This detached barn conversion, adjacent to the owner’s home, is located just outside the lovely conservation village of Fordyce, 1½ miles from the Moray coast. A magical place, the village is a warren of narrow streets and beautiful houses still following a medieval plan, and all wrapped around a magnificent centrepiece, Fordyce Castle, simply sitting on a bend in the village street. The holiday cottage is very spacious, comfortable and warm, and takes advantage of the panoramic views of both sea and countryside, with the arched French doors in the living room leading to a sunny sitting-out area at the front. Set within 1 acre of private grounds with dedicated guest outside area with garden furniture and BBQ available.

Fordyce also offers an attractive park opposite the old kirkyard as well as a Victorian garden. The sandy beach at Sandend is a quick drive or a 45-minute walk from the cottage, where local fish can be bought and surfers enjoy the waves. Good coastal walks abound through the old fishing villages of Portsoy and Cullen, or alternatively travel inland through castle and whisky country. There are plenty of golf courses in the vicinity, and the variety of bird and wildlife both onshore and off will please the keen nature lover. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.

A romantic ‘castle’ in the heart of the Cairngorms; grandeur and cosy are hard to find together but Craigendarroch House combines the two with ease. In truth, a traditional Scottish baronial Villa modelled on Balmoral Castle, Craigandarroch House with turrets and tower was designed by the architect William Smith who also designed Balmoral, a short drive up along Royal Deeside. You’ll find Craigendarroch House traditionally and stylishly decorated with all the convenience of contemporary living for a comfortable family holiday. Every attention to detail has been made, with comfortable seating and dining in the delightful garden, luxury bed linen and towels and even indoor and outdoor bars. From the moment you come through the gates up the sweeping driveway you’ll appreciate the traditional Scottish architecture with the stunning backdrop of Craigendarroch Hill behind the house. Any sprightly visitors must make the effort to walk up and admire the views from the top – a strenuous but short (30-minute) climb.
Whilst the house has all the convenience of being central to the delightful and busy town of Ballater, it also provides total privacy inside and out. Ballater and the surrounding area has a wealth of restaurants and coffee shops, some within easy walking distance, with the benefit of having the Highlands right on your doorstop for exploring further.
The house is exceptionally well maintained, with six large bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms and three further family bathrooms, all with modern fittings and tastefully decorated. Full central heating throughout is extremely efficient – you will be lovely and cosy in winter and there is an open fire in drawing room. The home benefits from large rooms for all the family, but there are smaller rooms for a quiet game of chess or reading in the snug or conservatory. Overlooking the front garden, the drawing room is large and sunny with seating for whole family, ideal for relaxed entertaining with its large fireplace. There is also a formal oak panelled dining room with wall-to-wall books. There is an indoor bar with TV and wine/beer fridges, perfect for having a wee dram while watching Scotland win the rugby!
There is certainly plenty to explore in the stunning surrounding countryside with the glorious river and mountain landscape of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, leisurely walks can be enjoyed along the banks of the river while the adventurous can tackle the region’s famous mountains. There are good opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee Centres during the winter months. Golf is available in Ballater itself, as well as Braemar and Banchory. There are castles and gardens at Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar which are all well worth a visit.
Slightly further afield, the coastal and whisky trails offer the chance to explore the area’s heritage through stunning scenery. In August and September, Highland games are prevalent in all the towns and villages throughout the region. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

This detached home from home offers outstanding accommodation in the highly desired rural area, just 1 mile outside the historic town of Huntly. Sleeping up to six guests with two bathrooms, a hot tub and cosy wood burner. The owners provide toiletries for guests as well as hot tub towels and slippers - and your four-legged friends are pampered, too, with lots of doggy extras. Surrounded by fields and rolling hills with forest walks and fishing (both loch and river) nearby, Gardeners Cottage makes a wonderful base for a family or couples to explore this exciting area of Scotland.
The property is a peaceful detached dwelling settled in the beautiful 25 acre woodland grounds of the owner’s house where you will find a rich, diverse population of wildlife including pine martens red squirrels, buzzards and more. Outside there is a large dog kennel with an indoor and outdoor area.
On the ground floor the open plan living/dining/kitchen space creates a fantastic area for gathering together to plan the days adventures, whilst a second separate living room/snug with wood burner is a cosy place to snuggle up in front of the fire with a good book. A well-equipped kitchen will be a dream for any budding chef on holiday with everything you need to whip up a holiday feast. The three bedrooms, two doubles and one twin room, along with a family bathroom can be found on the first floor. Whilst an additional family shower room, with walk-in shower is located on the ground floor.
Huntly can be found situated alongside the river Deveron, surrounded by the marvellous Scottish countryside and plenty of activity. Boasting history at its centre in its magnificent castle and the Brander Museum, and its being part of the famous Whisky Trail, it offers something for everyone. Take a stroll through the Clashindarroch Forest, or dive into adventure with some roller skiing. Close to the towns of Keith and Dufftown with even more exciting attractions, Huntly is a great base for your Scottish adventure.
Sitting between the dramatic east coastline and the towering peak ridges of the Cairngorms National Park are the hills and glens of Aberdeenshire. This area has a range of habitats that is matched only by the variety of wildlife that lives in them. Whether you’re a keen nature enthusiast or just want to spot wildlife when on one of the many superb walks and cycle routes through Aberdeenshire, this is a region that is alive with nature! Sit at the picnic area in the Huntly Peregrine Wild Watch Centre and look out for the area’s residents including voles, great spotted woodpeckers, butterflies and roe deer. Beach 19½ miles.