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6 Guests
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3 Bedrooms
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2 Bathrooms
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Pets No
Features
- Off road parking
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Cot available
- Highchair available
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
31 Customer Reviews
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"Amazing location, lovely house, good shower."
Needs an update, bedding old, dustpan needs replacing, shame no method for drying clothes (line or frame), no tin foil / salt which was disappointing and surprising. Found mattress too soft.
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"An absolutely wonderful property in a stunning location."
Our family loved our stay here. It was brilliant as a base to visit a variety of places and was a wonderful place to return to and relax. The views and abundance of nature made this a perfect place and holiday. We did not want to leave!
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"Absolutely stunning location and the property was lovely too!"
Well equipped and we had an amazing time there. Had a lovely welcome pack left for us which wasn’t expected and that was great. My only gripe would be the sofas in the living room area as they were beds so didn’t have backs which was uncomfortable but we sat on the rocking chairs instead for the week and they were better! Couldn’t fault the place other than that, we were mesmerised by the wildlife all around us, every day! Fabulous holiday!!! Will definitely return!
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"Westertown is in an idyllic location and totally secluded, yet close enough to main routes to explore further afield."
In one direction you have the beauty and ruggedness of the Cairngorms, in the other gently rolling hills with much history to explore. We were fortunate to have warm sunny weather and it was peaceful to sit out on the deck and watch the local wildlife. There are plenty of walks from the doorstep if you do not want to touch the car again while you are here. The cottage was clean - not exceptional, but good enough and better than many other cottages we have stayed in. It had all the comfort and luxuries you would need for a stay. We didn't use our iPads much whilst here but if it's important to you bear in mind WiFi isn't the fastest. You may wish to tether to your phone especially if on EE as that had very good 4G coverage - the others are a bit patchy. The cottage can get very hot in warm weather due to all the windows but there are plenty of doors and windows to open. Appreciate this is probably not a common problem in Scotland!
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"We absolutely loved our stay at Westertown."
The property was beautiful and set in a stunning landscape. The huge windows enabled us to appreciate this from every aspect. Westertown was extremely well equipped and really warm and cosy. We were lucky to have snow but unfortunately we had not prepared for it. The caretaker was extremely kind in ‘rescuing’ us on arrival and getting us up the long driveway as our car had given up. Lots of great walks from the doorstep, excellent pub ‘The Steading’ and plenty of towns to visit - enjoyed Ballater. A personal preference would have been less firm beds but apart from that we would highly recommend Westertown and we’d love to return (with snow tyres or in a 4x4). Thank you!
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"We loved the house and where it was situated and the general area for walks and sightseeing."
It was about half an hours drive to Ballater for supermarket food shopping and a local shop a few miles away. The local pub was mostly closed. We recommend the Tarmachan Cafe near Balmoral. However, the only thing I would like to point out was that we were very disappointed in the cleanliness. On arrival we could see lots of long blonde hairs in the downstairs living space and in the master bedroom and we had to hoover them up! The oven was truly disgraceful. The grill pan was unwashed and very greasy. I know guests are meant to leave the oven clean but the cleaners should be checking this. I had to clean it before I could use it (something you don't want to be doing on holiday, especially when you didn't cause the mess yourself). There was a spider and spider's webs behind the log burner (easily seen). A cardboard box of washing powder in the utility cupboard had been left wet and most of the powder had come out. Under the master bed there was a lot of dust. The bedding was old and 'pillared' so in my opinion it should be replaced. Finally the windows had not been cleaned in a very long time (both inside and outside). Hopefully these matters will be addressed for all future guests.
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"Fantastic! The house is beautiful and fully equipped."
A very quiet and brilliant environment, in which you are regularly treated to deer, squirrels, birds and stoats. You can also take beautiful walks in the area and there are a number of very cozy pubs and restaurants.
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"Thank you so much for creating such a peaceful, nature-full and comfortable retreat."
It felt like time slipped back into a more normal speed, and we spent hours just watching nature. We were even treated to a visit by three stoats right outside the window one evening, regular visits by deer, and a few sightings of a golden eagle. Magical. It’s a great base to explore the area too. We will be back!
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"Our family of 6 had a fantastic holiday staying at the beautiful Westertown."
