“In 1990, Caroline and I left our jobs in music and design and moved from South London to Scotland. Our first son was six months old and we wanted to live our life in the countryside, surrounded by dogs, chickens and horses. So, we packed our bags, sold our house and off we went. Glen Dye is a magical place which has been in my family for 7 generations, since the 1840s. We knew that the main house was in pretty rotten condition; it had no heating and no functioning electricity. But it is a beautiful house in an incredible location and we had sold our home in London and so were armed with the cash, optimism and energy to renovate it — but perhaps we should have been paying better attention when we agreed to take on the wider estate. The place was on its knees, deep in debt and profoundly neglected. The 20 houses were derelict, the farms in need of love. So, in between other jobs that allowed us to pay our way we slowly started to renovate the place. It was often very hard. It took around 25 years. But we loved the esttate with a passion bordering on insanity and that drove us forward. And now we’re there. We always wanted to create a holiday business, to welcome people to this unusually wonderful place. And we knew that we wanted to do things really well, to be world class; original, unusual, beautiful, comfortable. This was originally the cottage for the sawmill worker so it’s been a home for over 200 years.” Owners, Charlie and Caroline
They love
“The cottage feels so private and cosy, and away from everything when you’re in it, but it’s actually just a short walk from the estate’s shop and sauna.”
We love
The eclectic art collection throughout.
You may not love
Check ins Mon/Wed/Fri only; 2-night minimum stay. Very rural; no 4G signal and occasional storms can cause power cuts and internet failures. You’ll need a car to get here.
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 far-reaching views and 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.
- Fill the larder from Finzean Farm Shop. Their 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.
Details.
- Secluded cottage on a 15,000-acre estate
- Bedroom with kingsize bed
- Bathroom with bath and shower
- Bathrobes and Laura Thomas toiletries
- 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 kitchen with Big Green Egg BBQ and Ooni pizza oven
- Private wood-fired hot tub
- No 4G signal but good WiFi and a landline
- Dog-friendly!
- Staff available by phone should you need anything
- On-site BYOB pub, food and merchandise shop at the main hub (4 miles)
- Wood-fired sauna; book a slot
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants (15-60 mins)
- Bike hire nearby
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay; check-in/out Mon/Weds/Fri
- Remember to pack: extra charcoal and firelighters, walking boots, swimmers
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. They need to be kept off the furniture, and 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 on-site shop sells excellent store cupboard essentials, delicious homemade ready meals and their own eggs. Open Mon-Fri 9-5, and Saturday 9-12. You can pre order groceries for your arrival, too.
The sauna is situated in The Sawmill at the main hub, 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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