Colourful stone cottage for 4 on a sprawling Scottish estate, with a private hot tub and enchanting forest views
Space & setting.
The ultimate disconnect from modern life: losing yourself in the wilds of a private, 15,000-acre estate in beautiful Aberdeenshire, washed by the waters of the River Dye and surrounded by pine forest and rugged moorland. And when your boots are peaty and your soul revived, you get to hunker down in the beautiful Hayloft. Colourful, cosy, creatively curated and pin-drop quiet, it’s the perfect refuge. A thoughtful welcome hamper sets you up with fresh essentials, while homemade ready-meals can be waiting for you in the fridge when you arrive. Fresh supplies of vegetable-garden produce are available from the ‘wee shop’.
Brew a proper coffee (in the chic Technivorm Moccamaster) and head to the terrace to watch the misty sunrise rather than check your emails for once. Settle yourself by the picture window to watch the glen ebb and flow through the day. Noodle away at the record player with the vinyl collection (very much a theme here – crate diggers will love it: you’ll find boxes more at the BYO pub in the forest, The Glen Dye Arms). Then send the kids off to collect eggs from the hens, fire up the hot tub and uncork a bottle as the day draws to a close. Wholesome, analogue bliss.
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. 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.
- Cottage on a 15,000-acre estate
- 2 kingsize bedrooms (cannot be twinned)
- 2 bathrooms (shower over tub downstairs + shower upstairs)
- Bathrobes and Laura Thomas toiletries provided
- Fully equipped kitchen including 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 wood-fired hot tub a short walk from the house
- No 4G signal but good WiFi; landline is available
- Staff available by phone should you need anything
- Bike hire available nearby
- Wood-fired sauna
- 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 is 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 kindling 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.
Yes. The sauna is situated in The Sawmill, and bookable in advance, for 3-hour-long private slots. After you’ve booked your stay via Kip, the owners will send you a welcome email, which instructions to book a session.
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