Tulloch Cottage is pretty detached cottage which has recently been refurbished to the highest of standards. The degree of comfort it offers is matched by its peaceful and attractive situation: on a quiet country lane about two miles from the Aberdeenshire village of Lumphanan (pub, shop), it looks out across miles of open farmland to the distant hills beyond and you have the choice of enjoying these views either from the windows, from the surrounding garden (barbecue, chimenea) or from its summerhouse.
Internally the cottage has been furnished with great flair and style. The bright, south facing sitting room has a wood burner to supplement the oil central heating, there is a smart dining kitchen and additional utility room, two comfortable bedrooms and a bathroom with deep bath and separate shower. Table football and darts are available in the spacious detached garage.
You are right on the doorstep here for Royal Deeside with all that it has to offer in terms of glorious and majestic countryside, superb fishing on the Dee or other less prestigious rivers, walking, climbing, and ski-ing in winter - the Lecht ski area is just over 20 miles away. At Aboyne (4m) there is a good selection of shops, restaurants and pubs and a golf course. Aboyne Loch offers water ski-ing (booking necessary). Also near the cottage is the Deeside Activity Centre, offering off-road driving, gokarting etc. There are further golf courses at Torphins and Tarland.
If your tastes run to less energetic pursuits, then there is no shortage of places of interest. The area is particularly rich in castles and stately homes. Craigievar Castle is just up the road, then there is of course Balmoral itself, between Ballater and Braemar, both of which villages are well worth a visit. Gardens, too, are in good supply, the most notable perhaps being the NTS gardens at Pitmedden and those at Leith Hall.
To the east, you have Aberdeen itself and the fine beaches to the north of the city.
Bed linen, towels, electricity and the first £20 of oil central heating are INCLUDED in the rental. Up to two well-behaved pets are welcome by arrangement, but sorry, no cats. Smoking is not permitted in the cottage. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
