Poppy Cottage is a romantic hideaway in Aberdeenshire’s stunning Howe of Alford, nestled in the peaceful middle reaches of the River Don. Beautifully finished, this one-bedroom cottage within a charming converted steading offers all the comforts of home, with the northeast of Scotland’s great outdoors, abundant wildlife, and rich heritage right on its doorstep.

Set on the historic Breda Estate, home to a chieftain of the Maclean Clan for four generations, Poppy Cottage is just 3 miles from the small but bustling town of Alford, 27 miles from lively Aberdeen, and less than a three-hour drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Yet the estate’s rolling fields, wooded hillsides, open moorland, and mighty river give guests a wonderful sense of being miles from anywhere.

Guests have a designated parking space just outside the steading’s impressive granite walls. An attractive archway leads across a spacious courtyard to the cottage. Once the busy hub of farm life, this traditional Aberdeenshire steading now offers tranquillity, privacy, and, at Poppy Cottage, the perfect break for two.

A granite patio provides level entry to the newly converted cottage, which features underfloor heating throughout the ground floor. The front door opens into a practical utility room with a washer-dryer, microwave, and storage cupboards, as well as access to the spacious and stylish downstairs bathroom.

At the heart of Poppy Cottage is a beautifully designed, light-filled open-plan living area. The sitting area has a comfortable two-seater sofa, a generous armchair, and a smart TV, while the dining table and chairs overlook the courtyard through patio doors that open onto a private patio and the communal courtyard beyond. The very well-equipped kitchen includes integrated appliances – a fridge-freezer, dishwasher, ceramic hob, and combined oven/grill – along with an excellent range of crockery, cookware, and generous cupboard space.

A striking oak staircase sweeps up to the first floor, home to the master bedroom and deluxe shower room. The bedroom features a king-size bed, a roof window framing lovely countryside views, and a dressing table, while a spacious walk-in wardrobe next door provides ample storage.

At the rear of the cottage, a small private courtyard is ideal for storing bikes and outdoor equipment. It’s also a perfect spot to savour the peace and quiet of Poppy Cottage – whether enjoying breakfast in the morning sunshine, starwatching over a glass of wine, or, if you’re lucky, catching a glimpse of the northern lights over Old Aberdeen.