An idyllic holiday cottage in Scotland
Immerse yourself in the serenity of Rothiemurchus as you explore the paths that wind through the enchanting forest. Listen to the gentle rustling of leaves, breathe in the fresh pine-scented air, and marvel at the ever-changing colours that paint the landscape throughout the seasons in this holiday cottage in the Highlands, Scotland.
- 2 Bedrooms 2 adults + 2 children | Dogs Welcome
- Lochside Location
- Wildlife haven
- Wood Burning Stove
- Doorstep access to Loch an Eilein
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.
‘Thank you for a wonderful visit to the Forest Cottage in the Scottish Highlands. The cottage was wonderfully modern with a ‘forest’ experience.’ September 2023
2 Bedrooms | 2 Adults + 2 Children | 1 Bathroom | Dogs Welcome
- Beautiful wooded loch side location
- Direct access to many scenic walking paths
- Wood burning fireplace
- Large enclosed garden
Prepare to be enchanted as you take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Caledonian pine forest during your drive to the red-roofed cottage. This magical journey sets the tone for a truly memorable and immersive experience in the heart of nature. Sounds of birdsong, the wild beauty of the forest around you and its earthy evergreen scents – these surroundings are a balm for all the senses that will restore peace, balance and tranquility the moment you arrive. Homes and Interiors Scotland Magazine wrote: “Falling asleep with the stars twinkling through the skylight, surrounded by abundant trees and wildlife, is nothing short of magical.”
LIVING
As you step inside you’ll see the interiors thoughtfully reflect both the infinite variety of woods and greens of the forest, and the vintage fabrics and simple furnishings that would have been found in this cottage over the centuries. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the inviting atmosphere of the cottage, starting with the high ceilings and abundant natural light that fills the open kitchen and dining space. This bright and airy area sets the stage for warm gatherings, culinary delights, and memorable moments shared with loved ones. The kitchen is fitted with all the luxury appliances you could wish for – from a big range oven to a wine fridge.
Connected to the kitchen, you’ll find the inviting lounge area, where double high ceilings and a stone hearth create a sense of grandeur and warmth. The centerpiece of the room is a cozy wood-burning stove, offering both visual and physical comfort as the logs crackle and hiss. Situated near the large window, a delightful window seat invites you to curl up with a good book or simply gaze out at the beautiful garden beyond. This cozy nook provides a tranquil space for relaxation and reflection, allowing you to immerse yourself in the soothing sights and sounds of nature. Forest Cottage has a large bookshelf adorned with a variety of books and boardgames. But for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing movie night or catch up on their favorite shows, fear not—there is a smart TV discreetly placed in the lounge.
The bedroom is fairy-tale romantic with its super-king bed and red and white cabin-luxe decor. It leads through to a luxury contemporary bathroom which incorporates little touches of decadence amongst the simplicity of the woodland surroundings. You have a rain shower, whirlpool bath and even a cleverly hidden flat screen TV at one end of the bathtub.
There is a second bedroom upstairs that features two twin beds. Due to the unique architecture in this particular bedroom, we recommend it for children rather than adults as it has limited headspace.
OUTSIDE
From the front door you’ll see glimpses of the pine-clad mountains beyond the loch. You can make your way down the heather fringed path to where the forest opens out and the loch laps against the shore. The water reflects the ever-changing Highland skies, and the trees frame a truly incredible view in any weather. The lonely loch island with its ghostly ruined castle seems to float before you, and the forested slopes of the mountains fade into the distance beyond. Take a moment to relax on the outdoor seating area, basking in the tranquility of the surroundings. Whether you’re savoring your morning coffee or enjoying an al fresco meal, the garden offers a serene backdrop for outdoor relaxation. The fully enclosed garden ensures your dog will enjoy their holiday as much as you. The dog-friendly aspect of the cottage extends beyond the garden, as Aviemore and its surrounding areas are known for their pet-friendly amenities. Explore nearby nature trails, go for leisurely walks by the loch, or venture into the stunning Cairngorms National Park, all while enjoying the company of your loyal four-legged friend.
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 The Highland Soap Company
- 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: FS546841767
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is band G.
- Charcoal barbecue
- Dishwasher
- Drying cupboard
- DVD player
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen televisions in lounge, bedroom and bathroom
- Fridge freezer
- Full range of appliances, crockery and cutlery
- Hair dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Lavazza coffee making machine
- Lavazza milk warmer/frother
- Off road parking
- Range cooker
- Storage for sports equipment
- Telephone
- Under floor heating in bathroom
- Under floor heating in kitchen
- Unlimited firewood
- Washer/Dryer
- Welcome hamper with food and drink from the Farm Shop
- Wi-Fi Internet access
- Wood burning stove
HISTORY
Forest Cottage’s Hidden History
From the 1800s until relatively recently, the cottage was home to generations of Rothiemurchus foresters. Since those days it has been lived in by several families – many of whom would have worked in different roles in the estate.
Artist Ann Vastano grew up very near the cottage and shared her memory of Forest Cottage when the Lorimer family were tenants: “I remember when old Mrs Lorimer lived here…One day, we were walking back from school with a friend Rhona, who lived up at Achnagoichan, it was a fairly long walk…just as we were passing the cottage, old Mrs Lorimer bustled out and insisted we come in for something to eat, and she laid a table with tea, cake and jelly, it was story book material. She was a remarkable octogenarian at this time, cycling everywhere and was even spotted up on her roof fixing after some storm damage. She also used to keep the most amazing garden in the walled area opposite the cottage.”
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 57 customer reviews
LOCATION
Forest Cottage is incredibly accessible by road, rail and air. Situated less than 10 minutes’ drive from Aviemore, 35 minutes’ 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 miles from Forest 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
Forest 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.