Downies Cottage

This Grade A listed cottage has been superbly restored to create a uniquely special property and is situated just under a mile from Braemar, where you can find a number of shops and restaurants. The beautiful Cairngorms National Park is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors, with miles of superb walking, climbing and mountain biking on offer.

Nearby Braemar Castle offers a fascinating insight into the area’s past and beautiful Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family, makes a great afternoon out where you can go on a guided tour or head out on a safari through the estate with a ranger. As you enter this immaculately renovated croft, with all its original features beautifully restored, you may feel you have been transported back in time.

Yet with underfloor heating, and a TV and a modern shower – which can be discreetly hidden away if you wish – it also has all the mod cons you might want. From the hallway, you come into the smart little kitchen, with its large butler sink and beautiful handmade cupboards.

The lounge, with its stone-flagged floors, low beamed ceiling and original box bed – now a cosy sofa – is a wonderfully enticing space. Enjoy a romantic meal for two before snuggling up in front of the wood burner in the evening.

The beautiful bedroom, with its king-size, brass bed ensures a blissful night’s sleep. In the morning, enjoy a long soak in the handmade wooden bath or an invigorating start to your day in the contemporary shower.

Next to the cottage is the steading, which has been converted into a spacious utility room and also a luxurious sauna – perfect for soothing aching limbs after a day out exploring. Wander outside and take in the beautiful views across the 1-acre gardens with trout pond from a seat at the unique teak root table and chairs.