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.

In these peaceful surroundings you will find Moorcroft Cottage, which overlooks the mansion house, rather than the other way around. It is reached by about half a mile of unmetalled road and has its own separate drive and enclosed garden (with furniture and BBQ), where children can play in safety.

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 modernised, with central heating and double glazing to keep it cosy.

The open plan living accommodation is spacious and well appointed, ideal for both couples and small families. In the spacious seating area, with its inviting, deep buttoned leather Chesterfields and wood-burning stove, the original wooden floor has been retained. Behind that, separated by a breakfast bar, is the very comprehensive and well-equipped galley kitchen that has a pleasant dining area at one end and glazed doors at the other that lead out to the sun porch. The porch overlooks the garden and is west-facing so you can enjoy the evening sun even if it is not warm enough to sit outside.

There are four steps leading up to the double bedroom which is a real discovery. It is extremely spacious, with wood flooring and a large, brass knobbed bed. The pièce de résistance is the working fireplace, so you can lie in bed by the romantic flickering firelight. The twin bedroom is very attractively presented, with stripped wood flooring and plenty of space.

Montcoffer 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 is a listed building which is currently empty and not in use.

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