The Farm Bothy cottage offers luxury accommodation on a working sheep farm. It is self-contained, within a modern steading/barn conversion. We live in the other wing of the house. You can explore the farm, woodlands and our garden.
Ideally located for visiting nearby castles and distilleries the area also has great cycling, golfing, fishing and horse-riding. Our local pub is a mile away. The nearest town, Alford, has a pub, restaurant, shops, supermarket, parks and museums.
The space
The Farm Bothy cottage is located 30 miles west of Aberdeen in the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire, 5 miles from Alford.
The cottage is self-contained. Part of a converted barn/steading, it is light and modern with limestone tiles and bamboo flooring throughout and underfloor heating to keep you warm. There are two double bedrooms and a twin bedroom each with their own en suite facilities, whilst the largest bedroom also has a large plasma TV. One bathroom has both a shower and a bath, whilst the other two have a shower. There is a kitchen, living and dining area with oven, hob, fridge freezer and dishwasher, sofas, dining table and a desk.
A complimentary food basket is supplied on arrival (Cake, eggs, bread and milk). The owners are happy to provide other local produce on request at retail prices. There is Wifi throughout the property, although given the rural location, the average speed is less than 5 mbps.
You are welcome to explore the farm and get involved in feeding the animals, collecting your own eggs and picking your own seasonal vegetables and fruit. At lambing time you can help to feed the newly born lambs. We have two dogs - a friendly sheepdog called Tip and Isla our Vizsla.
Guests have access to 4km of farm woodland walks, with beautiful views over surrounding farmland to the hills including Bennachie, a well know local hill landmark. The owners are keen gardeners and you are welcome to relax in the extensive gardens and enjoy the superb views. With little light pollution, the location is perfect for sitting out on an evening, star gazing over a glass of wine.
We are ideally located for visiting a range of local attractions including castles and distilleries. Balmoral castle, the Queen’s Highland residence, is only a 45 minutes drive. We are 10 miles away from the stunning Cairngorms National Park and its excellent walking, climbing and winter sports amongst some of the finest Scottish Munros (mountains over 3000ft). There are lots of mountain biking trails and road cycling opportunities nearby, together with horse-riding, fishing on the famous Dee and Don rivers and golf courses. There are many National Trust for Scotland properties in the area including Craigievar, Crathes, Drum, Castle Fraser and Leith Castles and world famous distilleries nearby. Throughout the summer some local towns hold their Highland Games or shows including famous events such as the Braemar Highland Games and the Lonach Gathering.
The cottage is located near the town of Alford, home of the renowned Aberdeen Angus cattle, which has a full range of facilities including a pub, restaurants, takeaways and a wide range of shops including a supermarket, bakery and butcher.
Also situated in Alford are The Grampian Transport Museum and Alford Heritage Centre. Haughton Country Park on the banks of the Don is a large and popular park with a children's play area and woodland walks.
