The Voice of Nature

The Voice of Nature: Aberdeen City and Shire

Set in an estate of 15,000 acres, surrounded by forest and moorland on the banks of the River Dye, you'll find this ancient, stone-built cottage. For centuries it was an inn, and troops rested here before going to battle in the Jacobite Rebellion nearly 300 years ago.

After a long walk around the grounds, have a soak in the wood-fired Swedish hot tub, then grill some local, fresh produce on the Big Green Egg barbecue (loved by Michelin chefs). There's a shared sauna (fired by wood too) and an outdoor cold shower for afterwards – you'll find it set within the trees, beside the vegetable garden. Pick some veggies (or your lovely hosts can pick to order for you) to take back to the cottage. You can get fresh eggs from the shop here too.

Back at your home, put some vinyl on the record player and chill out or take in the fabulous views. There's a mixture of antique and modern furniture, gorgeous fabrics and quirky items – your hosts have lavished lots of attention to detail on this place. There's an artist's studio located outside too. It's no wonder this home was featured in the top twenty-five UK cottages in The Times.

There are plenty of walks to enjoy right from your doorstep, or further afield, history lovers can head to Dunnottar Castle, just over a thirty-minute drive away. It's around the same distance to Stonehaven, a small and picturesque fishing harbour, while Balmoral Castle, open to the public at certain times of the year, is just over a forty-minute ride.

Home truths:
*If you want to book other homes here if you have a larger group or would like the whole estate for a wedding, please enquire
*You'll have a supply of unlimited firewood
*The on-site shop has a collection of store cupboard staples, fresh local meat, frozen local fish and homemade ready meals, and other items such as firelighters, midge repellent and souvenirs
*There's electric vehicle charging available here
*The barbecue is charcoal and has a pizza oven
*Aberdeen Airport is forty minutes away, while Edinburgh Airport is around one hour and forty minutes