Our first project was our unique yurt accommodation which has become quite a success and loved by all who stay in it. However it is fully equiped for a long stay with everything needed for such, from a well stocked kitchen area to a private garden and decked patio. As many of our guests stay for just one night, either on route to and from the Orkneys or as part of the NC500, we decided to build the studio. This is much more suited to short stays as well as long stays but without losing the comforts and attention-to-detail of the yurt. We converted the outhouse next to it into a storage/drying room. This makes provision for cyclists or motorcyclists who need somewhere dry and secure to store their equipment overnight and who need to quickly dry out wet clothing. As it is an extension of our house, we are always on-hand if needed. Not only that but this means that guests can look out at the beautiful 180 degree sea views in front of the studio, across the Moray Firth and the North Sea that we also enjoy from our hillside location.

Paul and I have lived in Helmsdale since 2016. We came up here from Manchester seeking a more relaxed and quieter lifestyle and Helmsdale has not let us down! I work part-time in the local shop whilst Paul stays at the croft house developing the half-acre of land that surrounds it. He is the brains and brawn behind all our building projects. We have 2 grown-up children. Our son is an apprentice wind engineer and our daughter is studying art at Inverness Univisity. Our 2 dogs complete our family. Max is a 7-year-old Black Labrador and Holly is a 18-month-old Jug (Jack-Russell/Pug). They are very friendly and love meeting all our guests. Jackie and Paul.

The Studio is situated on the hill at West Helmsdale/Gartymore which looks out over stunning views of the Moray Firth and down to the pretty village of Helmsdale and it's harbour. There is croft land to the front where sheep and cows graze and on the rest of the hill, at the back, there are a few scattered houses. Like our yurt, the Studio is sited on the grounds of our croft house which is surrounded by pine trees (hence the name). There are many local walks around the area and Helmsdale is only a 15 minute walk down the hill where you will find shops, restaurants, 2 pubs, a museum, harbour and beach walks. Helmsdale has a railway station with trains running to and from Thurso and Inverness. It is also easily accessed from the A9 and there are buses running to Thurso, Wick and Inverness.