The Mains

4.5★

6 Guests
3 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets No

Features

Off road parking
Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

All reviews
cottage (8)
holiday (6)
lovely (6)
our (5)
really (5)
beautiful (5)

11 Customer Reviews

"A beautiful cottage, set in tranquil surroundings."

Very well appointed. Our family of 4 had a great time here. Thoroughly recommend for a peaceful holiday.

Thank you for being such lovely guests! We look forward to your return to Blackhills. Property Owner

Reviewed by Matthew5.0★Aug 2024
"Lovely location for cottage and friendly staff ."

Can I politely recommend more cleaning products as had to buy my own on hols . I always clean all areas before we leave .

Thank you for your feedback and glad you enjoyed Blackhills. Thank you also for being lovely guests and looking after the cottage. I’m unsure why you didn’t have more cleaning products. Please feel free to contact us if you have a chance as to what was missing, always useful to know. We like to make sure the bases are all covered with cleaning products, washing up liquid, bin bags, cloths, mops, brushes, hoover… We’ve been using refillable bottles to keep down landfill. It may be that housekeeping missed a missing bottle. Next time you stay please do let us know of anything missing while you’re staying so we can fix it during your visit. There’s always someone about to assist and we love our guests to have as great an experience as possible. Property Owner

Reviewed by Janet3.1★May 2024
"We had a lovely week as a family."

The cottage was very homely and exactly what we wanted. We had no problems what so ever while we were there and the surrounding areas were lovely really nice walks to do also.

Thank you for being such lovely guests and taking the time to leave a review. So pleased you enjoyed your stay at Blackhills. We hope to see you back soon! Property Owner

Reviewed by Dan5.0★Feb 2024
"This was a fabulous holiday cottage set in beautiful Scottish countryside."

We really enjoyed staying here and have booked a further stay later this year. The team at the Blackhills Estate were very responsive and made sure our stay was as pleasant as possible.

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We thoroughly enjoyed having you to stay at Blackhills, thank you for being such lovely guests. We look forward to seeing you back in the Summer. Property Owner

Reviewed by Mark5.0★Jan 2024
"Great property, great location and wonderful grounds."

Well equipped except that we were unable to figure out how the shower works.

So pleased you enjoyed your stay, you were lovely guests. I’m sorry you didn’t work out the shower. There’s always someone about so please do let us know if you need any assistance when you’re next here. We look forward to seeing you again at Blackhills. Property Owner

Reviewed by Tim4.7★Jul 2023
"On arrival, notice it looked like the place had not been hovered very well and dust over picture frames, mould in the bathroom and the kettle was black inside."

Had to go and buy another kettle to have a cup of tea. And on the morning of departure had the cleaner around just before 9am asking what beds have been slept in. Even tho check out time was 10am 2nd cottage I have book though Skype cottages in the past 6 months that's not cleaned very well and having black mould within the building. 100% will not recommend anyone to Skype cottages and will never book with them again. As for nearly £700 for a week's stay and having to Hoover and clean then getting a kettle before even enjoying the holiday. Really let's down a lovely cottage once again

Thank you for your comments. We’re sorry you felt the housekeeping let this lovely cottage down. We were unaware that you were unhappy. We use a professional local cleaning company who take pride in their work and would have come back immediately to have a look. We are onsite and also have estate workers who are always on hand should there be any issues or need for assistance. Property Owner

Reviewed by James2.8★May 2023
"We are just back from another glorious stay at Blackhill's estate, near Elgin."

Last year we stayed at The Bungalow,which was lovely. This year we chose an upgrade to The Mains. This is a perfect size, our 2 teenagers definitely wanted their own rooms. Our old dogs loved plodding round the garden. The weather was hot and sunny. We visited beaches at Findhorn, Cullen, and a bit further to our old favourite at Cruden Bay, all lovely. The close-by country park was beautiful for a walk with the dogs. I highly recommend this holiday as a peaceful retreat, lots to do locally but also centrally located to explore Inverness, the Cairngorms and Aberdeenshire.

So pleased you enjoyed your stay at Blackhills, it was very lovely having you back. Property Owner

Reviewed by Jennifer4.7★Apr 2023
"This cottage was a perfect way to relax, and it is so comfy!"

Just isolated enough but not too isolated, We loved being able to have a fire in the fireplace too! The garden walks are amazing. This is really a beautiful place and we would absolutely return, Ness was so kind to help us find the cottage when we arrived after dark the first day and was very responsive when we had questions. Just lovely.

