A clutch of quirky-luxe cottages for adventurers, in the otherworldly Cairngorms National Park (sleeping 2-8)
The Lodge (sleeping 8)
Little Dell (sleeping 2)
West Dell (sleeping 6)
South Dell (sleeping 6)
Dell Cottage (sleeping 2)
East Dell (sleeping 5)
Space & setting.
Fly to Inverness or opt for the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to reach your own special brand of Scottish escapism and adventure. These gorgeous hideaways await on the edge of the forest village of Nethy Bridge, with the wilderness of the Cairngorms on its doorstep… literally. Head through the garden gate and you’re in the National Park.
The cottages look well-aged from the outside, but have modern, Scandinavian-inspired interiors, combined with traditional features and raw materials that reflect the stunning natural surroundings. Little Dell and Dell Cottage are cosy couples’ spaces, with gardens. Secluded East Dell sleeps 4-5, and has a record player and ‘sit-ootery’. There’s a pair of bigger Dells sleeping 6 apiece, one with a library and one with a piano (choose which your kids will be best inspired by). Or book the Lodge for 8; its farmhouse kitchen is a perfect space to gather a group and feast on unique local produce – the on-site grocery offers all things made, gathered and homegrown.
You’ll spend your days exploring a primeval wilderness of craggy mountains, Caledonian pine forests, towering munros, fast-flowing rivers and deep blue lochs, where the air is almost unbelievably pure. And when you’re exhausted but rejuvenated, this is the loveliest place to return to each night, offering a perfect sense of hygge living. Sink into deep Victorian claw-foot baths and soak up the citrus scents of the Laura Thomas toiletries (think Scottish Haeckels) before dinner and deep sleeps.
Getting here: drive, or train Aviemore then taxi (20 mins)
Special touches.
+ Buy ready meals and fresh produce at the on-site grocery
+ Book a Jeep Safari with a wildlife guide in the national park
+ Private yoga or jewellery-making classes
+ Bike hire
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Sustainability.
Heating and hot water is supplied by biomass boilers.
Surrounds.
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Cairngorms -
Loch Garten -
Woodlands -
Cairngorms -
Loch Morlich -
Shared grounds
- The Cairngorms offer breathtaking walking and cycling, through deep glens, ancient woodlands and amongst a mountainous landscape that’s so wild it feels primitive. You can hire bikes and ebikes in Aviemore.
- Set your alarms and go for a dawn dip in Loch Garten, with a flask of hot coffee to warm you up afterwards. The early start will be worth it when you see the secluded loch in the first few hours of sunlight.
- For young children, Landmark Forest Adventure Park offers a Dinosaur Kingdom, tropical hot house, a forest viewing platform and rollercoasters.
- The park is home to red squirrels, pine martens, roe deer and golden eagles (BBC’s Springwatch was recently filmed here). Take a guided nature walk or 4×4 drive to help you spot the wildlife.
- Or do a cookery course with renowned food writer Ghillie Başan, in her remote home high in the hills.
- If the weather doesn’t play ball, head to the Newtonmore Folk Museum or local gin/whisky distilleries for a tour and tasting.
- There’s a woodland firepit for after dark; listen to owls hoot amongst the Caledonian pines as you toast marshmallows.
Specifics.
- A lodge and 5 cottages, part of a sprawling Georgian house, with 3 acres of shared gardens, leading into the National Park
- The Lodge:
- 4 bedrooms: 2 kingsize; 2 double/twin
- 2 bathrooms: one with clawfoot tub and shower, one shower only
- Large farmhouse dining kitchen; basic supplies
- Dishwasher and washing machine
- Sofa area with woodburner, piano and acoustic guitar
- Library with record player, games, iPod dock, Freeview TV and DVD player
- South-facing sun porch with deckchairs
- Little Dell:
- Bedroom with queensize bed
- Bathroom with shower over tub
- Beautifully designed kitchen; basics provided
- Sofa area and fireplace with woodburner
- Private garden with alfresco seating
- Dell Cottage:
- Bedroom with kingsize bed
- Bathroom with clawfoot tub and walk-in shower
- Separate kitchen/dining area; basics provided
- Lounge with woodburner
- Private garden
- East Dell Cottage:
- 2 bedrooms: 1 double downstairs; 1 double + single upstairs
- Bathroom with shower over tub
- Cosy living/dining area with a woodburner
- Well-equipped kitchen; basics provided
- Record player and bluetooth speakers
- Sitootery
- South and West Dell – each has:
- 3 bedrooms (a king or double, twin and king/double which can be set up as a twin)
- Bathroom with shower over tub
- Beautifully designed kitchen; basics provided
- Sofa area and fireplace with woodburner
- Private garden with alfresco seating
- Travel cot and highchair to borrow
- Books, magazines, records, board games, DVDs and candles
- Communal gardens with firepits and BBQ
- EV charging point
- On-site grocery store selling produce / ready meals / meal kits and drinks made by local producers. You can ask for your kitchen to be fully stocked for your arrival
- Hire bikes in advance and have them waiting for you
- Walk to an amazing farm shop and a hotel bar (1 mile); drive to pubs and restaurants
- The owners live on-site if you need them
- Dog friendly (2 dogs allowed per accommodation): must be kept off furniture and on a lead in the grounds
- House rules: no loud music after 10pm; no hen or stag parties
- Booking conditions: 3-night min on weekends, 2 nights midweek
- Remember to pack: wellies or walking boots; bikes; a wetsuit if you can’t face the loch in your 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.
Yes we do
Yes – Dell Lodge can connect internally with West Dell / Dell Cottage and Little Dell.
We have a hotel bar in the village which serves food.
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