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4 Guests
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2 Bedrooms
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1 Bathroom
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Pets Yes
Features
- Electric vehicle charging
- Off road parking
- Ground floor accommodation
- Ground floor bedroom
- Cot available
- Highchair available
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Games Room
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
24 Customer Reviews
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"Disappointed with the new decor in Derry."
Very dark & depressing. A sticking plaster job which detracts from the beauty of the building. We've stayed there 3 years in a row because it's close to Braemar and is situated in the most beautiful Scottish countryside but the interior has lost its charm. On a positive note, the housekeeping staff, in particular Pauline, are amazing.
Many thanks for your feedback and for the lovely comment about Pauline. Property Owner
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"Second stay here."
Beautiful grounds with easy access to multiple hiking trails. In general Derry Apartment is comfortable and well-maintained. Staff were helpful but unobtrusive. Only negative is lack of heat in the apartment itself. Hall radiators were main source of heat. Bring a sweater and enjoy.
Thank you for your feedback. We do have a maintenance team on site at Mar so if you stay again please do contact the team if you have any problems. We have a biomass boiler at Mar which we can deal with any problem quickly. Property Owner
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"DERRY was spectacular, spacious , tastefully and beautifully decorated whilst acknowledging in a most interesting way the Victorian period of the Lodge and how they then lived ."
. We felt totally relaxed here, found Staff to be most pleasant & informative and we thoroughly enjoyed long walks in this awesome countryside ..Thw entire holiday was an ode to life itself!
Many thanks for your kind words about Derry Apartment and the team at Mar who work really hard to ensure that the Lodge is to an excellent standard. Property Owner
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"We love the apartments at Mar Lodge and Derry suits us particularly well."
However we feel they are beginning to become too expensive, particularly because Derry only has one bathroom which can be a bit awkward when there are two couples. Compared with similar properties in the UK they are very expensive.
Thank you for your feedback, we are limited in what we can do with the apartments because of the construction of the building. We do try to be very clear as to what each apartment has in the way of facilities. Property Owner
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"This was my first time in the newly refurbished Derry apartment (my previous visits had been to Dalvorar) and I was could see that a lot of work had been put into updating the fixtures and fittings."
Thankfully all of the original wood panelling had been retained in the main corridor. However, visitors of a squeamish and / or anti-blood sports / Vegan / Vegetarian disposition might be a little overwhelmed by traditional array of stags’ heads which look down from the walls of the corridor.
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"Place is lovely as are the staff, always friendly and attentive."
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"We absolutely love Mar Lodge - it is a very magical place, and the apartments are extremely spacious and well equipped."
3 points of feedback about the Derry apartment: 1. All the east-facing windows leaked heavily during the rain. This didn't really affect us directly, though it did concern us as the water intake is causing damage to the plaster, woodwork and paintwork around these windows (both bedrooms and the living room). 2. The double bed mattress has seen better days and could be replaced. You can really feel the springs, and we did have a little back pain in the morning as the support isn't great. This seemed at odds with the standard of the other fittings, furniture and appliances. 3. The bath water doesn't get very hot - even if you run no cold water in at all, the hot water is warm at best. It's so nice to have a really hot bath after a day out walking in the cold weather, but we thought this could be improved. Many thanks. Matthew & Cahir.
Many thanks for your feedback. We are pleased to say that Derry is off line till mid February as it is being refurbished to a similar standard of MacDui apartment. Dalvorar will also be done in March and April. Property Owner
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"All staff we met were genuinely very open and friendly whilst also being unobtrusive when going about their work."
Was impressed that they contacted all guests to warn us about unusually difficult driving conditions on morning of departure. A bit too much information received from Sykes pre visit, could have been edited specifically to Lodge and not given repeatedly.
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"Beautiful accommodation in stunning setting."
Friendly, efficient, helpful staff.
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"Fantastic building our apartment was great very comfortable and perfect for us."
The walks and scenery is stunning. You do need to perform some maintenance in the bathroom the shower is very difficult to operate it does not turn off without major effort
Thank you for your comments and we have noted the comment about the shower. Property Owner
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"A wonderful property, all staff on site go out of their way to help"
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"The Mar Lodge and zest are are awesome."
It was more beautiful than we expected. It was apriveledge to stay there and we enjoyed our holiday immensely.
Thank you so much , glad you enjoyed your holiday at Mar Lodge and we would love to welcome you back. Property Owner
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"For years we have booked accommodation in National Trust properties."
It was a pleasure to deal with the National Trust directly. I feel it is a bad decision by the trust to hand out the booking to yourselves. This has resulted in us getting inappropriate information on what we need to do to make our stay more enjoyable. A good example of inappropriate information is the suggestion you sent saying it would be a good idea to take oven gloves to Mar Lodge. The National Trust supply oven gloves you should know that type of information.
