of the Dunnett family in 2018 whose ancestors are originally from the region.

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House of the Northern Gate
Dunnet Estate
Thurso, KW14 8YD
Scotland