Royal Deeside,
Aberdeenshire

3 cottages, sleeping 4 to 6

Braemar is an attractive large village with many shops and hotels in the heather-covered hills of Royal Deeside just west of Lochnagar Mountain (3791ft) not far from The Queen's summer holiday retreat at Balmoral, and about 60 miles west of Aberdeen.

This is 'the big country' - magnificent scenery at all times of the year being in the Grampian/Cairngorm Mountain area with its romantic old castles, whisky distilleries, fishing, golfing, and lovely coastline to visit - as well as the lively City of Aberdeen

Not for nothing did Queen Victoria choose Deeside all those years ago to build her beloved 'Balmoral' - nor would The Queen Mother and all The Royal Family continue to favour it but for the outstanding scenery the serenity and the quietness of the stunning countryside - now known as 'Royal' Deeside.

The thriving city of Aberdeen is about 40 miles to the east, and Inverness and the Moray Coast are waiting to be explored further north.

Royal Deeside accommodation, 3 cottages:

Treasure Island Cottage

Treasure Island Cottage is a small and compact, very attractively - converted old stone cottage situated quietly on a side lane near the centre of Braemar. It has the distinction of being where Robert Louis Stevenson wrote some of his famous book 'Treasure Island' when he lived there way back in 1881.

Now completely modernised and with a large (shared) safe garden, the cottage is ideal either for a couple or a family with young children as the small twin-bedded room can only be reached through the double-bed room and the cottage could truly be described as 'bijou'.

Heating is by wood-burning stove and electricity (£10 included). Bed-linen and towels are included. Sorry, no pets within the cottage.

Accommodation (Sleeping 3 plus a child):

Downstairs:

• Sitting room with wood burning stove, TV/VCR, CD/Cassette.
• Kitchen/Dining with electric-cooker, fridge, microwave and washing machine.

Upstairs (by 14 steepish stairs):

• Double Bedroom and (through the Double Bedroom):
• Single bed-room with an extra pull out single bed.
• Bathroom with bath (with shower over bath), wc & basin.

Accommodation availability:

Treasure Island:

Victoria Cottage

Victoria Cottage is a truly traditional old Highland cottage standing on the edge of the village of Braemar just a short walk from the centre, near to the starting point of glorious forest walks which wind above the River Dee through the stunning scenery for which Royal Deeside is renowned.

Quaint in old-fashioned style and full of character, with a back garden leading onto the hills where deer are frequently seen above the River Dee, this comfy little detached cottage has pine-clad walls throughout, a multi-fuel stove to keep it cosy at all times of the year and a steepish wooden staircase leading up to two small coombed attic rooms which were probably dormitories for lots of children in the olden days. Nowadays the cottage is ideal for two adults or a small family who would enjoy experiencing an old Highland home. The duck-pond nearby with lots of hungry ducks just completes the scene.

Heating is by multi-fuel stove, and electricity. Bed-linen and towels are included. Pets are welcome. Smoking is not allowed within the cottage.

Accommodation (Sleeps 4):

Downstairs:

• Sitting room/Dining with wood burning stove (some logs included) and TV.
• Kitchen with 4 ring hob and microwave (combi), fridge/freezer and washing machine.
• Shower with WC and basin.
• Double bedroom.
• Tumble drier available for use of guests located in same garden shed as the freezer in Fern Cottage.

Upstairs

• 2 small Single Bedrooms.

Note:

• Tenants are requested not to smoke in the cottage.

Accommodation availability:

Victoria Cottage:

Fern Cottage, Braemar

Fern Cottage is a larger stone house standing in its own garden in the same quiet location as the older Victoria Cottage described above. It was recently completely refurbished internally for the owners own use but plans changed, and it is now a most comfortable and convenient holiday house for a larger family who want to enjoy this glorious area. Red deer, red squirrels plus a variety of bird life including birds of prey are regularly seen from the cottage and there are ducks and peacocks nearby.

Heating is by gas central heating included up to £15, and open-fire (starter pack included). Bed linen, towels included. Up to £10 of electricity is included. Pets are welcome.

Accommodation (Sleeps 5 + 1):

Downstairs

• Sitting room/dining room with open-fire and TV, DVD and CD player.
• Kitchen with electric-cooker, fridge, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine (tumble drier, shared with Victoria Cottage and freezer in garden shed).

Upstairs:

• Double Bedroom.
• Twin Bed-room.
• Single Bedroom with extra single pullout bed for a child.
• Room with bath (shower over) and basin.
• Separate WC.

Accommodation availability:

Fern Cottage: