Gardenstown, 9 miles east of Banff, is one of the prettiest and most characterful villages along the sunny Moray coast, rising in a series of terraces up the cliff side from its beach and the little harbour which is still used by some inshore fishing boats.
Granny Curly's Cottage, set on one such terrace, is as picturesque as its surroundings, a traditional, 200-year old detached fisherman's cottage which once belonged to the owners' great grandmother, the original 'Granny Curly'. Unusually for these fishermen's cottages it is face on to the sea so has lovely views and has now been beautifully refurbished to provide the cosiest and most comfortable accommodation imaginable.
It is spacious too, with a sitting room with open fire and another open plan sitting/dining room/kitchen with wood burner, while upstairs there are two bedrooms and a bathroom with separate shower - everything you need, in fact, for an enjoyable holiday and a bit more besides.
Gardenstown is on Gamrie bay, as site of Special Scientific Interest, flanked by imposing cliffs and interesting rocky outcrops which are home to seabird colonies and where you may see dolphins, seals, a myriad of flowers. Children will be happy for hours playing on the sandy beach or hunting for crabs in the rock pools. You can walk along under the cliffs to the neighbouring, equally picturesque, village of Crovie, while Pennan, immortalised in the film 'Local Hero', is also just along the coast. Inland, there are excellent golf courses, and great walking in the hills of the hinterland. The Speyside Way is within easy reach, or you can make a 'Whisky Pilgrimage' along the Whisky Trail, sampling the wares as you go (non-drinking driver recommended!)
For the occasional non-sunny day, there is the Marine Aquarium in Macduff (9m) and magnificent Duff House, an outpost of the National Gallery of Scotland.
Gardenstown itself has an inn, a small restaurant overlooking the harbour and small supermarket, while Banff offers all facilities.
Heating is by electricity (included) open fire and wood-burning stove. Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Sorry, pets are not accepted and smoking is not permitted in the cottage.
