This beautifully restored watermill set in the heart of rural Aberdeenshire, makes a very spacious and attractive holiday retreat, set within 4 acres of grounds with a small stream babbling through, and offering extensive views over bordering hills and pastureland of the surrounding countryside. Very comfortably furnished throughout, with all contemporary conveniences including an open fire and oil fired central heating it offers complete privacy and being set on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park makes a superb base for exploring the surrounding area. Historic Kildrummy Castle is a 5-minute drive away and Balmoral Castle and Lecht Ski Centre are reached within 30 minutes. The village of Glenkindie is nearby, with a shop, post office and hotel serving good pub food, as well as restaurant cuisine. The town of Alford which is approximately 12 miles east, has further amenities, while local attractions and leisure pursuits include Castle and Whisky Trails, Stone Circle Trail, hill-walking, mountaineering/climbing, fishing, golf, ski-ing (wet and dry), Lonach highland games, and many historical points of interest. Shop ¾mile.

These two, detached holiday properties are located in the heart of Ballater, within 100 yards of Ballater village green, restaurants, cafés, take-aways and shops, many of which feature the Royal ’By Appointment’ coats of arms. The Coyles (ref UK31466) is an impressive granite Victorian merchant’s house, with all the lovely high ceilings and details you would expect from a period property. Ideal for larger gatherings, whether enjoying a special birthday or a relaxing get together with friends, with plenty of living space and very good amenities throughout to ensure a memorable and convivial holiday. On two levels, it offers a high standard of comfort throughout and is a great choice at any time of the year. Built in 1888 using local granite, pitch pine and slate, it’s a true Victorian gem. It has its own enclosed garden and grounds, and enjoys lovely rural views to the south to Craig Coilleach. Quiet and secluded, the gardens are largely laid to lawn with a variety of mature trees and several flower borders with a variety of shrubs. There is a handy shed for bike and kayak storage, and for outdoor entertainment there is a paved patio area, with outdoor seating and barbecue. The Coyles Cottage (ref SBH) has its own garden and grounds and is well equipped throughout with a lovely sunny conservatory, and benefits from triple glazing and central heating throughout, affording year-round comfort.
Ballater sits in the heart of majestic Royal Deeside and is also located in the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. It boasts cosy cafés, quality restaurants, excellent shopping and great links to outdoor adventure, including hiking, climbing and skiing. Golf can be played in the beautiful surroundings of the 18-hole Ballater golf club and fishing is available, with the appropriate permits, on the River Dee. Ballater has many links to the Royal family and historic castles nearby include Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar. The Grampians offer wonderful hill walking and wildlife, and the surrounding area of Deeside is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Leisurely walks abound on the banks of the River Dee or within a few miles there’s great walking at Burn O Vat, Lochnagar and Loch Muick.
Deeside is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast with a wide and varied range of sporting activities. The area has excellent hill walking and on/off road cycling facilities and the ski centres at Aviemore, Glenshee and the Lecht are within a short travelling distance. For the sportsman, the River Dee is one of the most popular salmon rivers in Scotland and the River Don is famous for its trout. Deer stalking and grouse shooting can be arranged in the locality. Relatively central for interesting and varied days out, the city of Aberdeen can be reached in around an hour, with Dundee, Perth and Inverness all accessible within 2 hours’ drive through spectacular scenery. Shop, pub and restaurant 100 yards.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 13 guests.

Nestling in a secluded, wooded position overlooking the River Dee valley, this superior stone house has been totally restored to offer the finest facilities and provide every comfort to ensure an enjoyable stay. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and fine views, and the drawing room has an open fire making the property ideal for all year round holidays. Herds of red deer, stags and hinds, graze by the river during the evenings giving a feeling of tranquillity amidst the beautiful Highland scenery. It is situated in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, within the Cairngorm National Park and offers access to some of the best walking and climbing in Scotland, with the challenging Cairngorm mountains within easy reach. Fishing, stalking and shooting may be arranged through the estate. Winter sports are also catered for with skiing at Glenshee only a 20-minute drive.
For the less energetic a visit to the 16th-century Crathes Castle and Gardens at Banchory (40 miles) offers an exciting day out. The gardens provide a wonderful display at any time of the year with great yew hedges and a fascinating presentation of the art of topiary dating from 1702. There is also a children’s adventure playground. Closer to Mar House is Balmoral Castle – the Royal family’s Highland residence which offers the opportunity to pony trek and the chance to view various exhibitions, including one on the local wildlife. Golf is available at Braemar only 4 miles away and there are also excellent courses at Ballater and Aboyne.
Inverness is within easy reach and offers many attractions for all the family. Unusual places of interest include the Kiltmaker Centre, where a small visitor centre explains the whole process of making tartan, and the novel Balnain House, which explores the development of Highland music. Inverness Castle, perched above the river, offers the Castle Garrison Encounter, an entertaining interactive exhibition in which the visitor plays the role of a new recruit in the 18th-century Hanoverian army. Shop and pub 3 miles.

