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  • Gairnlea Cottage - Scottish Lowlands - 1058616 - photo 1
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Gairnlea Cottage

(Ref. 1058616)

Ballater, Moray, Aberdeenshire & The Coastal Trail Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 2 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets No

Features

  • Ground floor accommodation
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Pub/shop < 1 mile
  • Washing machine
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (16)
  • lovely (13)
  • ballater (11)
  • stay (9)
  • perfect (9)
  • everything (8)

22 Customer Reviews

  • "Lovely well equipped cottage done to a high spec with comfortable bed and sofa."

    Lots of lovely walks on the doorstep with amenities all close by. Would definitely recommend Yvonne

    Reviewed by GeorgeMar 2024

  • "The cottage was lovely,well presented and within walking distance of shops and restaurants in Ballater."

    The large supply of wood for the stove was very much appreciated. The cottage had everything required for two people. Though this was a shared garden with a lot of other houses close by it was quiet and felt private. We normally pick more isolated cottages this was our first in a more urban area but it didn’t disappoint and we hope to be back sometime. There are lots of lovely walks around the town and within the Balmoral estate.

    Dear Julie, thanks for your lovely comments, we are delighted you enjoyed Gairnlea Cottage in Beautiful Ballater. Best wishes Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by JulieOct 2023

  • "Gairnlea Cottage is in a very quiet residential area, set back from the road."

    It was ideal for us as we were attending a wedding in Braemar. It was clean, cosy and well appointed.

    Dear Murray, we are delighted that you enjoyed your stay in Gairnlea Cottage. Thanks for your lovely feedback. Best wishes Peter and Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by MurrayOct 2023

  • "Comfortable, quiet and clean house in a nice location."

    Equipped with all what was needed. Perfect for two people.

    Dear Daniel, thanks for your kind feedback, glad to hear you enjoyed your stay at Gairnlea Cottage. Best wishes Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by DanielSep 2023

  • "We had a wonderful stay in Gairnlea Cottage in mid May."

    As other reviewers have commented, the cottage was beautifully furnished, spotlessly clean, with everything you'd need for a weeks stay provided, except for running out of toilet paper! We've stayed in lots of self catering cottages and this is definitely in the top 2. The only thing I'd suggest would be the addition of some cleaning materials eg Ciff as coffee left stains on the mugs and the selection of books and games( presume they were removed during Covid?) Thank you to owners, Peter and Vicky for creating such a special holiday home.

    Dear Gillian, we are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay in Gairnlea Cottage. Best wishes Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by GillianMay 2023

  • "We had a lovely stay at Gairnlea."

    The cottage was very well equipped, warm and comfortable and ideally located for exploring the Cairngorms. The owners had given a lot of thought to providing everything to ensure a pleasant stay including somewhere to store our bikes. It's only a short walk into Ballater where all the usual facilities can be found. An excellent week overall. Thank-you.

    Dear Carol, it’s great to hear that you enjoyed your stay and everything was to your liking. We appreciate your feedback. Best wishes Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by CarolApr 2023

  • "We loved our stay here."

    The property was warm and welcoming and beautifully furnished. 2 sets of towels were provided which is unusual and a thoughtful touch. The kitchen was well equipped for self catering, however plenty of places nearby if you choose to eat out. A really lovely quiet spot only a couple of minutes walk from the centre of Ballater. The very best of both worlds.The old station cafe which can be accessed via the information center is an absolute must visit venue. We will definitely be visiting again.

    Dear Peter, thanks for your lovely comments, we are delighted you had such an enjoyable stay. All the best Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by Peter GeorgeFeb 2023

  • "This was our second stay at Gairnlea Cottage and thoroughly enjoyed it again."

    The property is spotlessly clean, comfortable, well maintained and tastefully decorated. The location to the lovely village of Ballater and its amenities is ideal, being only a five minute walk. Ballater itself is ideal for visiting Balmoral, Braemar and Glenshee as well as all the local walks. We hope to return again!

