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Downie's Cottage

Braemar, near Ballater, Northern Scotland
Sleeps 2
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
5 star
Parking on site / nearby
Towels included
Romantic
Internet access
Hot Tub
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
Shop nearby
Spa facilities
Country houses
12 more

At a glance

  • Beautifully restored Cottage, Grade A listed Building, Steeped in History.
  • Quirky and unique accommodation, a perfect romantic retreat to explore the delights of Royal Deeside, including Balmoral castle
  • Full of lovingly restored original features with the emphasis on comfort
  • Enjoy walking across the beautiful Mar Lodge estate, visit the Royal Lochnagar Distillery and sample the fine malts
Property code: OC-CA105

Nestled into its secluded hillside location in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, this truly unique property offers couples the opportunity to enjoy a romantic retreat in a very special setting. Abandoned between the world wars, this Grade A listed cottage has been lovingly and sympathetically restored with the help of Historic Scotland into a five-star holiday home. With its breathtaking views, 1 acre of grounds and its own sauna, you won’t want your holiday to end. You’re also 1 mile from the delightful village of Braemar with its independent shops, boutiques and eateries.

From the outside, this property is a typical crofter’s cottage with its whitewashed walls and squat appearance, but step inside and you’ll be blown away by its charming interior. Original features blend superbly with the light walls, colourful soft furnishings and bespoke wooden furniture to create lots of quirkiness and character.

With the choice of sitting in an armchair next to the wood burner or lounging in the recessed snug complete with tartan cushions, guests will love cosying up in the lounge. There is also a traditional country-cottage table and chairs to sit at whilst eating dinner. The quirkiness continues in the kitchen with its traditional farmhouse sink sunk into bespoke, wooden units which sit alongside a large storage cupboard. The bedroom’s wood panelling, cast-iron bedstead and traditional furniture hark back to a bygone age, but the clean finish brings it back into the modern day. In the bathroom, you can step into the contemporary shower or soak in the unique, handcrafted bath.

Outside, you can appreciate the tranquillity from the original dining furniture in your walled patio. Alternatively, you can relax in the sauna – the perfect end to a busy day. The track up to the cottage is difficult, so sports/low cars are not advised.

 

  • Short breaks welcome
  • 1 king-size bedroom
  • 1 bathroom with shower, bath, hand basin and WC
  • Kitchen with electric cooker, fridge, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer
  • Wi-Fi included
  • Wood burner
  • Underfloor heating throughout
  • Smart TV
  • Hot tub and sauna
  • Garden with patio furniture and fire pit
  • Shops and restaurants 1 mile
  • Ample parking
  • March to June bookings minimum 2 nights, July to September minimum 3 nights and September to December minimum 2 nights
  • Please note the road up to the cottage is uneven with some pot holes and not suitable for low profile cars. 
  • Short Term Let license number:  AS-00290-F
  • EPC rating: D
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Catherine Stewart

This property is personally managed by Catherine.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 4 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 starsOverall cleanliness 5 stars5
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 starsOverall equipment 5 stars5
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Adam 18th May 2026

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

The cottage was very charming, historic and unique and had all the facilities needed, was well equipped to a high standard with the added luxury of an outside hot tub and sauna. This is one of the most idyllic, picturesque and relaxing places we have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Being able to enjoy the scenery, countryside, nature and local bRead moreirds and wildlife was a privilege. This place is an unforgettable hidden gem in the heart of the amazing Scottish Cairngorms. Hide

Reviewed by Jan 10th September 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Neil 22nd August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Lovely quirky and comfortable cottage. Very peaceful and the best views anywhere. We will definitely book again.

Reviewed by Gillian 5th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

WOW!we had such an amazing stay in your beautiful cottage! Thank you for everything you did to make our stay so magical! Our dogs loved it too! We will definitely come back!

2 more
Show 10 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Cottages & Castles is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.