Undiscovered Scotland

Badnabein Steading, Near Ballater, Strathdon. Set in a very remote location on a rural estate in Corgarff, Aberdeenshire, just 7 miles from Tomintoul, Badnabein Steading sits nestled into the hill behind it, with magnificent views all around. The accommodation is spacious, light and airy. The open plan kitchen, dining and sitting room is immense, with plenty of room for everyone to spread out. The kitchen comes well equipped with all modern appliances and ample workspace, a farmhouse dining table sits adjacent to the kitchen and comfortable seating wraps round a cosy woodburning stove in the lounge area from where French doors open out onto the garden. There are two double bedrooms downstairs, one with a king size bed, the other with a zip link double, which can also be offered as a twin. A downstairs wet room has a large walk-in shower. Upstairs are two further bedrooms, a double and a twin, and a family bathroom with a wood-panelled bath. Open all year. From £650-£850 per week. Short break rates may be available. Tel: +44 (0)1835 822277.
WWW: Badnabein Steading Web Page

Cedar Holiday Cottage, 17 Johnston Street, Laurencekirk, AB30 1AN. Located on on the edge of Memorial Park in Laurencekirk, Cedar Cottage is newly built and ideally located for the seaside town of Stonehaven, the stunningly beautiful Royal Deeside and the cities of Dundee and Aberdeen. It offers modern amenities for up to 4 people, being well suited to a family, but also good for couples, solo adventurers and business travellers. The well appointed accommodation is all at ground floor level and comprises an open plan living space with separate kitchen, dining area and lounge with feature wood burning stove, one double bedroom with en suite bathroom and one twin room. There is ramp access into the property and adjacent parking for two cars, plus a private garden with patio. There is an entrance into the park from the garden and Cedar Cottage benefits from a lovely view of the Garvock Hill. Open all year. Rates from £410 per week. Short breaks of three nights or more welcome. All bed linen and towels are provided as is WiFi internet access. Sorry no smoking and no pets. STL licence number: AS-00033-F. Contact: Alison Ingram. Tel: 01561 378819.
E-mail: cedarholidaycottage@gmail.com
WWW: www.cedarholidaycottage.co.uk

Cluny Cottage, Cluny Crichton Farm, Raemoir, Banchory, AB31 4EB. Cluny Cottage is an attractive detached bungalow sleeping up to 6 guests. It is located on Cluny Crichton Farm, a 485 acre mixed farm on the south facing slopes of the Hill of Fare, 18 miles from Aberdeen. With outstanding views over Royal Deeside, the setting is idyllic. Accomodation at Cluny Cottage is all on one level and comprises a spacious kitchen with dining area, a separate dining room, a cosy lounge, one kingsize double and two twin bedrooms, a family bathroom and a separate toilet with wash hand basin. The house sits in an enclosed garden and has parking for two cars. A farm trail takes in the ruins of Crichton Castle and links with other hill and woodland walks around the Raemoir House Hotel. You'll find plenty to see and do, to suit all ages and interests, in both the local area and further afield. Open all year. Rates from £450-£550 per week including WiFi and all bed linen and towels. Please note this is a non smoking house and we cannot accept pets. STL licence number: AS-00722-F. For further information, contact Dorothy Alexander on Tel: O1330 825555. Mobile: 07721 415000.
E-mail: clunycrichton@gmail.com
WWW: www.clunycrichton.co.uk

Driftwood Cottage, 60 Church Street, Portsoy, Near Banff, AB45 2QR. Driftwood Cottage is, unashamedly, a seaside cottage. There are lighthouses and driftwood decorations, lobster pots and hemp rope banisters, but it is practical and well equipped and has fibre optic broadband. The double bedroom, shower room, lounge and kitchen are all on the ground floor. The rooms upstairs, a twin room and tv snug, have low ceilings and are most appropriate for children. The real attraction of this cottage is however, the garden. It is rare in a holiday cottage to have such an amazing outside space! Admittedly, the garden is steep, but there are terraces on the way up to the summer house offering a chance to stop and admire the view as well as to catch your breath. There is also a gate if you want to keep young children within a more manageable lower patio area by the back door. Rates from £475-£805 per week. Short breaks and weekend breaks may be available in quieter periods. Please call to discuss. Contact: Mrs Wendy Clements. Tel: 07717 220018.
Email: holidays@moraycoastcottages.com
WWW: www.moraycoastcottages.com/portsoy