Thank you for being such lovely guests and delighted you enjoyed your stay. Blackhills is a special place. Property Owner

Reviewed by Kelli5.0★Oct 2022
"A really lovely cottage in stunning surroundings and a fabulous location."

Cottage had a beautiful enclosed garden, which was private and peaceful to enjoy a glass of wine and drink in the local nature and wildlife. In addition, the wood was a stone’s throw away, which was a must for daily walks with the dogs and glimpses of the local doe deer. The location was a perfect base to explore the Highlands. It was a wrench to leave! Although the cottage was well stocked, especially the kitchen, the addition of larger mirrors, a hairdryer and extra sockets (or an extension lead) in the bedroom would be helpful. Overall, a really lovely holiday cottage, thank you!

So pleased you enjoyed your stay at Blackhills, it was lovely to have you. Thank you for your feedback, always useful. Each bedroom now has a hairdryer and there is an additional extension lead. Property Owner

Reviewed by Mark4.4★Sep 2022
"What a fantastic stay at The Mains at Blackhills Estate - the accommodation was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed - the tennis court was in perfect condition, but the standout was the amazing private gardens shared only by the cottages and the owners."

We spent hours there following the various trails - stunning and we can't wait until our next visit.

Thank you for your lovely feedback and so pleased you enjoyed the tennis court and woodland garden. We look forward to seeing you again at Blackhills! Property Owner

Reviewed by Roy5.0★Jul 2022
"We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday at The Mains."

The cottage is very comfortable and has everything required. We loved being able to walk from our front door into the amazing gardens filled with specimen rhododendrons and to explore the many paths. Sadly, we didn’t get to the pottery. Lots to do close by either by the sea or inland to the hills. We left relaxed and refreshed.

Thank you for your lovely review Wendy, and for being such great guests. So glad you enjoyed your time at Blackhills. Hopefully you'll get to the pottery next time. We look forward to welcoming you back. Ness Property Owner

Reviewed by Wendy4.4★Apr 2022
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Summary

Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x twin, 1 x ground-floor double
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
Kitchen/diner with open fire
Utility
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Electric storage heating with woodburning stove
Electric oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine
Smart TV with Freeview, digital radio WiFi
Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburner inc. In rent
Bed linen and towels inc. In rent
Off-road parking for 3 cars
Private fenced garden with furniture and fire pit
70-acre private Grade 1 listed woodland garden
Communal tennis court (bring own racquets and balls)
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub 3.6 miles
Please also note that the Owner does not accept bookings with dogs between 9th Dec 2023 and 12th Jan 2024Note: A travel cot can be requested at time of booking, guests are to provide own cot bedding
Note: There are two ponds and working farming machinery, please ensure children are supervised at all times
Note: Check-in from 4pm, check-out by 10am
Note: No barbecues or fires are allowed within the 70-acre woodland garden Please Note - From March 2024 this property will not longer accept pets (All existing bookings with pets will be honoured)
Please note: Electric Vehicle Charging is not permitted at the property although there are plenty of units locally for you to use instead

The property

Lhanbryde 4 miles.

The Mains is a traditional Speyside two-storey stone farmhouse nestled close to a private tennis court and enjoying direct access to the woodland garden.

Providing a perfect base for a family to explore the wonders of Moray, The Mains rests at the heart of Speyside's renowned heritage of malt whisky, gardens, castles and fishing, including the iconic River Spey, home to the world's best salmon fishing.

Once you’ve parked in your off-road parking spot, admire the chocolate-box design of your new-home-from-home.

Dump your fishing tackle and dirty walking boots in the utility room before getting comfortable in the lounge, presented with plenty of seating and a woodburning stove for those chilly winter periods.

Take command in the kitchen and whip up a feast, serving dinner at the dining table or at the outdoor dining set on a warmer evening.

As your eyes grow heavy, retire upstairs to the king-size or twin bedroom, while there is also a double downstairs.

Wash away the day with a shower in the family bathroom, or settle for a deep soak in the bath as you recover from a day’s hiking.

The site itself boasts a secluded, shared tennis court, a pottery studio with a woodburning kiln and resident potter with a showroom, along with a coachhouse music studio offering courses and a 70-acre Grade I listed woodland garden, where you can explore lochans, rare species of plants and burns.

Discover the beauty of Scotland with a stay at Mains House.

Note: This property can be booked with Refs. 1096358, 1036541 and 1036542, together sleeping up to 28 guests.