Many thanks for your feedback about your stay at Mar Lodge. We have checked with Sykes and they do send out a handy check list for the guests who may not have stayed at a self catering property before. NTS Holidays Team. Property Owner
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"We have already given feedback in person."
Arrival - No directions once on site and same where to go and where to check in at the lodge. Directions to the room once inside fine. No one around to ask. Left on our own. We carted our luggage through the building, if we had been informed beforehand that access could have been via side door on the apartment this would save a lot of time. This was the only event that we were not happy with. Apart from description of the apartment not fully clear of what getting. Apartment itself was good.
Many thanks for your feedback about the check in arrangements and see if we can make them clearer for our guests. We are sorry that you feel the description of the apartment is not clear, we are unsure what you were missing as the photos and description show what is on offer. Overall we are glad that you were satisfied with the apartment. Property Owner
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"Have visited Derry many times over the last 16 years."
Very comfortable and spacious. Peaceful location. Only slight downside on this occasion was during our first week, the apartment above had some very heavy footed occupants. Otherwise, all good! Will definitely return, again.
Thank you very much for your comments and the score of 100%. We are not sure how we would deal with the heavy footed guests in the apartment above. We may put a note in to say that there are guests below as well. Property Owner
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"We had a great holiday."
Beautiful location and amazing accommodation
Thank you very much for your kind words, we hope to welcome you back to Mar Lodge Estate. Property Owner
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"Brilliant place."
Thank you and we agree with you! Property Owner
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"A fantastic property in a beautiful location"
Thank you for your feedback, we agree with you! Property Owner
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"Fantastic stay - could not believe the amount of space allocated per lodge."
Great facilities which allowed us to unwind from the moment we arrived with lovely walks right in the heart of the Cairngorms. Wifi could do with an upgrade as it only works within the main room only and could not accommodate multiple devices simultaneous use (looked old technology)
Thank you for your feedback, unfortunately we are quite a distance from the exchange and have to rely on the slow BT broadband. There are plans for a community wifi sponsored by the Scottish Govt in the future. Property Owner
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"The historical experience of staying in this stunning hunting lodge was lovely."
However, the kitchen facilities leave a lot to be desired. The crockery is thick, white and utilitarian. There is the minimum of everything and the cooking pans, esp the two non -stick frying pans are disgusting. I wouldn’t use them for camping! There was no griddle tray to put over the grill pan base so grilling bacon was impossible as the fat couldn’t drain away. The units seem painted in thick reddish paint, supposedly to look like mahogany. It doesn't, it looks like a cheap diy job. Overall, we loved the historic feel of the apartment, the grounds etc but the kitchen desperately needs overhauling immediately.
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"Have been to Mar Lodge before and loved it, however this time we took the downstairs apartment Derry."
The problem is ,we had cars and Van's parking across the sitting room window's and the bedroom windows and looking in. We reported this to the duty manager, who seemed quite concerned, and informed us the other downstairs apartment had the same problem. the next morning my wife was unfortunately caught in her underwear by a carpet van parked at our bedroom window. I think its only fair to let people know of this as the constant looking out for people looking in spoilt our break.
Thank you for your feedback. We do try very hard to discourage customers and trades people from parking at the front of the building and are sorry that on this occasion the vehicles were not moved. Property Owner
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"Great location, lots of great walking in the area."
Fantastic place to see the night sky, great to see the Milky Way.
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"This is our third visit to Mar Lodge and we continue to find it a very beautiful and tranquil part of the country."
The facilities are excellent apart from one issue that of the lack of secure bike storage. As far as we could see although there was a wooden rack in an (unlocked) shed, there was no facility to attach the bikes to something that was fixed to the floor or walls. In this day and age particularly with the increasing use of expensive e bikes, we feel this is a major omission and one that could very easily be addressed.
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"Should have a discreet sign to direct visitors to the rear of the building."
The entrance door is just not obvious.
Thank you for your feedback and we will pass it onto the Team at Mar Lodge. Property Owner
Summary
- All ground floor
- Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
- Bathroom with roll top bath, wheelchair-accessible shower, basin and WC
- Cloakroom with basin and WC
- Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area.
- Biomass central heating
- Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher
- TV, DVD player, WiFi
- Fuel and power inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Travel cot available on request
- Private water supply
- Off-road parking in rear car park
- Access to Mar Lodge Estate
- Two well-behaved dogs welcome
- Sorry, no smoking or vaping
- Shop and pub 4.1 miles
- Open fire is a feature only, not operational
- Electric vehicle charging is available at this property with prior arrangement via donation to NTS
- Holiday guests have access to the estate grounds outside of the regular opening hours
- The stag ballroom, grand dining room, library and drawing room at Mar Lodge can be hired separately for private events – please contact the lodge for further details on +44 (0)13397 41276
- Mar Lodge Ranger service runs a number of scheduled walks and events throughout the year- information on these can be found by visiting here
- The opening times, visitor facilities and entry prices of all National Trust for Scotland properties and attractions can be viewed on their website here
The property
Surrounded by rugged Munros, Caledonian pine forests and unique wildlife is the National Trust for Scotland's Mar Lodge Estate, where this quaint ground floor apartment is settled.