A spacious and very well-equipped traditional stone house, sitting in a woodland area on Mar Estate at Inverey. Offering magnificent views across the Upper Dee Valley to Ben Macdui, the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, here you will find mountain activities which have made this part of the Highlands a famous tourist area. It is an ideal area for those who simply wish to wander through idyllic scenery and perhaps see a glimpse of an osprey, golden eagle or capercailzie.
Braemar village nestling amongst heather covered hills, is the setting for the annual Highland Gathering, also Braemar Castle with its barrel-vaulted ceilings, underground prison and central tower with spiral staircase, has much historical interest. The area abounds with castles, including Balmoral, the Scottish baronial mansion which has been a royal residence since 1852. The Royal Family traditionally spend their summer holidays here, and the grounds are ideal for walking and pony trekking. Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland’s finest ruined castles, a huge 9th-century fortress set on a three-sided sheer cliff jutting into the sea, with dramatic views out to the crashing sea.
Well worth a visit is the Cairngorm Whisky Centre in Tomintoul (1 hour), with its tasting room offering more than 1,000 brands of whisky.
There is extensive hill walking and challenging mountain climbing opportunities from the door and in the winter months if sufficient snow, good skiing at Glenshee (20 mins). For those who do not wish to climb the mountains but still want to see the awe inspiring views, take the chairlift at Glenshee to the observation point a short distance from the top of the Cairnwell mountain. Braemar golf course (18 holes) is a gem. Fishing on the River Dee (for information see caretaker). Roe and red deer are present and stalking can be arranged (in advance) through the Estate. Shop and pub 4 miles.

These lovely detached holiday lodges are set in an elevated position with marvellous views towards Cairn O’Mount. Situated in 8 acres of natural woodland, all the properties are very stylishly furnished with good attention to detail. Mountshade (ref 30297) has been constructed to make the most of its surroundings with its concertina doors from the living room, relax and enjoy the views from the decking area after a busy day out exploring. Park Lodge (ref 17329) has an open-plan living room with a cathedral ceiling, opening on to a well-equipped kitchen. Cairn View (ref 30456), as its name suggests, boasts a wonderful view towards Cairn O’Mount and sleeps 6 in comfort, ideal for families or couples. All three lodges have plenty of space between them, ensuring good levels of privacy. The local and surrounding area provides the perfect holiday for families, friends and couples of all ages. Visit Balmoral Castle, (open in summer to visitors), or tour Royal Deeside, which begs to be explored, with fantastic walks on moor and mountain, river and loch fishing, cycle trails and pony trekking, or take in the scenic majesty of Lochnagar. The popular town of Banchory is just 5 miles away with interesting shops and restaurants, and the area is renowned for its Highland Games in summer. Aberdeen is approximately 30 minutes’ drive with its theatres, bars, gardens and shopping centre, and when the weather starts to cool down, the ski resorts of Lecht and Cairngorm are easy to reach. Shop and pub 5 miles.

These lovely detached holiday lodges are set in an elevated position with marvellous views towards Cairn O’Mount. Situated in 8 acres of natural woodland, all the properties are very stylishly furnished with good attention to detail. Mountshade (ref 30297) has been constructed to make the most of its surroundings with its concertina doors from the living room, relax and enjoy the views from the decking area after a busy day out exploring. Park Lodge (ref 17329) has an open-plan living room with a cathedral ceiling, opening on to a well-equipped kitchen. Cairn View (ref 30456), as its name suggests, boasts a wonderful view towards Cairn O’Mount and sleeps 6 in comfort, ideal for families or couples. All three lodges have plenty of space between them, ensuring good levels of privacy. The local and surrounding area provides the perfect holiday for families, friends and couples of all ages. Visit Balmoral Castle, (open in summer to visitors), or tour Royal Deeside, which begs to be explored, with fantastic walks on moor and mountain, river and loch fishing, cycle trails and pony trekking, or take in the scenic majesty of Lochnagar. The popular town of Banchory is just 5 miles away with interesting shops and restaurants, and the area is renowned for its Highland Games in summer. Aberdeen is approximately 30 minutes’ drive with its theatres, bars, gardens and shopping centre, and when the weather starts to cool down, the ski resorts of Lecht and Cairngorm are easy to reach. Shop and pub 5 miles.

"Beautiful surroundings with forests, river and countryside walks all waiting to be discovered and savoured..."


These charming holiday cottages (refs SGD and SAAF) are located within the extensive grounds of Aswanley, in the River Deveron Valley. They are peacefully set in secluded locations, enjoying uninterrupted views across beautiful scenery and each has a large LCD TV and its own private garden. Visitors are welcome to explore the Aswanley grounds, where there is an abundance of wildlife, with fishing, rough shooting and deer stalking available by arrangement. The proximity to the River Deveron makes the cottages ideal for fly fishing holidays, especially for those trying trout or salmon fly fishing for the first time, and there are deep pools for swimming. Visitors can explore the area on foot or on mountain bikes - the Moray Monster Trails are 20 miles away. The famous Whisky Trail is nearby and many of the distilleries offer guided tours and the chance to sample the local malts - the local inn has a collection of over 700 bottles of finest whisky! Shops 6 miles.

"Beautiful surroundings with forests, river and countryside walks all waiting to be discovered and savoured..."


These charming holiday cottages (refs SGD and SAAF) are located within the extensive grounds of Aswanley, in the River Deveron Valley. They are peacefully set in secluded locations, enjoying uninterrupted views across beautiful scenery and each has a large LCD TV and its own private garden. Visitors are welcome to explore the Aswanley grounds, where there is an abundance of wildlife, with fishing, rough shooting and deer stalking available by arrangement. The proximity to the River Deveron makes the cottages ideal for fly fishing holidays, especially for those trying trout or salmon fly fishing for the first time, and there are deep pools for swimming. Visitors can explore the area on foot or on mountain bikes - the Moray Monster Trails are 20 miles away. The famous Whisky Trail is nearby and many of the distilleries offer guided tours and the chance to sample the local malts - the local inn has a collection of over 700 bottles of finest whisky! Shops 6 miles.

This charming holiday home is bright and attractive, tucked away amongst trees in a natural unspoilt secluded spot, 3 miles out of Turriff. A quiet relaxing setting, well placed to visit the various shops, golf course, swimming pool and leisure centre in the town. National Trust properties, Duff House and Galleries are 10 miles.