It is luxury in a perfect setting with an abundance of wildlife. The living area is extremely comfortable, especially the 2 rockers, the kitchen is superb with plenty of storage space and plenty of utensils. Both bathrooms are excellent, the shower upstairs is superb. All of the bedrooms are fabulous with great views to wake up too. The bedding was lovely and soft and the beds were very comfortable. We loved sleeping with the blinds up and the doors open to listen to the bubbling brook as well as the owls on an evening and the Cuckoo on a morning. We saw plenty of deer come and go, as well as a family of stoats living in the ruins of the croft. We were lucky enough one evening to watch an Osprey land on the top of a nearby tree for a short while before taking off again. The setting of Westertown is idyllic, we did not want to leave after our fabulous week here. We will definitely be back.
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"Fantastic property in amazing location."
Deers, rabbits and pheasants visiting daily. Great place to relax and unwind. Would highly recommend it.
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"Westertown was a magical place to spend Christmas, our children really enjoyed playing in the snow, sledging and exploring the forest!"
The house is very comfortable and well equipped with panoramic views of forest and hillsides and amazing starry night skys.
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"The house is a jewel and exactly what we needed to relax: Nature, comfort, fishing, mushroom picking."
Our 7 year old now always wants a holiday home with an adjoining stream to play in. The beds are very comfortable, the design of the furniture is very appealing.
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"Absolutely loved the lodge, beds were a little too firm for us."
Also seating in living area was a tad uncomfortable too. Better seating , sofa etc would make this holiday let perfect, after a days travelling around visiting places a comfortable sofa would end the day perfectly . Place was clean and had everything you need. Perfect.
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"A beautiful place to stay with a Scottish/Scandi feel."
The ‘remoteness’ feel, seeing deer, hares and red squirrels and the star filled ‘dark sky’ above added to our enjoyment as did the ‘nearness’ of the Steading Bar and local spa shop just down the lane. A lovely holiday base to access so many wonderful places.
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"This property is beautiful."
Extremely modern and tastefully decorated with everything we needed for our stay. The setting is absolutely splendid surrounded by mountains and forests. Perfect for a peaceful getaway.
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"Westertown was a beautiful holiday home in a stunning location."
It was a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. The wildlife surrounding the house was incredibly. We saw deer every day, right on the doorstep! The views were breathtaking and the house was fully equipped with everything you could need. If you are looking to heal your soul or just get away from it all. Westertown is the place for you. We had a wonderful holiday!
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"Property was extremely dirty on arrival, definitely not what’s expected from any standard of property and especially not during post Covid times."
There was an accumulation of dust on almost every surface. In corners of the bedrooms and under the beds it was appalling. The property itself is in a fabulous location and is very well designed and furnished although some finishing touches are missing. There are no hooks in any room including bathrooms. The sitting area chairs are in need of a good clean or renewal.
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"The house is amazing and location even better."
Everything that is needed is supplied and it would be easy just to have hid in the house for the week. Wildlife is on tap and we actually went and brought binoculars after having dear, hare’s and a bird of prey just outside the window. Will definitely be back, possibly in the winter just for the experience. If you are looking for a location to explore this side of Scotland there is no better. If I could give a higher rating I would. Not sure how you do it but the photos don’t do the location justice. Loved it thank you
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"Lovely house in a great setting."
We were very comfortable and enjoyed our stay.
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"Absolutely perfect wish we had 2 weeks."
So private and relaxing. Will definitely go back.
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"Stunning house and views."
Looks like the pond has recently had work on it. Husband spent some time fishing but didn’t get a bite.
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"We loved our time at westertown."
It was quiet and relaxing and looked very nice even in the snow. We plan to visit again probably next year. We where able to visit Aberdeen and Inverness and most places in between as well. Can’t wait to visit Scotland again soon.
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"A fantastic home in a beautiful location."
We really enjoyed our stay at Westertown. The house has everything you could ask for and is incredibly comfortable. Light floods into the living area and you feel surrounded by the forest and local wildlife. It is a great place to relax if the weather is poor and also a great base to return to after days out walking in the Cairngorms.
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"This is a truly beautiful holiday home away from home and what a stunning setting."
We went as a family of four to enjoy the Scottish Highlands. When we arrived there was snow all around which had been plowed up to the front door. We loved every aspect of Westertown and my children didn’t want to leave. Hopefully we’ll revisit in the future and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this property to anyone wanting to visit the wonderful highlands and Westertown.
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"The house was amazing - beautiful location and lovely set up with everything you need to have a home away from home during your stay."
We stayed with two young children and enjoyed taking them to the nearby Lecht Slopes to play in the snow that was there over Christmas, as well as walks through the forests on the grounds. Would not hesitate to recommend this house to others.