Found in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Derry offers an accessible base for a family or group of four looking to enjoy a rural getaway to Scotland.
Relish in a quiet evening in the comfort of the open-plan living space, making use of the contemporary amenities in the quaint kitchen, preparing a delicious meal to enjoy at the dining table, with incredible views of the lush pine forests as your unrivalled backdrop.
The lounge space sits in front of a large, bright window, boasting more exceptional views of the surrounding countryside, where you can enjoy a glass of wine during a family film night, or snuggle up on one of the sofas with a good book.
This property is the perfect choice for those with mobility difficulties, with a large bathroom benefiting from a wheelchair-accessible shower, as well as a deep roll top bath, where you can enjoy a soothing bubble bath, with the convenience of a cloakroom also found here.
Retire to one of the spacious bedrooms after a wonderful day of exploring the estate, choosing between a double and a twin, both with period-style décor, ample storage and differing views of the attractive scenery.
Delight in the acres of idyllic Scottish landscape and the fascinating history of Mar Lodge Estate in this remote retreat.
Choose Derry as your relaxing base during a memorable stay to Mar Lodge Estate.
This property can be booked alongside Refs. 1060439, 1060441, 1060442, 1060443, 1060444, 1060500, together sleeping up to 55 guests.
Exempt from needing a Scottish Licence to Short Term Let
EPC Rating: Band D
Mar Lodge Estate
Resting within the heart of the Cairngorms National Park is Mar Lodge, a beautiful Victorian sporting lodge that has been carefully restored by the National Trust for Scotland to offer wonderful holiday accommodation amidst one of the country's most iconic landscapes. With eight properties in total across the estate, Mar Lodge is ideal for large family gatherings or celebrations, providing couples and small groups with a perfect country retreat too. The picturesque lodge itself has been split into five luxuriously furnished apartments, including Dalvorar, Macdui, Braeriach, Derry and Bynack, whilst the remaining three, Claybokie, Garage Cottage and Creag Bhalg rest within a high-walled garden facing onto the river within the estate's pine woods. The main lodge is a true delight, with high ceilings, grand hallways and a fabulous billiards room, open to all apartments within the lodge at a small extra cost, the perfect space for socialising with your loved ones. This prime Highland estate has been visited by nobility since the medieval period and is now recognised as one of Scotland's most important conservation sites, with ongoing preservation work to maintain the beauty of the ancient Caledonian pine forest and to protect the native wildlife. If you're seeking a holiday rich in breath-taking scenery and outdoor adventures, then Mar Lodge Estate is a superb choice. Take walks through wooded glens, stroll alongside crystal clear burns and soak up the marvellous mountain scenery, with this estate being home to four of Britain's five highest mountains. Plenty of excitement can be had on a holiday here, with thrilling mountain-biking routes being perfect for adrenaline-seekers, the River Dee offering some of the best salmon fishing in the world, and classic sports like shooting and stalking being popular too. Head into the nearby village of Braemar for all your self-catering needs, home to a highly recommended local butcher, alongside some delightful cafés, shops and pubs to enjoy throughout your stay. Attractions nearby include the Queen's Balmoral Castle and Estate, with royalty often visiting the area since the estate was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, you can now visit too and attend a fascinating guided tour. Less than fifteen miles away is the Glenshee Ski Centre offering 40km of pistes for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months, so you can find excitement here all-year-round! History lovers will delight at the ease in which an array of wondrous NTS castles can be reached, including the fairytale delight of Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle, home to diverse wildlife and an impressive interior, and Drum Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses, all just a scenic drive away. Enjoy the wonders of this location from the luxury and comfort of Mar Lodge Estate.
About the location
BRAEMAR
Ballater 17 miles; Aberdeen 59 miles.
The village of Braemar in Royal Deeside sits amongst some of the most beautiful scenery Scotland has to offer. Nestling in the River Dee valley within the Cairngorms National Park, Braemar and the area around it are a treasure trove for the outdoor enthusiast, boasting 24 Munros, the highest 18-hole golf course in the country and close proximity to the Glenshee Ski Centre. The village offers plentiful opportunities for relaxation as well in the many cafes, shops and restaurants. The famous Highland Gathering in September, a favourite of Queen Elizabeth, is a spectacular feast of highland games, music and dancing. Inverness, Aberdeen and Perth are a great day out, are accessed through great scenery, and are well worth a visit. Royal Deeside boasts many rare wildlife and plant species such as capercaillie, roe deer, red squirrels and golden eagles. With Braemar and Balmoral Castles and the Royal Lochnagar Distillery in this area, there is indeed something for everyone in this delightful part of Scotland.
This property offers the following short breaks:
- Winter
- Off-season
- Last minute
- Christmas