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.

This charming, 19th century (built in 1822), semi-detached cottage is peacefully situated on a quiet lane at the edge of the coastal village of St Cyrus, 30 miles south of Aberdeen with international airport. The completely natural garden provides a haven for local wildlife, birds and plants and backs onto open farmland at the rear. The holiday cottage retains many quaint features giving it a unique character and a welcoming atmosphere. The village shop, cafes and hotel are within walking distance, as are the miles of golden sands for which St Cyrus is renowned. The cliffs and dunes surrounding the beach are a National Nature Reserve where a plethora of wildlife including peregrine falcons can be spotted. Shops, pub and restaurant 5 miles.

Nestling in the grounds of Fasque Estate, these two stunning detached cottages sit in the glorious countryside of southern Aberdeenshire, on the border of the Scottish Highlands. Ideal for a short or long break at any time of the year, they have been meticulously designed with traditional comfort and an individual elegance in mind. Guests are free to roam the extensive grounds of the estate, which is home to a wealth of wildlife - look out for the private deer herd on the banks of the lochan, or you may see squirrels, woodpeckers and buzzards whilst following the many paths and walkways that criss-cross the grounds. Activities are available on site, including shooting, clay pigeon shooting and horse riding, and catering and housekeeping are available by arrangement. The estate would have been one of the main employers in the area. Employees were housed in the properties on the estate, as indeed they still are today. Sir John Gladstone bought the Fasque mansion in 1829 and his son, William Gladstone, Queen Victoria’s prime minister, was a frequent visitor throughout his life.

The Stables (ref UKC3863) was built in a square shape with a fully enclosed inner courtyard landscaped with water features and stylish planting, the house is a wonderful choice for extended families with children of all ages. It has has been featured on the BBC when Nick Nairn filmed there. Guests will love the different sitting areas, styled with flair and comfort in mind and the beautiful bedrooms offer a boutique experience with partial walls concealing extravagant en-suite bathrooms, luxurious beds and plenty of space. The Garden Rooms (ref UKC2426) makes for a truly romantic retreat, with its turret, compact kitchen and cosy open fires in the living room and bedroom. Set in the walled garden of the estate, this is a wonderful property offering privacy and has been imaginatively furnished to emphasise comfort and luxury.
Country houses and castles abound in the surrounding areas, such as Crathes Castle near Banchory, with its turrets and gargoyles. There are gardens and woodland walks, as well as craft activities for the children. The ruins of Dunnottar Castle may look familiar to film fans, as the castle was one of the inspirations for Disney Pixar’s animated ’Brave’. Dating back to 1824, Fettercairn Distillery near Laurencekirk is one of Scotland’s oldest malt whisky distilleries, and offers summer tours Monday to Saturday. Royal Lochnagar Distillery lies next to Balmoral Castle in Royal Deeside, and retains much of its original charm. Match your desire for whisky knowledge to one of Lochnagar’s three tours throughout the year. Brechin Castle Centre provides a variety of activities for families, including nature trails, miniature railway and model farm. For those keen on wildlife, there is a visitor centre at Montrose Basin Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy a telescopic view of the local wildlife, from migratory birds to seals. Visitors to Fasque Castle are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities. For golfers, the championship links at St Andrews and Carnoustie are tantalisingly close, and several local golf courses are available at Brechin, Letham Grange, Stonehaven and Montrose. Beach 12 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 14 guests.

Glen Dye is a private estate of approximately 30,000 acres with the cabins and cottages situated in the centre, surrounded by forest and moorland. Here you are right on the banks of the River Dye, where you can be at one with nature and wander through the luscious surroundings to your heart’s content.

Situated right next door to No.4 and equipped to the same high standard, this semi-detached house will accommodate seven in a spacious living area and comfortable sleeping arrangements- no detail has been spared during the design of this house. To the back of No.5, for your exclusive use, lies The Smiddy - a beautiful stone building housing a fabulous games space for you and your family. To the back of The Smiddy you will find an amazing, secluded outside entertaining space complete with a Swedish wood fired hot tub, a Big Green Egg barbecue, fire bowl and seating for you to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Glen Dye.

There are three holiday cottages on-site, No.4 The Steading (UK7080), No.5 The Steading (UK7074) and North Lodge (UK7081). Each have their own outdoor, wood-fired hot tubs and North Lodge has its own private cabin.

This location is fabled; watched over by the impressive granite tor of Clachnaben and at the northern end of the Cairn o’ Mount mountain pass. This is where the Howe of the Mearns finally gives in to the Highland boundary fault; wild, beautiful and very quiet. Beach 23 miles. Shop, pub 8 miles and restaurant 6 miles.
No. 5 The Steading can be booked together with No 4 Steading (UK7080) and North Lodge (UK7081) to accommodate up to 20 guests.

Set in an enviable position right in the heart of Banchory and across the street from the golf course, West Lodge could not be better placed to enjoy all that this area has to offer. With river and hill walking paths less than a mile away and within walking distance to cafés, restaurants and local shops, there really is so much choice right on the doorstep.

West Lodge is a lovely two bedroom property set all on the ground floor. This property would be perfect for couples or a small family looking to enjoy the delights of the region. An open fire provides warmth throughout the house making it a cosy place to relax and unwind in after a long day of hill walking or fishing.

Less than a mile away you will find the Falls of Feugh. This popular attraction is a great place to watch the salmon jumping upstream. Afterwards, you could sample the local Scottish cuisine at the nearby restaurant. Banchory is also conveniently placed to enjoy the Castle Trail. Crathes Castle, with its stunning gardens is a short drive away. Here you will find the adventure course of Go Ape, sure to delight the daredevils in the family.

Drum Castle and the fantastic Dunnotar Castle are also within easy driving distance. Fishing is a very popular pastime in this area of Scotland as well, with many beats accessible nearby. From Banchory, you are less than 40 miles from Braemar and the stunning Balmoral Castle, summer residence of the Royal Family, another fantastic day out. The diverse city of Aberdeen is around a 30-minute drive from West Lodge, and offers a beach, fun fair, swimming pool, parks and gardens. West Lodge in Banchory really is a fantastic property in a wonderfully convenient location, perfect for all the family. Beach 16 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 550 yards.