Brandy Lodge 1

Situated in Glen Clova and with dramatic mountain views, the lodge is ideal for a couple’s countryside retreat. Sleeping six across three double bedrooms, it’s both a wonderful base for keen walkers as well as a welcoming escape from the rush of everyday life. You can be out exploring the peaks and valleys of the Cairngorms all day, and return to the peace of the lodge for an evening in. Relax in your private hot tub and sauna, perfect for soothing tired muscles.

This charming wooden lodge is bright and airy, with an open-plan living space on the first floor that boasts a vaulted ceiling and large windows that make the most of the stunning views. Wood panelling continues throughout the interior walls, and the decor is simple and elegant.

A reverse-level property, the main entrance is up a flight of stairs at the front of the lodge. These bring you onto the balcony, where you can remove boots and step into the lounge/kitchen/diner. Nominate who from your party will be tonight’s cooks and while they rustle up dinner, you can chat and lie back on the sofa. Once everything’s ready, sit around the dining table for your meal and use the Wi-Fi to plan your next adventure. Afterwards, pour a dram of whisky and sit on the balcony, or put on a film for a cosy night in front of the TV.

Enjoy an undisturbed night’s sleep in either the first-floor bedroom or head to the ground floor for the further two doubles. Every bedroom has an en-suite shower room, so there’ll be no queues for the bathroom before you head out in the morning.

Outside, unwind with a soak in the hot tub. When the sun shines, dine alfresco on the picnic bench, looking across to the mountains.

Dogs are charged at £20 each per full or part week.

• 3 bedrooms - doubles
• 3 en-suite shower rooms
• Electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine
• Private hot tub and sauna
• Electric and central heating included
• Ample off-road parking
• Wi-Fi available in the hotel
• 2 dogs welcome
• Shop 12 miles
• On site pub and restaurant within walking distance
• Complex of properties 
• TV/DVD in lounge
• Private water supply

A short drive from the property, further into the Cairngorms, is the Glen Doll Ranger Centre (5 miles). Here you can get information about the surrounding area and set off on one of the walking trails, even bag a Munro or two. From the Ranger Centre, hike across to Corrie Fee - a National Nature Reserve and breathtaking natural amphitheatre carved out by a long-ago glacier.

Spend a leisurely afternoon in the quaint town of Kirriemuir (14.5 miles), where you can visit beloved writer J. M. Barrie’s birthplace and pose for a photo next to the statue of AC/DC frontman, Bon Scott. If there are any golfers in your party, there is also an 18-hole course at Kirriemuir.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a romantic stroll in Forfar Loch Country Park (17.5 miles). Take the 2.5-mile circuit around the loch, keeping your eyes peeled and cameras ready for a sighting of the local wildlife that includes deer, otters and foxes.

Don’t miss out on a trip to Glamis Castle (18.7 miles), childhood home to The Queen Mother. Take a tour of the castle and hear stories from your guide, explore the various gardens, and finish your day with a bite to eat in the restaurant.