Highland property: Discovering the enduring appeal of Caithness & Sutherland
For those seeking a slower pace of life, wild horizons, and a home immersed in the beauty of unspoilt nature, Highland property offers an irresistible allure.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in Caithness and Sutherland, the remote and romantic counties that stretch across Scotland’s far north. Here, characterful homes, panoramic landscapes, and rugged peak mountain ranges await those ready for a new chapter.
Threaded by the iconic North Coast 500 (NC500) scenic route, this stunning region boasts more than just staggering views. It offers lifestyle potential, investment opportunities, and a rare sense of peace, along with a diverse property market that includes period townhouses, coastal cottages, secluded crofts, and land for bespoke builds.
Garrington property finder, Marie Wood, comments that house prices in the North tend to be more affordable, meaning you can typically get so much more for your money compared to buying property in the South.
Whether you’re searching for a permanent residence, holiday home, or rental opportunity, this part of the Highlands is worthy of close attention.
Here is a taster of some of the amazing towns and villages along this famous route to focus your search for Highland property.
Golspie and Brora: Characterful coastal living
Situated along the eastern coast of Sutherland, the villages of Golspie and Brora offer a more settled lifestyle with good infrastructure and access to the sea.
Golspie is framed by the striking Ben Bhraggie Hill and the magnificent, historic Dunrobin Castle, and offers sandy beaches, independent shops, and a vibrant local community. It also has a high school.
Properties here range from Victorian villas and listed buildings to traditional stone-built properties and modern family homes, often enjoying coastal or mountain views.
Brora, just a short drive north, is quieter still and known for its links golf course, wildlife-rich coastline, and relaxed pace.
Helmsdale to Lybster: Creative enclaves and renovation potential
Further up the coast, the small harbour village of Helmsdale in Sutherland has become a cultural outpost in the far north, with its arts centre and a strong sense of identity.
Property in Helmsdale includes modest cottages, larger family homes, and coastal estates, many with sea views and spacious gardens.
Continuing north through Dunbeath, Latheron, and Lybster into Caithness, the housing stock tends to reflect the region’s fishing and crofting heritage with detached homes, country crofts, stone cottages, and plots of land offering restoration and self-build opportunities.
Lybster has a unique charm, with its small harbour and a growing community of creatives and remote workers.
Buyers looking for Highland property in one of these lesser-known villages often engage our local property experts for early access to desirable homes, many of which are not openly marketed.
Wick and John O’Groats: Northerly appeal with a strong identity
Tucked away on the north eastern coast of the Scottish Highlands, Wick is a place that quietly captures your heart. Set along the edge of Wick Bay and close to the River Wick, this historic town offers the perfect base for exploring the wild beauty of Caithness.
Wick has a broader range of amenities than some of the other places we have mentioned, including a hospital, supermarkets, and schools, making it a practical choice for those who wish to combine remoteness with convenience.
The property market in Wick includes everything from handsome Georgian townhouses, villas, and terraced period properties to newer developments with good rental potential.
John O’Groats, though significantly smaller, is a landmark location, famous for its “end-of-the-road” status and spectacular views across the Pentland Firth. Interest here is growing, especially from holiday let investors, and plots or lodges with views are in high demand.
Property types in John O’Groats include beautiful, detached homes and bungalows, many with stunning sea and countryside views.
Dunnet and Thurso: Natural drama and market diversity
The village of Dunnet in Caithness is beloved for its sweeping bay and wild headlands (and puffins!). Properties range from off-grid retreats and land to newer homes offering luxury and comfort.
Nearby, Thurso, the UK’s northernmost town, serves as a regional hub. With breathtaking coastal scenery, good transport links, schools, and shops, it is a strategic base for anyone wishing to live or invest in the far north.
Thurso’s property landscape is diverse: from large period homes and mid-century family houses to contemporary flats and modern bungalows. The area has also seen steady interest in second homes and holiday lets, due to its growing popularity among NC500 travellers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Melvich, Strathy, and Bettyhill: Wilderness with soul
In Sutherland, the west-facing coastal villages of Melvich, Strathy, and Bettyhill deliver windswept beauty and seclusion. These locations are popular among artists, writers, and lifestyle buyers who value privacy, clean air, and rugged surroundings.
Property is typically detached and characterful, often sitting on generous plots. Renovated croft houses and homes with outbuildings are highly sought after, and many buyers choose to run guesthouses, eco-retreats, or remote working studios from home.
At Garrington Property Finders, we offer a discreet acquisition service for clients looking to build or convert homes in these highly individual and often off-grid settings.
Tongue and Durness: The edge of the map
Also in Sutherland, Tongue is arguably one of the most scenic villages in the Highlands, with views of Loch Loyal and the distinctive shape of Ben Loyal in the distance.
With a small population, local amenities, and wonderful homes such as crofts and cottages, Tongue is a quiet gem ideal for buyers seeking beauty and a tight-knit community.
Further west, Durness is the north-westernmost village in mainland Britain, renowned for its otherworldly beaches, the spectacular Smoo Cave, and untamed scenery.
Limited property availability options, again, beautiful cottages and crofts, only add to its cachet. Where homes do come up for sale, they’re often snapped up by those seeking a meaningful lifestyle change.
Why invest in Highland property?
The locations mentioned above offer just a glimpse of what this remarkable region has to offer. While we’ve highlighted many of the principal towns and villages in Caithness and Sutherland, numerous other hidden gems await discovery, and we would be delighted to explore them with you.
Living in the Highlands offers a rare combination of affordability, authenticity, and awe-inspiring landscape.
While connectivity may be more limited in some areas, though ferry services, such as those from Gills Bay and Scrabster to Orkney, are available, and infrastructure can be more modest than in the southern counties, the rewards lie in lifestyle, mental wellbeing, and potential for long-term appreciation.
The NC500 has undoubtedly brought more visibility to the region, drawing visitors, entrepreneurs, and lifestyle relocators. This interest, in turn, supports the market, particularly for well-positioned homes and those suited to tourism or sustainability-focused use.
Land and renovation properties in the region often offer comparatively good value, and with increasing interest in remote working and sustainable lifestyles, demand for Highland property continues to show encouraging signs.
Working with Garrington
At Garrington Property Finders, we provide discerning clients with expert support in sourcing, evaluating, and acquiring property across Caithness, Sutherland, and the region, both on and off the market.
Our service is discreet, tailored, and always grounded in local insight, helping you make confident and informed decisions, no matter how remote your dream home may be.
Garrington local property finder Marie Wood lived in Thurso and Scrabster for many years and brings in-depth knowledge of the area.
Whether you’re searching for a traditional croft with development potential, a stylish contemporary home with panoramic views, or a legacy property to pass through generations, Marie is well-placed to help you find your ideal Highland property with clarity and confidence.
Please contact us today to see how we can work together to find your ideal Highland property.
