Beautiful cottage-style house on a private Scottish estate with a private hot tub, sauna, and glorious wilderness all around (sleeps 6)
Space & setting.
Once an ancient inn, now a vibrant cottage-style house at the forest fringe of a 15,000-acre private estate in Aberdeenshire, this is is a place for full immersion in the outdoors with friends or family. Peek out of any window and you’ll see native trees unfurling, sheep grazing and paths inviting incursions into the rugged wilderness. It’s insanely beautiful — and very quiet. Roam across the moors, explore ancient woodland, swim in cool, clear rivers or simply wander along to the unique BYOB pub – The Glen Dye Arms – to play records with fellow music afficionados.
For those who don’t want to stray far from the hearth (or if the weather hems you inside), there’s plenty to do at the homestead, too. Steam and ice away stresses of everyday life in the sauna; soak and stargaze from the rustic hot tub and listen to vinyl in the colourful lounge. Day trips to beaches, castles, even the Balmoral Estate are easy, plus you can roost in the garden’s artist’s studio to leaf through books and get creative with your kids.
Getting here: best to drive (40 mins from Aberdeen airport), but you can train to Stonehaven, then taxi (35 mins)
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Sustainability.
All cleaning products are eco-friendly. The water is from a natural spring. Where possible ,everything is recycled.
Surrounds.
- Explore the Scottish wilderness: vast moors, rocky crags and big skies. Clachnaben Tor offers fantastic views over the surrounds., and the autumnal landscapes are breathtaking. Maps and suggested loops await.
- Swim in the clear, cool waters of the rivers that lace the landscape; the owners will point you to their favourite spots.
- Adventurous on-site activities include bushcraft, Vinyasa yoga, wild wellness and more. Help yourself to eggs from the estate’s chickens, and seasonal produce from their veggie garden, too.
- Enjoy the big screen at the estate’s private-hire cinema (3 miles away at the Estate hub). Popcorn, s’mores and BYO beers promise a fun evening.
- Fill the larder and browse the local crafts or send a postcard back home from Finzean Farm Shop. (The honey, wild venison and home-reared beef will give you some of the freshest local flavours.
- Spot butterflies, skylarks and lizards among the dunes at St Cyrus; a sandy windswept beach.
- Visit the evocative coastal ruins of Dunnottar Castle, once an impregnable fortress and host to ancient celebrities including William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots.
- While at the coast, feast on the catch of the day with a seafood feast at The Tolbooth.
- Fill up on traditional fayre at The Boat Inn at Aboyne, a cosy, old coaching inn on the banks of the River Dee.
- Walk the circuit around Loch Muick, part of the Balmoral Estate, ringed with mountains and Scottish scenery, and a particular favourite of Queen Victoria. After wet weather, take the path through the woods to visit Glas Allt Falls as they cascade over the rocks.
- In winter, enjoy the pistes and snow sports of the Glenshee ski area.
- Take a distillery tour to learn how one of Scotland’s most famous exports is made. Fettercain and Royal Lochnagar Distilleries are both excellent.
Specifics.
- Detached house with private garden on a 15,000-acre estate
- 3 bedrooms: 2 kingsize + 1 twin
- 2 bathrooms. 1 upstairs with rolltop bath and separate shower, plus a shower room downstairs
- Bathrobes and Laura Thomas toiletries provided
- Fully equipped kitchen including range cooker, fridge freezer and dishwasher; basics provided
- Homemade ready meals can be pre-ordered for your arrival
- Travel cot and high chair available on request
- Lovely lounge warmed by a fire with books, board games, record player and records
- Washing machine and tumble dryer
- Outdoor dining area with Gozney pizza oven and Big Green Egg BBQ
- Private sauna with cold shower, and hot tub
- Artist/writer’s studio in the garden
- WiFi and intermittent 4G outside; landline is available
- Staff available by phone should you need anything
- Bike hire available nearby
- On-site food and merchandise shop at the main hub (4 miles)
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants (15-60 mins)
- Dog-friendly!
- Booking conditions: stay Monday-Friday or Friday-Monday
- Remember to pack: extra charcoal and firelighters, walking boots, swimmers
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In 4pm / out 10am
Yes absolutely, and there’s no charge. Please keep them off the furniture and pick up after them. On the wider estate they need to be kept on a lead or under close control.
Bed linen, towels and tea towels, and a starter supply of loo rolls and kitchen paper. The food starter pack has olive oil, salt, pepper, tea bags and locally roasted coffee beans in it. Logs and kindlings are also supplied.
The Glen Dye Grocery store sells sell excellent store cupboard essentials, delicious homemade ready meals and their own eggs. Open Mon-Fri 9-5, and Saturday 9-12.
Yes, you can place an order from the Glen Dye Grocery Store and they will deliver it to your accommodation for your arrival.
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