EPC Rating: Band F

Please note there is a peacock and peahen who roam freely on the estate and guests are quite likely to see and hear them. There are also two farm dogs and a farm cat that you are also likely to meet during your stay

EPC Rating: Band F

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: MO-00020-F

Blackhills

Situated on Blackhills Estate, a 4000 acre privately owned Scottish Highland estate consisting of farms, woodlands and moorland, this charming collection of four cottages enjoys a remote position just four miles from Lhanbryde and six miles from Elgin. Approached by a tree-lined drive, Blackhills offers a heart-warming escape for families and friends eager to step away from reality and enjoy this Highland gem location. The cottages are within easy walking distance from one another and away from public roads, but separate enough to allow for privacy. Each of the properties have been traditionally decorated and exude their own character, enjoying access enjoying access to a secluded communal tennis court and a wonderful 70-acre Grade I listed ‘outstanding’ private woodland garden with lochans, burns and rare plants. This woodland garden is internationally famous for its collection of wild origin rhododendrons. It’s only open to the public for one or two charity days a year and is an oasis of tranquility for guests. The site is also home to a pottery studio with a resident potter and a woodburning kiln and the Coachhouse studio which offers music courses. After a day of rambling, look forward to kicking back in the sitting rooms, each complete with woodburning stoves for that extra cosy feel, while the kitchens are well-appointed for home-cooking. As the evening draws to a close, discover the neat bedrooms which ensure a flexible sleeping arrangement to suit your group. To keep you and your loved ones occupied whilst staying here, the local area is filled with scenic walks and nature trails, including a circular route of Loch na Bo, a man-made loch with a beautiful woodland setting to the south of Llanbryde. The town of Elgin, known for its famous heritage of malt whisky, picture-perfect gardens, and castles is nearby and offers a host of activities, including tours of its famous Glen Moray Distillery where visitors can enjoy a tasting session and shop for a souvenir. Elgin is also home to the Johnstons of Elgin cashmere, where you can purchases a luxurious addition to your wardrobe! Head to the coast and discover the town of Lossiemouth, often referred to as the ‘jewel of Moray Firth’, this golf-oriented resort is blessed with two sandy beaches, picturesque dunes and idyllic countryside, making it an ideal getaway spot to escape the modern stresses of life. With the properties near the iconic River Spey, some of the world’s best salmon fishing can be found, along with plenty of outdoor activities including horse riding, river rafting, bike trails, nature trails, mountaineering, and birdwatching, while the stunning coastlines being within easy reach means sandy beaches and watersports such as sailing, surfing and even dolphin watching can be enjoyed. An inviting collection of cottages, perfect for families and friends seeking a Scottish retreat.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £350.

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About the location

LHANBRYDE

Elgin 4.5 miles; Lossiemouth 8.4 miles

The idyllic village of Lhandryde sits east of Elgin in the scenic region of Moray. The village offers a quiet and pleasant ambiance, housing a number of picturesque cottages and a charming main street with a convenience store and a welcoming bar, St Andrews. Lhandryde’s proximity to Elgin and good rail links makes it a great base for holidaymakers and the surrounding area is filled with natural scenery and cycle routes, attracting those lovers of the outdoors. Just four miles away, the historical town of Elgin boasts many charming characteristics, including breathtaking scenery and a number of local distilleries for sampling Scotland’s famous whiskey.

Please Note - From March 2024 this property will not longer accept pets (All existing bookings with pets will be honoured)

Please also note that the Owner does not accept bookings with dogs between 9th Dec 2023 and 12th Jan 2024

Please note there is a peacock and peahen who roam freely on the estate and guests are quite likely to see and hear them. There are also two farm dogs and a farm cat that you are also likely to meet during your stay

Sustainable Property

Features

Reviews & Ratings

"A beautiful cottage, set in tranquil surroundings."

"Lovely location for cottage and friendly staff ."

"We had a lovely week as a family."

"This was a fabulous holiday cottage set in beautiful Scottish countryside."

"Great property, great location and wonderful grounds."

"On arrival, notice it looked like the place had not been hovered very well and dust over picture frames, mould in the bathroom and the kettle was black inside."

"We are just back from another glorious stay at Blackhill's estate, near Elgin."

"This cottage was a perfect way to relax, and it is so comfy!"

"A really lovely cottage in stunning surroundings and a fabulous location."

"What a fantastic stay at The Mains at Blackhills Estate - the accommodation was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed - the tennis court was in perfect condition, but the standout was the amazing private gardens shared only by the cottages and the owners."

"We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday at The Mains."