The most beautiful, remote cottage for 8, offering unforgettable Highland adventures.
Space & setting.
This is the kind of Highlands retreat that’s both adventurous and restorative. Sleeping 8 and gloriously remote, surrounded by cinematic views of the private estate and Cairngorms beyond, it’s ideal for active times with friends and family. Days can be spent exploring lochs and forests on foot, bike or by 4×4, clay-pigeon shooting and fishing for trout or Atlantic salmon. Or… doing blissfully little other than hunkering down somewhere beautiful to chat endlessly and enjoy leisurely strolls. Wake to soft light spilling through large windows and coffee brewing in the kitchen; finish the day with fireside aperitifs in the outdoor lounge, laughter around the dining table, and a dram of something peaty as the stars appear.
Interiors blend contemporary comfort with laid-back elegance, and the earthy tones and tactile fabrics invite you to kick off your shoes and truly unwind. A charming shed overlooking the river sleeps 2 of the 8 – perfect for couples or teens craving a little independence — and you can also hire the next-door cottage for an additional 4 people. With space to spread out and gather together, all you need is thick socks, card games and a taste for the wild.
“We came to visit Scotland from Belgium and fell in love with Royal Deeside and decided to move here. Being outdoorsy, we looked for a house with incredible views so we could disconnect from our busy lives, and we ended up custodians of the Gairnshiel Estate, with its historic main Lodge and 3 cottages. Our son Maarten did the interiors for all 4, including some unusual touches from Belgium, our home country, which he has brought to life here. This was the first he restored, our family home for many years.” Eric and Hilde
They love
“Sitting in the wild garden in spring, the fire roaring in the woodburner, listening to the bird songs.”
We love
The panoramic bedroom is heaven, with big views over a rushing burn and open moorland.
You may not love
Closed annually Dec-Feb. No stag/hen parties. Set next to another rental. WiFi can be slow in extreme weather. Be aware the last mile on the access track is uneven and not suitable for low-slung cars/vans. Sorry, no dogs. Price doesn’t include a cleaning fee of £100
Surrounds.
- Explore the estate. Work up a sweat walking then take a wild dip in the River Gairn.
- Hilde recommends the stunning Linn of Dee walk, followed by a picnic at the Punch Bowl on the River Quoich, where a hut awaits in case of inclement weather.
- The owners can arrange fly fishing for trout and Atlantic salmon as well as clay-pigeon shooting (all 25 mins’ drive).
- Or book a stargazing experience – the dark skies here make for incredible celestial shows.
- Or explore the more challenging terrain with an off-road 4×4 adventure, a unique way to access some of Scotland’s most rugged, remote landscapes.
- Book at least one dinner at the brilliant Fishshop in nearby Ballater. Menus change daily according to the season and day’s catch, but expect the likes of Shetland oysters, Loch Leven surf clams and Macduff lobster.
- Visit Balmoral Castle, home to the Royal family. Its gardens are open to the public from 1 April to mid August
- Hike to the summit of Lochnagar, a munro beloved by royals and ramblers alike, with panoramic views across the Cairngorms.
- Cycle around Loch Muick. You can hire bikes in nearby Ballater. Whilst in town, visit the Cambus O’May Cheese Co to stock up on artisanal Scottish cheeses and deli treats for picnics.
- Enjoy a dram of whisky and a hearty Sunday lunch at the Flying Stag, the atmospheric bar at the Fife Arms in Braemar
Details.
- Remote cottage on a private estate
- 4 bedrooms: upstairs, 2 x superking/twin each with ensuite shower bathroom; one has a bath too); downstairs, superking/twin bedroom with ensuite shower bathroom. Separate hut with superking bedroom and ensuite shower bathroom
- Toiletries provided
- Brilliant kitchen with fridge/freezer, Lacanche cooker (5 induction hobs and 3 ovens), Nespresso and filter coffee machine, and designer crockery by Ann Demeulemeester
- Living room with sofas
- WiFi and games
- Outdoor lounge with woodburner
- Terrace with alfresco dining furniture and BBQ and plancha
- Babes in arms and children over 5 are warmly welcome. The cottage isn’t suitable for toddlers
- Baby cot to borrow
- Sorry, no dogs
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants in Ballater (15 mins)
- Booking conditions: Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay all year, except during the Braemar Highland Games when it is 3 nights. Closed annually Dec-Feb. An additional cleaning fee of £100 is payable separately
- Remember to pack: basic ingredients (only salt, pepper and washing up liquid provided), slippers, walking boots and outdoor gear, swimmers for wild dips, midge spray in summer. Note there is no TV so bring a laptop if you need
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit on booking, with the balance due 12 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 12+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 12 weeks of stay.
FAQs.
No sorry, this is only rentable as part of the whole cottage.
In 4pm / out 10am
Unfortunately not; the other properties on the estate are dog friendly.
Unfortunately not, but you’re welcome to bring in a chef.
They can fill your fridge for your first breakfast though (£25pp); includes bread, bacon and eggs, homemade chocolate spread, orange juice, ham and cheese, milk, jam and fruit.
Once you have booked your stay, you’ll be sent information about how to book fly fishing, off-road adventures, clay-pigeon shooting and more.
Every season is special in a different way. In spring, everything is getting green and temperatures are warming. Summer is great with sunny days and a lot of wildlife to spot, plus the famous Highland Games, and magical purple heather in August. Autumn brings the most beautiful colour. Note that the cottage is closed Dec-end Feb.
Still have a question?
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