Stroma - self catering house for up to 9 people

- with complementary art studio

Stroma self catering cottage living room

A deceptively spacious 19th Century granite house two minutes walk from Gardenstown’s picturesque harbour, Stroma offers relaxed, comfortable accommodation with 4 generous bedrooms that sleep 9 plus a sofa bed, and a large open plan living/dining/kitchen area. As an added bonus, the house includes a big complementary art studio for sole use of guests – a great escape for adults, the teenagers’ hangout, or a relaxed messy space for kids to make a masterpiece!

Step outside the door and the delights of Gardenstown are a short stroll away – walks along the beach nestling below wonderful red sandstone cliffs, friendly local pub and deli/general store, authentic village heritage centre, and the sense of being in a special peaceful place framed by a huge sweep of sea and sky.

“We don’t want to leave! The cottage is so comfortable and a real pleasure to stay in. Stroma and Gardenstown have been an oasis, refreshing to mind and body. Inspires such creativity from both adults and children in the studio. We long to be back.”    Bill, Diana and family 2006

For our other house that sleeps up to 6 click here.

Stroma self catering cottage open plan living / dining room

Gardenstown is rich in history and steeped in atmosphere. At one time Stroma was a wealthy fisherman’s house and in the past the current studio was used for drying fishing nets and as a schoolroom. Now the house provides accommodation on 3 floors – the living areas are on the ground and first floor, with the studio on the lower ground, its large windows only visible from the rear of the building.

Recently refurbished, Stroma is simply decorated in whites, earthtones and blues, inspired by the coastal location and hung with original artworks by Scottish artists. There are painted wooden floors scattered with rugs on the ground floor, carpets upstairs, and the house is fully centrally heated. There is also a wood burning stove for relaxing cosy evenings, with a starter pack of logs provided.

Stroma dining area

As you enter through the front door you will find the open plan living / dining / kitchen area on your left, a welcoming spacious room with windows front and back, two large plump sofas and an armchair, large dining table and chairs. There is also a TV / DVD player, portable CD / radio, board games and a collection of books to read or swap for your own.

Stroma self catering cottage kitchen

The kitchen area is also large and well equipped with electric oven, dishwasher, fridge freezer, microwave, toaster, plenty of cooking equipment and ample storage for your stay. Enjoy our complimentary tea and coffee while you plan your day’s activities, or as a warm welcome as you sink into the sofa at the end of the day.

Stroma ground floor twin roomStroma ground floor bathroom

Also on the ground floor you'll find two large and bright twin bedrooms and a shower room with wc.

 

Stroma double / family bedroom

Upstairs on the 1st floor there is another twin room, a generous space with ample room for luggage. This room also has a sofa bed that can sleep an additional guest if needed.  Across the hall on the same floor is the large family room with 1 double bed and 1 single bed. Both the upstairs bedrooms have combed ceilings and sea views over the rooftops. Look out for the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, a truly fantastic natural light display sometimes visible between March and October. Also upstairs you’ll find another shower room with electric shower and wc.

Stroma self catering cottage upstairs twin room

All bedding and towels are provided, just ask if you need extra during your stay. Our beds are piled with fluffy pillows, warm duvets and quilted bedcovers, with extra blankets provided for our winter guests. We can also provide a cot, highchair and baby bath. There is a retractable stair-gate fitted to enclose the ground floor.

 

Stroam complimentary studio

Down on the lower-ground floor, the studio space benefits from a separate side entrance that means wet wellies and treasured beach finds can be left to dry, adults can get time off from the kids or the whole family can get creative with no fear of making a mess. Whether you’re a novice or professional artist, the studio is a fairly basic space but does offer a great workshop room with a sink, chairs, tables, original wood floor and essential tools. If you’re looking for some help or particular equipment let us know and we’ll do our very best to provide what you need. We also run full art holiday weeks in our main teaching studio space if you’re really keen.

Gamrie sky and headland

The village deli / general store is located a few minutes walk from Stroma’s front door and provides a lovely selection of high quality local produce, fresh coffee, newspapers and free Wi-Fi. Our friendly local pub is also closeby, with a temptingly wide selection of Scottish whisky and home cooked food, and down by the harbour is a small restaurant specialising in superb steaks and fresh fish.  As you come into Gardenstown there is a small Spar store for everyday needs and fuel pumps 

Facilities


• 1 double / family room
• 3 twin rooms (2 on ground floor and 1 with additional sofa bed)
• 2 wc/shower rooms (1 on ground floor)
• Large open plan well equipped kitchen/dining/living room
• Huge studio/basic group room 12m x 6m, with tables, chairs, easels, sink and wood burner – great for messy work or play
• Freshly laundered towels and bed linen
• Wood burner with logs in living room
• Central heating throughout
• TV/DVD player with selection of DVDs
• CD player
• Dishwasher
• Washing machine
• Parking for 3 cars directly outside
• Complimentary coffee, tea, sugar, milk, washing up liquid and toilet rolls
• Selection of board games and books
• Stair gate
• Cot/baby bath/high chair/booster seat/child carrier on request
• No smoking
• No pets

There is very limited mobile reception in this part of the village but there is free WiFi available in the Gamrie Larder nearby.

Charges

Charges are for 7 nights, running from Saturday to Saturday unless by prior arrangement. We also offer a reduced rate at certain times for guests using only 1 bedroom.

Charges 2012 to 2013 Weekly Low occupancy rate
Jan / Feb to 31st March £395 £275
31st March to 16th June £480 £336
16th June to 22nd September £650  
22nd September 2012 to 31st March 2013 £420 £285
Easter week 7th to 14th April 2012 £495  
Christmas week 22nd to 29th Dec 2012 £550  
New Year week 29th Dec to 5th Jan 2012 £650  

Winter Warmer - £50 per room per night
For couples and singles looking for a short break during our off-season, still with exclusive use of the house and studio.

Booking

Please contact us to discuss availability,Stroma window special deals and your personal booking requirements. Please download a Booking Form and Terms and Conditions by clicking here.
 

Carla and Bryan Angus
Tel: +44 (01261) 812276 
Email: carla@creative-retreat.co.uk


Booking is confirmed upon receipt of a £150 deposit, the remainder to be paid 6 weeks before arrival. For terms and conditions page please click here. We accept payment by cheque, bank transfer or PayPal, by clicking on the deposit button below. We look forward to hearing from you!