unspoiled views of loch an Eilein
Immerse yourself in this tranquil and serene location within the stunning Cairngorm National Park. Here, you can truly retreat, unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. A Highland luxury cottage that is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, an abundance of native wildlife and a sense of complete peace.
- 1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 2 Guests | Dogs Welcome
- Breathtaking loch side location
- Wildlife haven
- Unlimited wood for Wood Burning Stove
- Doorstep access to walks
Thank you for your interest in our luxury cottages in Aviemore. We offer check in/out days on Mondays and Fridays, allowing you to plan your stay with convenience and ease. We require a minimum stay of 3 nights to ensure that you have ample time to fully enjoy your Highland getaway.
Short breaks – weekend and mid-week stays are available throughout the year!
We understand that each guest may have unique preferences and scheduling needs, and we are committed to providing exceptional service to ensure your stay is tailored to your requirements. Whether you have specific date preferences or any other requests, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to assisting you in planning your memorable stay at our luxury cottage +44 (0)1479 436100.
“This loch-side cottage makes all your Scottish highland fantasises come true”. Daily Telegraph
1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 2 Guests | Dogs Welcome
Prepare to be enchanted as you embark on an exquisite drive up to this luxury cottage. The journey itself is a feast for the senses along the tree lined road and views towards Loch an Eilein.
LIVING
The heart of the home is the open-plan living area, where the boundaries between the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces gracefully merge. This design concept encourages interaction and makes it the perfect space for socializing, whether you’re cooking, enjoying a meal together, or simply relaxing by the wood burning fireplace. The cottage is stocked with books and board games to enjoy on those long dark nights or sit back and watch your favourite shows on the Smart TV.
The kitchen is a culinary haven, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and modern conveniences, ensuring that preparing meals is a pleasure. A couple of window seats to choose from allows you to gaze out onto one of the most beautiful views in all the Highlands from the kitchen or living room.
When it’s time to retreat to the bedroom, you can expect nothing less than a blissful night’s sleep in the sumptuous super king bed with 600 thread count bed linens. Bask in the warm glow from the double sided wood burning stove in your bedroom, surrounded by elegant furnishings and serene ambiance. The bedroom window looks out onto the private garden, inviting you to keep the curtains open to enjoy the vast dark sky.
Enjoy feeling the soothing warmth envelop your feet as you enter the bathroom. Regardless of the time of year or the temperature outside, you can enjoy a cozy and relaxing experience every time you step in. Just off the bedroom you’ll find a lovely conservatory- with large surrounding windows to take in the back garden and forest beyond. The perfect sitting room to enjoy a quiet moment.
OUTSIDE
You’ll feel happily secluded outside without being completely isolated as the walking path around the loch is nearby. Use the picturesque patio for a delicious BBQ on long summer nights or sit out in the depths of winter bundled up, star gazing. You will be regularly visited by the local wildlife – deer, red squirrels, badgers and Highland birds. When (or if) you eventually decide to stray further than the loch and its forested shores, you’ll be right in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, with its dramatic, mountainous landscapes, charming towns and villages and an endless range of outdoor activities – if you feel inclined to a little exercise. If not, there are plenty of fabulous spots where you can just stop to breathe in the priceless clear Highland air and the endless views. The beautiful loch and walks from your doorstep makes this one of the most exclusive Highland luxury cottages.
CHILDREN
Cots and highchairs can be provided during your stay, just let us know in advance and we’ll have them in the property for your arrival. Please note, since most little ones prepare their own comforts, we don’t provide cot sheets.
PETS WELCOME
We love dogs and gladly accept them into our properties – we charge a £25 pet fee to cover the extra cleaning charges to keep everything extremely pristine for you and other guests. Please see our terms and conditions for more information about pets.
PROVIDED
- Welcome hamper
- Linen, towels and flannels
- Luxury soap, hand cream, shampoo, conditioner and body wash products by Noble Isle
- Salt and pepper and a selection of herbs and spices
- Tea, coffee and sugar
- Coffee capsules
- Hypo-allergenic pillows and duvets available on request
- Olive oil
- Kitchen cleaning materials – Washing up liquid, washing up cloth and brush, dishwasher tablets
- Laundry essentials: Washing machine liquid and softener
- Kitchen essentials: Oven gloves, kitchen roll, aluminium foil, baking parchment, cling film, bin bags
- Bathroom cleaner
- Firelighters and matches
Short-term Let License Number: FS546866714
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is band E.
