Braemar, in the heart of lovely Royal Deeside, some 60 miles east of Aberdeen and amid some of the most impressive scenery that Scotland has to offer, has long been a mecca for visitors. On the edge of the village, in a cleverly converted Victorian church, is Highland Belfry, a self-contained first floor apartment which has now been refurbished to provide most comfortable, spacious and stylishly furnished accommodation for up to four people. The owners have made every effort to ensure that tenants will have everything necessary for a perfect holiday. The open plan living area is bright and airy with double glazed lancet windows, from which you can watch the red squirrels which play in the surrounding grounds.
The church stands among trees, set back from the road and on the banks of the river, with ample parking round about. Yet you are just 2 minutes walk from the centre of the village, where there are shops, hotels and restaurants. You would be hard put to it to find a more conveniently situated spot! The apartment also has fishing rights on the river,so you can go down and try your hand. (There are steps down from the grounds,, but easier access is possible from the car park just down the road.)
Folk come to the Highlands for many reasons - to marvel at the spectacular scenery, to walk the hills, visit its stately homes and castles, and enjoy all manner of sporting activities - ski-ing, cycling, fishing, golf, riding, shooting, to name but a few. At Highland Belfry you will find scope for all of these. You can walk right out of the cottage and on to Morrone Hill, where you are more than likely to encounter a herd of shy deer on your stroll (if you visit in the early autumn, the whole area resounds to the noise of rutting stags!). Lochnagar, South Top, Ben Bhreac and other peaks round about provide tougher challenges. The apartment has fishing rights on the Clunie which flows past the back of the house, so you can just go down with your rod and have a go. Fishing in the Dee can be arranged in the village; Braemar has its own good (and surprisingly level!) golf course, there is ski-ing just 10 minutes up the road at Glenshee?the list goes on.
Then there are the many fine castles to visit, including the Queen's own summer residence at Balmoral, and beautiful gardens at Crathes and Pitmedden. Just 4 miles up the road, the beautiful falls of the Linn of Dee should also not be missed.
However you decide to spend your break in this breathtaking area, at Highland Belfry you will have a cosy and well-appointed base to which to return after the exertions of the day.
Heating is by electric storage heaters (first £20 INCLUDED). Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Sorry, no pets and smoking is not permitted in the cottage.
