The The Windowky is set out over two floors and is perfect for a romantic retreat. Being one of only a few seafront properties with a private front garden and seating area looking out to the ocean, this is simply a must visit.
Gardenstown is a traditional fishing village built on the hillside. This means there are steps in the village and there are some shallow stairs up to the property which may not be suitable if you have mobility issues. There is parking available in the public car area just outside the property at the end of the walkway. There are also plenty spots around the town. Gardenstown oozes charm and tranquillity. The small winding streets, picturesque harbour and old stone fisherman’s cottages seem untouched by time. It truly is the quintessential fishing village.
The property comprises of an open plan lounge/kitchen/diner, a cosy area equipped with log burner. The bathroom includes a three-piece bathroom including shower over bath, and the bedroom features a double bed with ample storage looking out over the bay. Beach 20 yards. Pub and restaurant 350 yards.

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 gorgeous little semi-detached cottage has a real stamp of individuality, very tastefully furnished with complementing accessories like the wooden floor throughout, to ensure a real home from home experience. The owners have gone out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible. From the living room, French doors lead to a stylish patio and small enclosed garden area and the attractive bedrooms can be made up as two doubles or a double and twin to suit. Very conveniently situated in a quiet street in the village of Laurencekirk, there are plenty of local amenites within walking distance of the cottage, including interesting shops, supermarkets, pubs and cafés serving good food.
Laurencekirk is particularly well placed for touring. Visit the grandeur of the Angus Glens for superb walking and wildlife, or enjoy the clean beaches at Montrose, St Cyrus and Lunan Bay. Golf, fishing, good cycling and horse riding are all available in the area. Take a trip through the Victorian Heritage Trail, running from Edzell to Balmoral where the present Royal Family reside over the summer. Marvellous views over open countryside to the sea can be enjoyed from Cairn o’ Mount along the way. The pleasant market town of Stonehaven is within easy reach for further shopping, leisure activities and even a popular outdoor swimming pool and the recently opened railway station in Laurencekirk is within a short walk, enabling day trips to the cities of Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh. Beach 7¼ miles. Shop and restaurant 350 yards, pub 700 yards.

A delightsome, single-storey holiday home resting in Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire. Sea-views. Woodburning stove. Open-plan. Pet-friendly. Peterhead 8.5 miles; Ellon 11.4 miles; Aberdeen 24.2 miles.

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