    Dear Jackie, we are really pleased that you enjoyed the cottage and Ballater again. It’s such a lovely part of the world! Thanks Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by JackieFeb 2023

  • "Lovely cottage with lots of nice walks round about."

    Ballater has plenty of eating places and lots of nice independent shops. The cottage is small but perfect for 2 people. Had a problem with heating but it was fixed within 2 hours. Excellent service

    Dear Kathleen, we are glad you enjoyed your stay at Gairnlea Cottage. Best wishes Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by KathleenOct 2022

  • "Gairnlea is a great little cottage."

    it's ideal for a couple or a single person.

    Dear David, thanks for your feedback, glad you had a nice stay. Best wishes Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by DaveSep 2022

  • "While small, this little cottage is perfect for a couple."

    We normally stay in fairly remote places but liked Ballater on previous day visits and thought it would be good to try a town based holiday. Town and shops were a 5 minute walk away with all the local amenities you would expect from a small town. The cottage was beautifully presented and was exceptionally clean and I really do mean spotless. The welcome pack was informative and included how to use a wood burner correctly - something other hosts should implement if only to avoid a lot of mess for them to clean up. We had enough towels, tea towels, washing up liquid, washing tabs etc to last us the week and this is unusual. Also a supply of wood for the burner was available which again is a great touch as no need to hunt down kindling and wood elsewhere. There was a welcome tray with teabags etc for your arrival and even shower gel etc. The only thing missing was a cafetiere - but this will not impact my rating or view - its a very small constructive suggestion :-) We were there for peak tourist season and you could hear a pin drop at night - expect for the bagpipes at 7am and early evening if the Queen is in residence at Balmoral. The army barracks for the Royal Regiment of Scotland are based around the corner. There are not disturbing by any means and if anything should be welcomed. Locally there is everything you could wish for shopping or food/drink wise and it's a great base to explore the wider area and even in peak season its a short queue in most shops. The local people are very welcoming. Owners checked in to make sure we had everything by text. We have already decided that we will stay here again but will probably book the house next time. Cant recommend this place enough

    Dear Justyn, Thanks for your lovely review, which gives such good detail of the property and the beautiful village of Ballater. We actually added a cafetière last week :-) We look forward to you coming again. Best wishes Peter & Vicky Property Owner

    Reviewed by JustynJul 2022

  • "Lovely stay at gairnlea cottage we stayed at the cottage last Oct and honestly ..."

    Lovely stay at gairnlea cottage we stayed at the cottage last Oct and honestly when arriving felt like we were coming back after a day out it felt so familiar once again everything was perfect noticed the addition of blind in kitchen and lamp in living room great wee cottage only thing I missed was log fire have to come back in colder months I would definitely recommend a stay here in ballater in gairnlea

    Reviewed by PhilipJul 2022

  • "It's hard to improve on perfection but the addition of a hook on the back of the bathroom door would be helpful."

    Also clearer instructions on the disposal of glass bottles/jars. Excellent stay in a perfect location would certainly consider staying again. Is there any feedback for us as guest?

    Dear Susan, we are so glad that you enjoyed your stay. We have now added a hook to the back of the bathroom door and will amend the guest information folder to include details for glass disposal. Thanks very much for looking after the cottage with such care Property Owner

    Reviewed by SusanApr 2022

  • "Absolutely lovely."

    An intimate, cosy cottage - perfect for a couple.

    Thanks for your lovely comments, we are pleased you enjoyed your break! Property Owner

    Reviewed by JudeFeb 2022

  • "This was our first visit to Ballater and Gairnlea Cottage."

    We loved both! Although the cottage is small, it was perfect for us and had everything we needed. It was so cosy with the wood burning stove, whilst outside it was snowing. The cleanliness and attention to detail were excellent. The property is a credit to the owners. We hope to return later in the year.

    Dear Jackie, thanks for your kind comments, we are delighted that you had an enjoyable stay. Property Owner

    Reviewed by JackieFeb 2022

  • "A compact clean place perfectly located and tastefully kitted out."