Fern Cottage, Braemar. A stone-built cottage in traditional Scottish style, Fern Cottage stands in its own garden on the outskirts of the village of Braemar. The accommodation is comfortably appointed, is ideal for a larger family and comprises a fully fitted kitchen with all modern appliances, a spacious lounge/dining room with open fire, TV and DVD player, one double bedded room, one twin bedded room, one single, a family bathroom and separate WC. The rear garden backs right on to the hillside, where deer often graze and there is a nearby duck pond. Braemar has an excellent choice of shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels and there is plenty to do in the area including hill-walking and climbing, skiing, fishing, golf and horse riding. From £345-£525 per week including all bed linen, towels and a £10 electricity allowance. Heating is by gas central heating (£15 allowance included) and open fire (starter pack of fuel also included). Short break rates may be available. Tel: +44 (0)1835 822277.
WWW: Fern Cottage Web Page

The Harbour Lookout, Gardenstown. Set in the charming village of Gardenstown overlooking the beach, harbour and Gamrie Bay, The Habour Lookout offers stylish, contemporary accommodation for up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms. Thoroughly refurbished and decorated in tasteful, soothing tones throughout this well appointed property comprises a chic kitchen and an airy sitting room and elegant dining area at first floor level. Doors from the dining area open out onto a small deck. There are three ground floor bedrooms, two doubles and a twin room with bunks. One double bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and the other double and the bunk room share a 'jack and jill' shower room. A master suite occupies the whole of the top floor, comprising a large double bedroom and contemporary en-suite shower room. There is parking immediately outside the property. From £750-£1095 per week. Tel: +44 (0)1835 822277.
WWW: The Habour Lookout Web Page

Highland Belfrey, Braemar. This cleverly converted Victorian church includes the self-contained first floor apartment Highland Belfrey. Offering comfortable, spacious and stylishly furnished accommodation for up to four people, this charming property comprises a fully fitted kitchen/dining room, a separate sitting room with TV and DVD, one double bedroom with king size bed, a second single bedroom with additional pull out bed and a family bathroom with both bath and shower. The church stands among trees, set back from the road and on the banks of the river where guests may fish if they choose. Highland Belfrey is just 2 minutes walk from the centre of the village, where there are shops, hotels and restaurants. There are excellent walks and cycle trails which can be accessed right from the door and Braemar is a superb centre for touring. From £285-£415 per week including all bed linen, towels and a £20 electricity allowance. Short break rates may be available. Sorry no smoking and no pets. Tel: +44 (0)1835 822277.
WWW: Highland Belfry Web Page

Holmhead Cottage, Logie Coldstone, Aboyne. This cosy cottages stands in 2 acres of land surrounded by the trees and forests of Royal Deeside. The well appointed accommodation comprises a fully fitted kitchen, a separate lounge with wood burning stove, two bedrooms, a master double and a twin, and a bathroom with shower. Guests are well provided for with all, bed linen, towels, soaps and cleaning products included, plus WiFI, all electricity and a stock of wood for the stove. Outside there is additional storage, suitable for luggage or skis and adjacent parking. There is plenty to see and do in the local area. The city of Aberdeen is within easy reach and there are castles to visit, good walking in the area and, in Winter, accessible ski slopes. Open all year. All inclusive rates from £120 per night with a minimum 3 night stay. For further information and to book, visit the cottage website linked below or contact Alison Craigmile on Tel: 07956 318502.
Email: alison@craigmile.co.uk
WWW: www.holmheadcottage.co.uk

Sandend Cottage, Sandend, Near Banff. Set in the picturesque 'get-away-from-it-all' fishing village of Sandend, between the pretty harbour towns of Cullen and Portsoy on the Moray Firth, Sandend Cottage benefits from stunning views over the wide sandy beach from the kitchen, lounge and two front bedrooms. The elevated garden terrace and summer house, again with stunning views, are ideal for outdoor entertaining and barbecues. The enclosed garden and back utility/'wet' area, along with fantastic coastal walks, makes this an ideal cottage for families, dog owners or walkers. With a fitted kitchen and totally refurbished bathroom, this 3 bedroom traditional cottage comfortably sleeps 5 yet still provides all the modern facilities you would expect. Open all year. Dogs welcome. Free WiFi. Parking on quiet road in front of cottage. TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2017 and 2018. Rates from £475-£850 per week. Short breaks and weekend breaks may be available in quieter periods. Please call to discuss. Contact: Mrs Wendy Clements. Tel: 07717 220018.
Email: holidays@sandendcottage.com
WWW: www.moraycoastcottages.com/sandendcottage