About Borlum House Farm

Our Farmhouse

It’s a 1700’s farmhouse in Reay on the north coast of Scotland. Over the last few years, we’ve gradually restored the house and barn. Now we have a working farm with lambs, chickens and Highland cows. As well as two self-catering holiday cottages – The Annex and The Lodge.

We welcome guests all year round from the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Visitors come to enjoy the rugged scenery, the ancient history and the extensive local wildlife. We’re so fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife in the Highlands.

There is a fantastic walk into the Limekiln Forest just behind the house, part of which is known as the Borlum Circuit that takes you round into Reay village.

And Borlum House Farm is directly on the NC500 road trip route, which makes us an ideal place to stay when you’re exploring Scotland’s north coast.

We hope you come to stay when you visit the Highlands.

The History of Borlum House Farm

As we’ve been restoring the house and barn, we’ve discovered some of its 300 years of history.

Guests often enjoy hearing the stories about what the farm was like in the past …

Borlum House Farm was originally part of Sandside Estate which was once owned by Mr Pilkington of Pilkington Glass. The Estate was then split up and is now in parts owned by various individuals.

History records show Borlum dates back to around 1729. There was also once a turret at the house in the late 1700’s. But earlier settlements may have been just the house or barns

The original house was quite small, and signs of several extensions throughout the years are very clear from inside the house. Extensions included the front door and entrance, the front lounge and maid’s quarters which is now part of The Annex. We believe the kitchen was the final extension and was originally the dining room of the house.

Whilst part of Sandside Estate, Borlum House and the barns was a sheep farm, mainly of hill ground. But cheese was also made at this location, in what’s now the sun room.