Pure escapism: a secluded bothy for 2, with a wood-fired hot tub and exuberant interiors
Space & setting.
Tucked away on the breathtaking Glen Dye estate in Aberdeenshire, this is a seriously romantic retreat. Surrounded by 15,000-acres of ancient forests, rolling moorland, and the gentle flow of the River Dye, it’s the perfect place to disconnect from the bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in nature together; for a special occasion or just because. Though the bothy’s brickwork dates back to the 1700s, it now blends timeless character with modern comforts. Rise early from the sumptuous kingsized bed to watch spectacular sunrises from the east-facing garden terrace and really listen to the dawn chorus. Spend the day muddying your boots on the estate’s endless trails, then fire up your private, wood-fired hot tub to bubble in with a glass of wine. As the stars begin to emerge, you can rug up and rustle up a feast in the outdoor kitchen – built traditionally, without any nails (don’t worry, there’s an indoor kitchen too; this is just a cool extra). You won’t have to go far to get ingredients for either; the estate’s ‘wee shop’ has a selection of fresh organic groceries, including local meat, fish, veggies from the garden, and eggs from the hens. Guests also have exclusive access to the estate’s sauna, and the Glen Dye Arms, a cosy BYOB pub with a roaring log fire and a treasure trove of vinyl records. All in all, an idyllic roost in the raw, Scottish wilderness.
Getting here: best to drive (40 mins from Aberdeen airport), but you can train to Stonehaven, then taxi (35 mins)
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Plus gifts on arrival when you book with Kip.
Sustainability.
All cleaning products are eco-friendly. The water is from a natural spring. Where possible, everything is recycled.
Surrounds.
- Explore the Scottish wilderness: vast moors, rocky crags and big skies. Clachnaben Tor offers far-reaching views and maps and suggested loops await.
- Swim in the clear, cool waters of the rivers that lace the landscape; the owners will point you to their favourite spots.
- Adventurous on-site activities include bushcraft, Vinyasa yoga, wild wellness and more.
- Fill the larder from Finzean Farm Shop. Their honey, wild venison and home-reared beef will give you some of the freshest local flavours.
- Spot butterflies, skylarks and lizards among the dunes at St Cyrus; a sandy windswept beach.
- Visit the evocative coastal ruins of Dunnottar Castle, once an impregnable fortress and host to ancient celebrities including William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots.
- While at the coast, feast on the catch of the day with a seafood feast at The Tolbooth.
- Fill up on traditional fayre at The Boat Inn at Aboyne, a cosy, old coaching inn on the banks of the River Dee.
- Walk the circuit around Loch Muick, part of the Balmoral Estate, ringed with mountains and Scottish scenery, and a particular favourite of Queen Victoria. After wet weather, take the path through the woods to visit Glas Allt Falls as they cascade over the rocks.
- In winter, enjoy the pistes and snow sports of the Glenshee ski area.
- Take a distillery tour to learn how one of Scotland’s most famous exports is made. Fettercain and Royal Lochnagar Distilleries are both excellent.
Specifics.
- Secluded cottage on a 15,000-acre estate
- Bedroom with kingsize bed
- Bathroom with bath and shower
- Bathrobes and Laura Thomas toiletries
- Fully equipped kitchen including cooker, fridge freezer and dishwasher; basics provided
- Homemade ready meals can be pre-ordered for your arrival
- Travel cot and high chair available on request
- Lovely lounge warmed by a fire, with books, board games, record player and records
- Washing machine and tumble dryer
- Outdoor kitchen with Big Green Egg BBQ and Ooni pizza oven
- Private wood-fired hot tub
- No 4G signal but good WiFi and a landline
- Dog-friendly!
- Staff available by phone should you need anything
- On-site BYOB pub, food and merchandise shop at the main hub (4 miles)
- Wood-fired sauna; book a slot
- Drive to shops, pubs and restaurants (15-60 mins)
- Bike hire nearby
- Booking conditions: a 2-night minimum stay; check-in/out Mon/Weds/Fri
- Remember to pack: extra charcoal and firelighters, walking boots, swimmers
Book your stay.
Surprise gift on arrival when you book with Kip!
30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations permitted 8+ weeks prior to stay, with deposit refunded minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 8 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In 4pm / out 10am
Yes absolutely, and there is no charge. They need to be kept off the furniture, and on the wider estate they need to be kept on a lead or under close control.
Bed linen, towels and tea towels, and a starter supply of loo rolls and kitchen paper. The food starter pack has olive oil, salt, pepper, tea bags and locally roasted coffee beans in it. Logs and kindling are also supplied.
The on-site shop sells excellent store cupboard essentials, delicious homemade ready meals and their own eggs. Open Mon-Fri 9-5, and Saturday 9-12. You can pre order groceries for your arrival, too.
The sauna is situated in The Sawmill at the main hub, and bookable in advance for 3-hour-long private slots. After you’ve booked your stay via Kip, the owners will send you a welcome email, which instructions to book a session.
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