- Bluetooth speaker
- Charcoal barbecue
- Dishwasher
- Drying cupboard in sit-outerie
- DVD player
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen television with Freeview channels and Netflix connection
- Fridge freezer
- Full range of appliances, crockery and cutlery
- Full size fridge freezer
- Hair dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Lavazza coffee making machine
- Lavazza milk warmer/frother
- Off road parking
- Outdoor eating space
- Range cooker
- Secure storage for bikes/sports equipment
- Smart TV in living room with Freesat
- Storage for sports equipment
- Telephone
- Toaster and kettle
- Tumble dryer
- Under floor heating in bathroom
- Unlimited firewood
- Washing machine
- Welcome hamper with food and drink from the Farm Shop
- Wi-Fi Internet access
- Wine cooler
- Wood burning stove
The tranquil interiors of the cottage invite you to unwind and relax in style. The cool neutral palette, inspired by the serene waters of the loch and the reflection of the Highland sky, creates a soothing ambiance. Every detail has been carefully chosen to evoke a sense of tranquility and to mirror the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding heathery mountains. Loch an Eilein cottage was designed by leading London designer Fanny Ward. You’ll experience a sense of luxury and most importantly comfort.
HISTORY
Loch an Eilein Cottage’s Hidden History
Loch an Eilein (pronounced “lochan-yellen”) is Gaelic for Loch of the Island. It’s named for its little island with a ruined castle, originally dating from the early 14th century. The cottage looks straight out to the castle from its secluded position on the western shore. The castle itself is steeped in history, originally built as a sanctuary from clan war bands, who would frequent the ‘Thieves’ Road’ on the loch’s eastern shore to reach and plunder the herds of cattle in Strathspey.
In 1690, Government forces defeated a Jacobite army at the Battle of Cromdale, and the surviving stragglers retreated via Aviemore, attacking Loch an Eilein Castle as they passed by. Incredibly, they were held off by the occupants – a group of women, children and old folk. The castle eventually fell into disuse in the late 1700s. There is also a local legend that a zigzag underwater causeway once linked the castle island to the shore, but sadly no evidence has ever been found to prove its existence.
In 1813 Sir John Peter Grant built the cottage as a folly, first for his wife and then gifted to his daughters Elizabeth and Jane. He repaired and improved the cottage for them, adding a back kitchen and a flower garden.
The daughters adored the cottage, and in ‘Memoirs of a Highland Lady‘, Elizabeth wrote;
“We had a pantry and a store room, well-furnished both of them, and many a party we gave there, sometimes a boating and fishing party with a luncheon, sometimes a tea with cakes of our own making, and a merry walk home by moonlight.”
She also writes of seeing “fish eagles” (ospreys) nesting on the walls of the castle
Below you’ll find a lovely collection of Extras that will make your stay that much more special
Doggy Day Care
A home away from home for your furry friends at Canine Manor, Rothiemurchus, Aviemore. Canine manor is a small doggie day care and grooming centre based on Rothiemurchus. We provide a safe, comfortable environment for your dog with lots of playtime and snuggles from our staff.
Private Chef
Enjoy a luxurious dining experience during your holiday with one of our highly recommended chefs. Allow yourself to fully unwind and immerse yourself in the moment while our skilled chef takes care of all your culinary needs.
Bespoke Ready Meals
From their base amongst the forests and mountains of the Cairngorms, Speyside Kitchen crafts delicious meals and dishes for everyone to enjoy, inspired by our local landscape and made with passion from local ingredients.
5 Star Service Package
Hidden Highland Retreats now offer a personalised five star service to their self catering cottages set in enviable private settings on Rothiemurchus. The five star service features a private chef and supporting housekeeping during your stay.
Rothiemurchus Activities
Rothiemurchus offers a whole host of exciting outdoor activities for everyone. Some that can be enjoyed with your two feet firmly planted on the floor, such as; Archery, Wildlife Photography. However, for those that enjoy something slightly more exhilarating a few feet above the land, you’ll relish our pony trekking, or quad bike trekking to name but a few.
Private Tour of Rothiemurchus by Land Rover
Embark on a captivating journey into the rich history, natural wonders, and captivating wildlife of Rothiemurchus. Led by our knowledgeable and friendly Rothiemurchus Ranger, you will delve into the heart of this remarkable estate and experience its many treasures.
Private Falconry Experience
Rothiemurchus offers an exclusive and exhilarating falconry experience that will leave you soaring with excitement! Our diverse collection of magnificent birds, ranging from owls to hawks and eagles, guarantees a captivating encounter. This bespoke experience lasts up to 2 hours, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of birds of prey. Capture unforgettable […]
Forest to Plate
Consistent with Government policy, Rothiemurchus carries out a cull of native wild Red and Roe deer, keeping nature in balance and conserving the natural heritage of the land. On this experience, you will go behind the scenes at Rothiemurchus over one or two days.
Whisky Food Safari
Indulge in a truly extraordinary whisky tasting and food pairing experience unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of whisky, expertly curated and hosted by the renowned write and broadcaster, Ghillie Basan. By breaking down the aromas and tastes in the whisky you then build them up in the food so that they complement one another on your flavour journey.
Whisky
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of whisky by embarking on a remarkable journey through the Speyside distilleries. Nestled in this renowned whisky region, these distilleries boast a rich history and heritage that offer an unparalleled experience for whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
Wild Swimming
Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Cairngorms National Park with a refreshing and invigorating ‘wild’ dip in one of the region’s stunning lochs. There is simply no better way to connect with nature and experience the raw power and tranquility of these pristine waters. Whether you seek a thrilling plunge or a serene […]
Foraging
A truly one-off experience with Zeki Basan, and inspirational expert in foraging and woodcraft. Choose from a day, half day or two hours in the company of Zeki, learn skills like preparing and cooking a foraged meal; the medicinal and practical uses for the plants, trees and fungi of the local forest; salmon skin tanning; or carving in wood or bone.
Wellness
Indulge in moments of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the breathtaking setting of Rothiemurchus. Enhance your well-being and embrace a sense of tranquility with a range of wellness experiences available during your holiday.
Sauna
Loch an Eilein was famously once voted Britain’s favourite picnic spot. Enjoy the picture perfect Loch an Eilein and create unforgettable memories with our exclusive picnic experience. Picture a picturesque setting, the sparkling waters of the loch, and the enchanting surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect backdrop for a romantic al fresco lunch.
Hidden Highland Weddings
Rothiemurchus has long been the venue for romantic, intimate wedding ceremonies and elopements. Many couples have held their ceremony on the shore of beautiful Loch an Eilein itself*. Our two-sleeper cottages make the perfect elopement location, and a dream honeymoon destination to celebrate the start of your new life together.
If you would like to book any of these wonderful extras for your stay, please let us know and we’ll have it all arranged for you.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 32 customer reviews
LOCATION
Loch an Eilein Cottage is incredibly accessible by road, rail and air. Situated a mere 10-minute drive from Aviemore, a 35-minute drive from Inverness through stunning Highland scenery and just over an hour’s flight from London, you can be at the heart of the Scottish Highlands quicker than you may think.
BY RAIL
Aviemore Station is 2 ½ miles from Loch an Eilein Cottage and taxis are readily available. It is serviced by direct National Express and Caledonian Sleeper services from London and the south, and has links to all major cities (3 hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh). You can pick up a taxi from outside Aviemore Station or you can book a taxi on 01479 812 000 or 01479 811 111. If you aren’t heading straight to the cottages, you can leave your luggage with Aviemore Luggage Storage so you can easily explore without carrying your bags around with you.
Car hire – you can travel to Aviemore by train, and collect your hire car from Aviemore Car & Van Hire right outside the train station. Please see www.aviemorecarhire.co.uk who will meet you off even the earliest or latest trains.
The newly refurbished Caledonian Sleeper is the most luxurious and romantic way to arrive here and pulls in around 7am at Aviemore Station. If you would like to arrive in even more style, please speak to us about arranging use of the private helicopter landing pad on the estate.
BY ROAD
Loch an Eilein Cottage is situated about 3 miles from the main A9 road from Perth to Inverness and 10-minutes by car from Aviemore.
BY AIR
Inverness Airport is only a 45-minute drive away, taking you through some stunning landscapes on the fast A9 road. Direct flights take just over an hour from London, with British Airways serving the airport daily from London Heathrow and Easyjet 3-5 times a day from London (Gatwick and Luton). LoganAir fly direct daily from Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast. Daily flights with KLM link Inverness to Amsterdam Schiphol, which then links to another 176 European cities. From Inverness Airport, you can collect a hire car from a number of competitively-priced providers.
We have a safe landing site if you would like to arrive by private helicopter. Please speak to us to arrange landing and onward transport to the cottage.
