Three miles from the Royal Burgh of Banff on Scotland's sunny north east coast, is Montcoffer House, a B-listed period mansion house dating from 1680. It is surrounded by extensive grounds, where deer, pheasants and red squirrels are frequent visitors, and in these peaceful surroundings you will find Moorcroft Cottage, (which overlooks the mansion house, rather than the other way round), with its own separate drive and enclosed garden (furniture and BBQ), where children can play in safety. It is reached by about half a mile of unmetalled road.
The house abuts the Old Duff House estate Deeds Room, which is effectively a giant walk-in safe, where all the title deeds and other valuable documents belonging to the Duke of Fife were stored. It, too, is a listed building which is currently empty and not in use.
From the windows there are fine views not just of Montcoffer House, but of its gardens, its listed game and fruit larders and the lovely Deveron Valley. Inside, it has been carefully renovated and modernized, with central heating, double glazing and a new kitchen. The accommodation is spacious and well appointed, and the house is ideal for both couples and small families. It also has a west-facing sun porch overlooking the garden, where you can enjoy the evening sun even if it is not warm enough to sit out.
The Deveron is one of the finest Scottish salmon rivers, and is crossed by the spectacular and historic Bridge of Alvah, which receives a listing in Scotland the Best and which is just a few minutes' walk from the cottage through the beautiful Montcoffer Woods. Despite its secluded location, however, Moorcroft is just a 5 minute drive from Banff (all facilities, supermarket etc.). Banff more or less runs into Macduff, where the impressive Duff House is a local attraction, now splendidly restored and an outpost of the National Gallery of Scotland.
Other local attractions include castles, stately homes and championship golf courses, and the coastline hereabouts is dotted with the most picturesque little fishing villages. Crovie, tucked in under the cliffs, Gardenstown, built on cliff ledges, and Pennan, made famous in the film 'Local Hero' are just three of them, all with their own unique character.
Banff has a sandy beach and this coastline is a popular destination for bird-watchers and seal-spotters. Dolphins too can sometimes be seen. Boat trips can be arranged locally as well as salmon and trout fishing on the Deveron. Moorcroft is also ideally situated to access the many lovely walks and cycle paths in the surrounding countryside.
Bed linen, towels, central heating and electricity and logs for the woodburning stove are all INCLUDED in the rental. Sorry, no pets and smoking is not permitted within the cottage. The road to the cottage is untarmacked but is quite passable with care by ordinary cars. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
