This recently built, spacious and beautifully appointed family house stands quite alone in a truly superb position in the heart of the highlands, on the Glenlivet Crown Estate and within the Cairngorm National Park. It is situated just off the little single track road that winds up Strath Avon near Grantown on Spey. Far from traffic and therefore ideal for both children and pets it is the perfect spot to really 'get away from it all' while not being too remote.
Inside, there is lots of room to spread out. The large comfortable sitting room has a wood burning stove, and there is a further sun room with further comfortable seating. The kitchen-dining area is L-shaped and open plan, made cosy by the three-oven electric Aga. An electric hob and microwave provide useful backup. There is also a utility room downstairs, handy for storing climbing and walking gear.
Upstairs are two double and two twin bedrooms, one with en suite bathroom, and a further family bathroom with bath and separate power shower. Cosiness is assured through efficient oil-fired central heating.
Outside, there is parking for a number of cars right at the door, a ramp to the rear door and a gravelled area right round the house. It is surrounded by an extensive area of fenced rough grass garden which has a summerhouse and barbecue area, with the charming River Avon gurgling away at the front.
With next to nothing in the way of light pollution, this is a wonderful place to see the stars in all their glory (there has been some talk of creating a 'Skypark' in the area) so enthusiasts should bring their telescope.
Grantown (17m) is an attractive holiday town, with good shops and eating places, a swimming pool and golf course. In the other direction Aberlour (15m) also has good facilities. Tomintoul, the highest town in the Highlands, again with shops and eating places, is about 5 miles away and Dufftown, of whisky fame, is about the same.
This area is famous for several things - fishing (notably on the Spey, one of the great salmon rivers of Scotland, but the Avon is also known for its salmon and trout fishing), walking (the Speyside Way passes within easy reach of the cottage) and, of course whisky. A short drive to the north east will have you firmly on the Whisky Trail, with the Glenlivet Distillery just up the road being the nearest. To the north are the Cromdale Hills, while further to the southeast are the mighty Cairngorms, beloved of climbers and walkers in summer and ski-ers in winter. The Lecht ski area is just 14 miles away. Ballindalloch has an excellent 9-hole golf course.
Beyond Grantown is the Glen More Forest Park, famous for its rich and varied wildlife, though there will be plenty of that around the cottage as well, and Aviemore. There is sailing at Loch Morlich, where there is a reindeer centre and you can also take the funicular railway up the Cairngorm itself. The Strathspey Steam Railway plies between Aviemore and Boat of Garten, famous as the first place where osprey nested on their return to Scotland after an absence of many years.
At Ballnellan you can be assured there will be plenty for all the family to do and see at all seasons of the year.
Bed linen, towels, electricity and the first £30 of oil-CH are INCLUDED in the rental. Up to three well-behaved pets by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted in the cottage.
