Milton Steading has a peaceful situation in the heart of Speyside. Set within the Cairngorms National Park, it lies 13 miles from Grantown on Spey and just 4 from Tomintoul. It was converted by the owners from an old stone farm building into a spacious and very practical family home for their own use. Lucky holiday makers, however, are now also being offered the chance to enjoy it as an excellent base from which to explore this hugely scenic area.
It stands on a very quiet unclassified country road beside the River Avon, in its own grass garden. Inside, there is a huge and well-equipped dining kitchen, a comfortable sitting room with multi-fuel stove (and pool table!), three downstairs bedrooms, one with en suite shower and a further bathroom. The bedrooms also have doors to the garden. Upstairs there is a gallery/additional seating or play area and another bedroom with en suite shower. There is also a utility/drying room, whilst outside there is a lockable shed which can be used for storing bikes or fishing equipment. Two additional z beds can be made available for children (extra charge).
With over one hundred miles of waymarked trails on the Glenlivet estate (including part of the Speyside Way) and the Cairngorms and the Cromdales on the doorstep, the area offers splendid walking. The Spey is also known as one of Scotland's premier fishing rivers, though there are plenty of other less illustrious (and expensive!) but just as enjoyable waters to fish in the immediate area. The Lecht Ski area is just 13 miles away, while Cairngorm Mountain is 34 miles away.
Speyside's other claim to fame is, of course, its whisky, and fans of the 'water of life' will be delighted to know that the Glenlivet distillery is just 7 miles from the cottage. You can join the Whisky Trail there and taste and compare from the numerous distilleries in the surrounding area. (Perhaps best take a non-drinking driver along!)
Railway buffs will enjoy the Speyside steam railway which runs from Boat of Garten, or the heritage railway at Dufftown, while those with an interest in wildlife will find they are quite spoiled for choice with the Rothiemurchus Forest, the Glen More Forest Park and the osprey centre at Boat of Garten all close by. That's if the many wildlife-watching opportunities in the immediate area aren't enough - from red deer to mountain hare to black grouse. You can hear more about these and many other animals on local ranger-guided walks or wildlife Landrover tours.
A visit to Inverness, Royal Deeside, or a day on the sunny Moray Coast are other easily accessible destinations.
The first £20 of oil CH, electricity, and bed linen are all INCLUDED in the rental and towels may be hired. Up to three well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Sorry, no smoking within the cottage. Water is from a private borehole providing a plentiful supply. Broadband W-fi is available. (Subject to provider.)
