Beautifully pared-back 2-bedroom cottage on a private estate near Balmoral, with breathtaking landscapes all around (sleeps 4)
Space & setting.
A former farmhouse turned minimalist escape, this is a heaven for 1 or 2 couples or a small family to revel in its glorious natural surrounds. Set on the private Gairnshiel Estate 10 miles from Balmoral, these landscapes have been beloved by royals for centuries — indeed Queen Victoria and George V hunted grouse and walked upon these very hills and dales back in the day. Enjoy your own explorations with the scent of gorse on the breeze; hike, swim in the rivers, or book 4×4 adventures amongst the more rugged terrain, and trout fishing nearby.
Inside, the mood is unhurried, homely, and comforting; perfect suited to both long golden days and cosy dark evenings. Windows frame nothing but ancient trees, rolling hills, and the ever-shifting Highland skies; interiors are deliberately pared back to keep the focus firmly on the spectacular views. Think Scandinavian-inspired design, soft lighting, tactile linens and simple pleasures, designed for days that just flow. Deep chairs invite you to curl up with a book and the garden offers a peaceful spot for morning coffees or a barbeque under the stars. Easy does it.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive. The nearest airport is Aberdeen, and it’s 1 hr 20 mins from there; 2 hours from Edinburgh.
“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.” Eric and Hilde
They love
In the upstairs bathroom, the bath overlooks the hills.
We love
The smooth, tactile tadelakt walls.
You may not love
Set next to another rental. Remote; you’ll need a car. Closed Dec-Feb. No standard oven, just a combined grill/microwave oven. Be aware the last mile on the access track is uneven and not suitable for low-slung cars. Price doesn’t include a £50 cleaning fee.
Surrounds.
- Wander Gairnshiel’s grounds. 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 or 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
- 2 bedrooms: upstairs, superking/twin with separate bathroom (tub and shower); downstairs, superking/twin bedroom with ensuite shower bathroom
- Toiletries provided
- Kitchen with Smeg fridge/freezer, induction cooker, Nespresso and a combined micro/grill tabletop oven
- Living room with sofas
- WiFi and games
- Private garden with BBQ
- Child friendly
- Baby cot to borrow
- Dog friendly – see FAQs
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants in Ballater (15 mins)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay all year, except during the Braemar Games when it is 3 nights. A £50 cleaning fee is added to all bookings. Closed Dec-Feb.
- Remember to pack: basic ingredients (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.
See our full Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In 4pm / out 10am
Yes, one dog is allowed for an extra charge of £50/booking. The garden is fenced. Dogs are not allowed on the furniture.
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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