    Dear Gerry, we are pleased that you enjoyed your stay in Gairnlea Cottage, thanks for your feedback. Property Owner

    Reviewed by GerryJan 2022

  • "An excellent property."

    Cosy and homely. Log fire an added bonus. Situation perfect. Correspondence with owners first class.

    Reviewed by AnneNov 2021

  • "Had lovely stay at gairnlee cottage perfect for 2 people or even a single ..."

    Had lovely stay at gairnlee cottage perfect for 2 people or even a single traveller as it felt very safe and secure nice to come back each evening to cosy log fire cottage had everything you would need and so so clean bonus was the near proximity to local shops cafes and also ideal for walking routes love ballater have been many times allbeit staying in hotels but will definately consider gairnlee for future trips all in all had a great stay so would recommend it give it a try

    Reviewed by PhilipOct 2021

  • "Lovely cottage done to a high standard and close to the town"

    Reviewed by LeeSep 2021

  • "A lovely place to stay, Ballater 5mins walk, a very lovely place."

    ..also met the owners of the property also very nice and helpful! Would definitely go back to that accommodation

    Reviewed by AlisonAug 2021

  • "Cottage was nice and cosy for 2 people with everything you needed."

    Great find in a quite spot with a lovely garden for relaxing in. Only 5 mins walk to the main street in Ballater.

    Reviewed by KayJul 2021

  • "Lovely cottage, great location, would consider another visit later this year if available."

    Reviewed by TomJun 2021

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Summary

  • All-ground-floor
  • One double bedroom
  • Shower room with large enclosed shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • Kitchen
  • Living/dining room with woodburning stove
  • Oil central heating and woodburning stove
  • Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge with ice box, washing machine, TV, WiFi, selection of books and games
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot and highchair available on request
  • Roadside parking available on a first-come, first-served basis
  • Shared front garden with lawn and patio with seating, and a private shed with bike storage
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop and pub 0.3 miles

The property

Nestled in the idyllic village centre of Ballater is this intimate semi-detached annexe, a snug base for a couple looking to explore the Cairngorms National Park.

Gairnlea Cottage welcomes you into a beautiful enclosed garden, shared with the adjoining property, boasting amazing views of the surrounding countryside hills and the local church, a perfect spot to dine alfresco or sip on your morning coffee.

Step inside and feel at home as you admire the chic furnishings in the living/dining room, here you can snuggle up on the stylish sofa for a film night as the woodburning stove warms the room, or tuck into your delicious home-cooking on the tall dining table as you toast to a wonderful trip away.

Resting behind is the well-equipped kitchen, fitted with an electric oven and hob, a microwave, a fridge with an ice-box and a washing machine.

As the evening draws to a close, find the inviting double bedroom, decorated to a high standard with ample storage and bedside lamps for an evening read.

Serving the bedroom is a glossy shower room, benefiting from a large sumptuous enclosed shower and a heated towel rail, complemented with contemporary features throughout.

Gairnlea Cottage is an ideal resting spot for a romantic escape to Scotland.

Note: This property can be booked as a group with Ref: 1053964, together sleeping up to six guests.

EPC Rating: Band G

EPC Rating: Band G

View on map

About the location

BALLATER

Braemar 17 miles; Grantown-on-Spey 38.5 miles; Aberdeen 40 miles.

Situated on the banks of the River Dee, the delightful village of Ballater is a centre for tourism and has much to offer visitors to the area, particularly because of its location in the Cairngorms National Park and its close proximity to Balmoral Castle. This attractive village has a lovely neat village green, specialist shops, charming tea rooms and superior granite cottages, all adding to its genteel ambience. The River Dee flows through Ballater and is well renowned for its salmon fishing during the fishing season. Royal Deeside is so-called because of its connection to the Royal Family, who have frequently visited the town since the time of Queen Victoria. There is excellent walking all around the area, as well as outdoor activities such as cycling, golf, skiing or wildlife excursions. The popular centres of Grantown-on-Spey and Aviemore are within easy reach, as is the city of Aberdeen.

View more holiday cottages in Ballater

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute