The Secluded Valley Hideaway

1 Bedroom | 2 Guests | Pets Welcome

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A Secluded Hideaway

Reached by a private Estate road through the ancient Caledonian pine forest, Cairn Valley is a luxury self-catering Cairngorms cottage for two: a tranquil escape from everyday life, with walks from the door step.

  • Completely Private: A secluded setting reached only by a private Estate road.
  • Freestanding Bathtub: Below the skylight on the mezzanine, perfect for taking in the Dark Skies of the Highlands.
  • Fireside Evenings: A wood-burning fireplace, books and board games.
  • Dog Friendly: A large, fully enclosed garden for four-legged guests.

Living & Dining

Inside, the textures of heathery tweeds and the colours of a stormy Highland sky are the backdrop for luxurious furnishings and contemporary comforts.

  • The Lounge: Sit back with a dram by the wood-burning fireplace in the wing-back chair or on the cosy sofa, with books, board games, bird-watching guides and binoculars to hand.
  • Dining with a View: A window seat and perfectly positioned table look out to the woodland and the ancient ruins on the hill behind the cottage.
  • The Kitchen: An induction electric hob, cooker, fridge freezer, dishwasher and Lavazza coffee maker, plus cooking essentials such as oils and herbs.
  • Modern Touches: A TV with Freesat and apps for when you want to catch up on your favourite shows.

The Great Outdoors & Garden Room

Accessed only by a private Estate road through the Ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, Cairn Valley is a true Highland retreat, with Loch an Eilein, mountains and glens beyond the garden.

  • Al Fresco Living: An open sitting area with sofa, chairs and a small charcoal barbecue for morning coffee, drinks or dining outside.
  • The Garden Room: Once a waiting room at Aviemore railway station, now a light-filled space for reading, yoga, games or treatments from our recommended mobile therapists.
  • Dark Skies: Wrap up warm and star-gaze into the vast, clear skies the north of Scotland is known for.
  • Safe for Dogs: A large, fully enclosed garden on one side of the cottage.

The Bedroom & Spa Bathroom

A luxurious night's sleep awaits at the back of the cottage, with a mezzanine bathroom made for long, lazy soaks.

  • The Bedroom: A supremely comfortable super-king bed with Hungarian goose down pillows and quilts, wrapped in luxury linens.
  • The En-Suite: An invigorating rain shower and Noble Isle luxury toiletries.
  • The Mezzanine Bathroom: A freestanding tub beneath a Velux window that frames changeable skies and the birch wood.

Included For Your Stay

We aim to provide a seamless experience so you can focus on the scenery. From luxury toiletries to essential kitchen supplies, your stay is fully catered for from the moment you arrive.

  • The Welcome Hamper: A selection of local treats, plus tea, coffee, sugar and coffee capsules.
  • Highland Luxury: Toiletries by Noble Isle, luxury linen and towels. Hypo-allergenic pillows and duvets available with advance notice.
  • The Essentials: Olive oil, herbs and spices, laundry liquid, dishwasher tablets, kitchen essentials, firelighters and matches.
  • For Families & Pets: Cots and highchairs are available with advance notice (please bring cot sheets). Dogs are welcome for a small £25 cleaning fee.

Check Availability

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 28 customer reviews

I wish I could take this cottage home. I enjoyed hiking, fishing & falconry.
Heavenly spot!!
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Lee 06 Oct 2025
Our second time in this lovely cottage. So peaceful with walks on the doorstep. We'll be back again. Thanks to all at HHR! Pauline and Keith (+ Rosie and Gus - woof)
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18 Sep 2024
Thank you for a wonderful stay in this magical place! We came here to restore our spirits after 15+ years of parent care. We found joy, we must come back.
Ellen and Kay St. Louis MO USA
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13 Sep 2024
The most beautiful cottage, truly in the forest, with such amazing walks on the doorstep. Definitely will return! Ann, Cameron and Maggie July 2024
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29 Jul 2024
The perfect spot - splendid isolation! Couldn't ask for a more perfect place to relax and unwind. Lovely weather all week too. Definetly would be nice to return - perhaps in winter next time. Louise & Richard from Chester July 2024
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26 Jul 2024
Lovely and very well equipped cottage in a beautiful location. We have walked for miles in this stunning part of Scotland, and all from the door! The estate is very well managed and maintained. Old Bridge Inn is highly recommend as is The Cawdor Tavern.
x Edinburgh
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26 Apr 2024
What an incredible time we had here! A surprise birthday trip and a surprise proposal! Thank you for having us on a truly unforgettable weekend.
Ellie and Lottie Newark & Hampshire
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12 Apr 2024
Great cosy cottage in a beautiful and peaceful location, surrounded by nature. Love waking up to the chirpings of birds right by the window. The cottage was thoughtfully filled with everything we needed. We looked forward to coming back after our long walks. Thanks for the great hospitality. Daryl and Tiffany Poon Singapore
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16 Feb 2024
Delighted in the serene beauty of the Scottish HIghlands, our week at the charming Cairn Valley cottage was a perfect blend of indoor coziness and adventurous walks, hikes and morning jogs. Grateful for the tranquility at nature's embrace. A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff who made our stay memorable and much gratitude for the Scottish hospitality.
Luke and Lova Barrett from Madagascar Feb 2024
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05 Feb 2024
Utterly magical cottage in the most idyllic location. Could not ask for more! Thrilled to bits with our visits every evening with two big badgers, as well as red squirrels and birds. Stunning walks around the estate and we walked up Ben Macdui. We would highly recommend the Falconry Experience with Jonny. We will definitely be back! Samantha and Robert
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02 Dec 2023
That was our 3rd stay at Cairn Valley and we really love it there and the location is perfect!
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17 Nov 2023
A beautiful and generous gift to celebrate our retirement. Perfect house and location and decor! Francis and Paul - Glasgow October 2023
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20 Oct 2023
Thank you for providing a perfect nest in a peaceful location. Rua saw her first herd of deer. Meg loved going out for her morning runs with Lorna - straight onto the trails from the cottage door. Our best meals were from the estate shop, lots of lovely cheese, preserves and bbqs. We're sorry to go but leave feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and nourished by nature.
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David, Lorna and dogs 25 Aug 2023
We so enjoyed our stay, we both love the outdoors and bird watching. My husband has taken many photos of all the birds which we will name and write in our diary of the birds notes. We hope to visit again soon. James and Collette August 2023
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14 Aug 2023
Everything is thought of in this cottage, a truly memorable place to enjoy the surroundings, thank you Katie and team.
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Anonymous 26 Nov 2022
Absolute treasure of a hideaway cottage, have enjoyed our time here. Have spent time cycling and walking the native woodlands, so much bounty to see. Love the birdfeeders, our favourite spot is the window seat!
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Anonymous 05 Nov 2022
We had a fabulous holiday. As you can see from the photo Murphy really enjoyed it too. Was the comfiest bed I have ever slept in other than my own bed. The shower and bath were great and location to the loch was fantastic. Wildlife was great. You have thought of everything that made it a home from home. Will definitely recommend you to my friends and family.
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Anonymous 15 Jun 2022
What a week. This cottage is so beautiful and a perfect place to base ourselves in these wonderful surroundings. We nearly tried to take the bath with us! We named the garden pheasants Jasper and Mallorie - please look after them - and our visiting red squirrel and woodpecker! The track up by the ruins is the best way to walk to Loch an Eilein, where we met our fabulous neighbours and had drinks. Get paddleboards if you can - you won't regret it out there. And if you're out walking, don't take the wrong turn up Cairngorm like we did and end up at the top of Ben Macdui...Actually do! It was gorgeous and we wouldn't change a thing. Sorry to take up two pages....we could write a book about it...
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Anonymous 15 Apr 2022
We're so glad we picked this beautiful cottage for our honeymoon - we couldn't have had a more relaxing week! It was gorgeous even in the rain - so cosy - and utterly magical in the snow. Can't wait to come back!
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Anonymous 17 Feb 2022
What a truly magical Christmas getaway this has been. The cottage is so cosy and stunning we have been loathe to even leave for walks or shopping. We will most certainly be returning. Thank you so much.
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Anonymous 28 Dec 2021

Location

Despite its completely secluded location, Cairn Valley 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.

Getting Here . .

By Rail

Aviemore Station is 2 ½ miles from Cairn Valley 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

Cairn Valley 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.

Not sure which retreat?

Find the cottage that's right for you

Every one of our Highland hideaways has its own character. See them side by side – sleeps, beds and bathrooms, wood stoves, saunas, dog-friendly gardens and setting – and choose the one that suits your stay.

At a glance

Sleeps2 to 6 guests
Bedrooms1 to 3
DogsWelcome in every cottage
ExtrasSaunas, spa tubs & wood stoves
Discover a luxury holiday in the Scottish Highlands. Our beautifully restored traditional Scottish accommodation can be hired on a self-catered or fully pampered basis. Discover the Scottish Highlands with Hidden Highland Retreats

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