Notes from the host
Balnagowan Cottage - Family Friendly Cottage
Secluded yet central, this contemporary 5-bedroom cottage is thoughtfully equipped for families and seasoned explorers alike. Tastefully decorated with local artwork, the Scandi/Modern interior is comfortable, clean and clutter-free. With expansive views across the Spey Valley, a half-acre private garden includes a sycamore grove, playground, double hammock and firepit.Balnagowan Cottage is a stylish and modern basecamp for anyone exploring the Cairngorms National Park and its attractions. A cosy living room with views across the Spey Valley is the perfect spot to light a log fire and retire after a long day of hiking. The open concept kitchen/dining area plus breakfast bar is a convivial space for preparing meals, made easier by a suite of appliances including an air fryer, waffle maker and food processor. High-speed fibre internet (65/15 mbps) and reliable cellular/data service is available throughout the home. If you must bring work with you, make yourself comfortable in the downstairs office with a daybed and double patio doors that open onto the quiet, wooded garden.Outside is half an acre for you to enjoy as you please: a BBQ on the patio, a sun-dappled snooze in the hammock or some toasted marshmallows around the fire pit. The garden is planted with herbs and native wildflowers, which attract rare species such as Bombus Monticola (the blaeberry bumblebee). There are dens to be built in the sycamore grove – that’s if the children get bored of the slide, the tree swings, the 13’ in-ground trampoline and the mini mountain bike pump track … big kids or small, your Highland playground awaits! Pets are welcome to join the family at Balnagowan Cottage.Bringing the kids‘Home away from home’ takes on a whole new meaning if you’re travelling here as a family! The versatile sleeping arrangements feature 5 bedrooms, including a full-size cot and a toddler-accessible platform bed. Stair gates (up and down) mean you can relax while your little ones explore their new surroundings. Meanwhile, black-out window coverings (essential for the long summer nights) and white noise in every bedroom maximise the possibility of rest and relaxation for all. Other children’s items include two high chairs, a bottle brush/steriliser, silicone bibs, children’s tableware, Bumbo, baby pod, baby swing, bath seat, non-slip bath mat, changing mat and nappy bags/bins.AvailabilityBalnagowan Cottage is available for weeks and short breaks year-round. We are delighted to welcome you from 4pm and departure is 10am.What’s includedHeating and electricityBed linens and towelsHand washCleaning products, toilet roll, kitchen rollSalt, pepper, spicesTin foil, cling filmWelcome giftVisit Scotland Welcome Scheme InformationParking for 4 cars outside the propertySmart TVSmart Speaker65 mbps Wi-Fi internet (suitable for video streaming)24-hour help serviceThe areaTucked away among the trees, this house feels like a private retreat. And yet it is located right in the heart of Nethy Bridge, barely a few hundred yards from the village cafe, farm shop and hotel with bar/restaurant. The Dell of Abernethy hosts regular events at their fireside tipi, including supper clubs, craft fairs and yoga. Additionally, the village hall has an intermittent schedule of ceilidhs and concerts. A short walk takes you down to the Nethy riverwalk, the Balnagowan Woods for blaeberry picking (July to October) and the Dell Woods to catch glimpses of Cairngorm Mountain through the ancient pine trees (and, if you look carefully among the undergrowth, the fairy houses!). The Speyside Way passes right by the house for off-road hiking and biking to nearby lochs and villages.Nethy Bridge itself is a popular destination for wildlife lovers since the filming of BBC Springwatch, with ospreys and white-tailed eagles nesting nearby. An assortment of nature walks and guided hikes to destinations throughout the Cairngorms National Park depart from the village. But if your version of ‘wildlife’ involves watching from the window as roe deer graze and barn owls hunt, then grab the popcorn: it’s all happening right outside the living room!The Fry Shack visits Nethy on a Monday evening with its offering of fresh fish and chips. The Dell Grocer supplies meal kits and Black Isle beer by pre-order, delivered within the village for free. On the Nethy side of Grantown is KJ’s Bothy Bakery (formerly the Mountain Café in Aviemore), which serves a sensational selection of sweet treats and barista-made coffee. Anderson’s Wood-Fired Pizza (behind Anderson’s Restaurant in Boat of Garten) has hand-stretched doughs and seasonal toppings to go. All major supermarkets deliver to this location (e.g. Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda) and there is a well-stocked Co-op in Grantown. Bikes, skis, paddle boards, kayaks and hot tubs are available for hire locally.OverviewBedroom 1/Office - Single or pull-out king-size sofa bedBedroom 2 - Single-over-double bunk bedBedroom 3 - King-size en suite with showerBedroom 4 - Two singlesBedroom 5 - Low single plus full-size cot/crib5 bedrooms, 3 full bathroomsSleeps 8-10Family bathroom with showerFamily bathroom with bathLiving room with smart TVKitchen/dining roomUtility room with washing machine, tumble dryerPrivate garden on half an acre with patio, outdoor furniture, BBQ grill, fire pit, in-ground 13’ trampoline, tree swings, slide and mountain bike pump track.Accessibility - there is a ramp to access the property at the back door. Two bedrooms, a shower room and social areas are on the ground floor.
