Boat House, Aberdeenshire

Nestled on the banks of the River Dee on the outskirts of Peterculter, Aberdeenshire is this stunning, detached zero carbon cottage, Boat House. With five bedrooms sleeping nine guests, as well as family-friendly amenities such as highchair and travel cot, there's plenty of space in Boat House for a family getaway. Ample parking ensures an easy arrival, including private parking for three car. Take in the picture-perfect view of the beautiful white cottage in a rural setting surrounded by woodland, before stepping inside and making yourself at home. You will find excellent amenities inside Boat House; whip up your favourite home-cooked dishes in the clean and contemporary kitchen/diner, with an electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and a dishwasher for an easy tidy up, whilst a handy utility hosts a washing machine and tumble dryer to keep your clothes fresh throughout your holiday. Start the open fire and set the dining table for ten for added comfort whilst you tuck into a hearty evening meal. Whether you seek a quiet space away or enough room for all guests to gather together, you'll be spoilt for choice in Boat House; settle into the armchair in front of the open fire with a book in the charming snug, whilst plenty of inviting sofas and armchairs can be found in the main sitting room for film nights on the Smart TV, or make the most of the rural views in the sitting/sun room; grab a drink from the kitchen, start the woodburning stove and stretch out on a plush sun bed. Completing the ground floor, you'll find a convenient cloakroom with basin and WC, as well as a wet room and sauna, perfect after the day's adventures to relax and let any stress roll off your shoulders. When your eyes grow heavy, five fabulous bedrooms await; ideal for a couple, the master bedroom boasts a large balcony overlooking the River Dee and woodlands to savour your morning coffee, as well as an en-suite double shower with double basin. Another double offers an en-suite shower room, alongside two more doubles and a single, all of which offer storage space and minimal décor for a peaceful place to rest your head. Kick-start your day with a bath or energising shower in the family bathroom before venturing out to explore Royal Deeside. Make the most of the beautiful grounds surrounding Boat House by making dinner an alfresco affair, enjoying a picnic in the grass by the River Dee, or bring garden games for the whole family to enjoy. Self-catering is easy thanks to the cottage's location just along the North Deeside, where guests can find plenty of shops to stock up on your favourite ingredients. Milltimber and Cults offer plenty of nice restaurants including fine dining at the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. Alongside amenities, Peterculter has a wonderful golf course to offer. Jump in the car and take the family to Aberdeen, where guests can get inspired by Aberdeen Art Gallery, enjoy interactive displays in the Maritime Museum, and wander down the cobbled streets for independent shops in the Old Town. Venture north of Aberdeen to find Newburgh Seal Beach, where you can watch the seals lying in the sun, or will they watch you from the water when you walk along the beach? For more coastal delights, head to Stonehaven for fish and chips along the picturesque harbour, a dip in the outdoor heated pool and take the dramatic clifftop path to the incredible ruins of Dunnottar Castle. For more historic fun mixed with impressive sights, The Boathouse isn't far from the marvellous Drum Castle, Craigievar Castle and even Balmoral Castle; all promising wonderful outings. Winter can bring along the opportunity to ski at Lecht Ski Centre, but if you're seeking hard core adventures all year-round, Munrow Baggers, the towering Lochnagar mountain is a scenic drive away, along with the stunning Loch Muick with its beautiful walk; the trail also passes the lodge of Balmoral, named Glas-allt-Shiel. If you're after closer hikes that are a little less hard core, Scolty Hill rests near Banchory and Clachnaben is perched in Glen Dye. If you want to explore the heather moors of Cairngorms National Park dotted with lochs and surrounded by mountain regions, stop off in the pretty town of Banchory for charming cafés, wander the grounds of the 16th-century Crathes Castle and fishing along the River Dee. Boat House is a beautiful base to holiday with your loved ones. EPC Rating: Band C