Balnagowan Cottage - family friendly cottage
Nethy Bridge - Cottage
Accommodation
Description
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.
Availability
Balnagowan Cottage is available for weeks and short breaks year-round. We are delighted to welcome you from 4pm and departure is 10am.
What’s included
Heating and electricity
Bed linens and towels
Hand wash
Cleaning products, toilet roll, kitchen roll
Salt, pepper, spices
Tin foil, cling film
Welcome gift
Visit Scotland Welcome Scheme Information
Parking for 4 cars outside the property
Smart TV
Smart Speaker
65 mbps Wi-Fi internet (suitable for video streaming)
24-hour help service
The area
Tucked 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.
Overview
Bedroom 1/Office - Single or pull-out king-size sofa bed
Bedroom 2 - Single-over-double bunk bed
Bedroom 3 - King-size en suite with shower
Bedroom 4 - Two singles
Bedroom 5 - Low single plus full-size cot/crib
5 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms
Sleeps 8-10
Family bathroom with shower
Family bathroom with bath
Living room with smart TV
Kitchen/dining room
Utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer
Private 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.
Special features
Bedroom(s)
Independent kitchen (electric)
Bathroom(s)
Views
General
Accommodation Registration Number: HI-70476-FDistribution of bedrooms
Mandatory or included services
Optional services
Your schedule
Security Deposit (refundable)
Comments
- Dangerous animals are admitted in this accommodation.
Map and distances
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Distances
Nature reserve - Cairngorm National Park
0 m
River - River Spey
500 m
Restaurant - Andersons, Boat of Garten Hotel
1 km
Golf course - Boat of Garten Golf Club
1 km
Town centre - Boat of Garten
1 km
Shops - Village Shop. nearby C0-0p, Tesco, Aldi
1 km
Lake - Loch Garten
4.01 km
Amusement park / theme park - Landmark Adventure Park
5 km
Thermal springs - Dalfaber Golf and Country Club
6 km
Train station - Aviemore Railway Station
8 km
Bus station - Bus stop at the train station
8 km
Ski Slope - Cairngorm Mountain
9.99 km
Sand beach - Loch Morlich
9.99 km
Rock beach - Loch an Eilean
9.99 km
Water park - Loch Insh Watersports
12.01 km
Airport - Inverness Airport
50 km
Booking conditions
From the booking date until 31 days before check-in, there is no cancellation penalty
In case of cancellation the following charges will apply
3D Virtual tour
Video
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Reviews
- 5/5Service
- 5/5Cleanliness
- 5/5Accommodation
- 5/5Location
- 5/5Value for money
First trip with the little ones!
Rob (United Kingdom)
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We took so much stuff for the children that we didn’t need, the house had everything, that parents with young children need! Even down to bath toys! The house was set up so perfect that my little boy wants to come back. Great location to roam the hisee more
We took so much stuff for the children that we didn’t need, the house had everything, that parents with young children need! Even down to bath toys! The house was set up so perfect that my little boy wants to come back. Great location to roam the highlands.
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Couldn’t fault it!!
Couldn’t fault it!!
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9 months
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Patricia
Patricia (-)
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What a great location for visiting Scotland! Firstly we traveled with kids who got so engrossed in the toys already in the home and therein started my holiday as there was no shouting for mummy! This was even before discovering the huge trampoline ansee more
What a great location for visiting Scotland! Firstly we traveled with kids who got so engrossed in the toys already in the home and therein started my holiday as there was no shouting for mummy! This was even before discovering the huge trampoline and swings outside that they loved! They needed to be watched as there’s a bit of a slope with a road on one side( but lots of trees shielding house from road), but it was a pleasure to be outdoors in the fresh air. Farm shop a few minutes walk away was great and we didn’t need a big supermarket shop. I highly recommend the Scottish blossom honey from Heather hills farm. The house had everything we needed to stay to enjoy it as well some sightseeing around including the steam train (adults enjoyed it more than the kids). The video/interactive view of the house plus the igloo Scot website blog about the location was super useful to have before hand and whilst there to get to know the history of the location. Thank you Nick
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1 year
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Airbnb review
Eduardo (-)
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This is one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed. The house is awesome, extremely well maintained and equipped. You immediately feel like you’re at home. This is the perfect place for families…they have everything (literally) you may need. My daughtsee more
This is one of the best Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed. The house is awesome, extremely well maintained and equipped. You immediately feel like you’re at home. This is the perfect place for families…they have everything (literally) you may need. My daughter and my nephew loved the outside area, all the toys and books. If you’re looking for a peaceful holiday in beautiful surroundings, this is the place to stay. We loved it! Thank you Nick and the Igloo team. Perfect stay.
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8 months
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Excellent
Beth (-)
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Balnagowan Cottage had everything we needed and was homely, comfortable and warm. Having a washing machine after getting muddy on walks and bike rides was fantastic and much needed. The surrounding area of Nethy Bridge is beautiful and a perfect locasee more
Balnagowan Cottage had everything we needed and was homely, comfortable and warm. Having a washing machine after getting muddy on walks and bike rides was fantastic and much needed. The surrounding area of Nethy Bridge is beautiful and a perfect location for local walks and exploring the Cairngorms.
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11 months
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Excellent
Beth (-)
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Nick’s place had everything we needed and was homely, comfortable and warm. Having a washing machine after getting muddy on walks and bike rides was fantastic and much needed. The surrounding area of Nethy Bridge is beautiful and a perfect location fsee more
Nick’s place had everything we needed and was homely, comfortable and warm. Having a washing machine after getting muddy on walks and bike rides was fantastic and much needed. The surrounding area of Nethy Bridge is beautiful and a perfect location for local walks and exploring the Cairngorms.
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1 year
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Excellent
Clare (United Kingdom)
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The guest has not left any comments in this review
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