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"This property was exactly as described we had an amazing stay a truly beautiful ..."
This property was exactly as described we had an amazing stay a truly beautiful location will most definitely book again was a pleasure
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"Really good warm property in a fine location!"
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"A beautiful property in a truly stunning location."
Well equipped, sparklingly clean and the fishing pond was a great addition.
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"The house was warm, comfortable and well equipped."
Very quiet and peaceful. A great base for exploring the area.
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"The property is brand new, lavishly furnished, open and spacious inside with all of the glass windows throughout and very, very clean and tidy."
All of the electrical appliances and cookery equipment are of top notch quality and the have catered for every eventuality. Local shop and pub only 2 minutes drive from the property Stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, overall, very, very impressed with the whole experience and would highly recommend it to anyone who wanted a quite, relaxing break.
Thank you for your feedback, it is greatly appreciated. We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay, we hope to welcome you back to Westertown in the near future. Property Owner
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"We enjoyed everything about our holiday in Scotland from the property, location, views, stocked pond to the weather."
It was just all perfect and we could not of asked for anymore more.
Thank you for your feedback, it is greatly appreciated. We hope to welcome you back to Westertown in the near future. Property Owner
Summary
- Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size with Juliet balcony, 1 x twin (can be king on request) with Juliet balcony, 1 x twin (can be king on request)
- Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
- Ground-floor bathroom with bath, shower over, hand held shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
- Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove
- Utility.
- Air source heat pump heating with woodburning stove
- Electric oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV, WiFi
- Fuel, power and starter pack of logs inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Highchair and cot available
- Ample off-road parking with sheltered carport and storage
- Decking with outdoor furniture, set on 300 acres of grounds
- Sorry, no pets and no smoking
- Shop 2.6 miles, pub 1.8 miles. Note: If you are booking between the months of December - February the area is subject to heavy snowfall and ice
The property
Standing within 60 acres of private grounds in the magnificent Cairngorms National Park is this superb Scottish Highlands retreat, Westertown, boasting a striking timber-clad and glass exterior.
Built and designed to fit perfectly into this stunning landscape, Westertown is powered by eco-friendly air source heat pumps, and features a minimalist, Japanese-inspired style throughout, providing a fantastic holiday location for a friends and families alike, sleeping six guests.
Arrive at this picturesque setting via the long driveway, with a large parking area and a sheltered carport, before taking your things inside.
Admire the incredible views of the surrounding hills and forests from the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the stylish open-plan living space where you will have no trouble relaxing, with a contemporary woodburning stove the perfect addition to winter stays.
Unwind in the sitting area before joining the group in the kitchen, perching at the breakfast bar as dinner is prepared, with an attractive mix of crisp white fitted units and timber worktops, and plenty of quality appliances to assist cooking.
Take a seat at one of the benches beneath the sleek glass dining table, with the tranquil forest providing a perfect backdrop.
The ground floor is completed by the utility room, housing the washer/dryer, and a family bathroom decorated with black and white tiled flooring and sky blue walls, home to a large bath and shower overhead.
Travel upstairs, passing the huge feature windows, before finding three elegant bedrooms, comprising a king-size and twin which can be a king on request, both with Juliet balconies to let in the fresh breeze, along with another twin which can also be made into a king on request, all with beautiful décor and fitted wardrobes, with a shower room up on this floor too, boasting a double enclosure.
Enjoy spending time out on the glorious decking, with outdoor sofas to lounge on as you soak up the scenery, as well as the benefit of 60-acres of private grounds to roam, you'll never want to leave this idyllic haven.
When you must tear yourself away for essentials, head to the nearby collection of villages and communities known as Strathdon; find a local shop in Bellabeg to pick up any ingredients for your home-cooking, and a beautiful bar, The Steading, serving drinks and food, both less than three miles away.
Every year this area hosts the Lonach Gathering at the end of August, where Highland games, traditional music and dancing and a host of fun things to join in on offer a fantastic and authentic Scottish experience!
Head to one of Scotland's most scenic visitor spots, the Victorian village of Ballater, still strongly associated with the Royal family, it offers a fabulous range of cafés, quality restaurants, shopping and pubs.
Play a round at the esteemed 18-hole Ballater Golf Club, or get a permit to delight in a peaceful afternoon of fishing on the River Dee, offering world-famous salmon fishing.
You can also enjoy rainbow trout fishing on a small nearby pond where you are allowed to keep one fish for yourself or fly fish for catch and release.
Nearby is the magnificent Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the Royal family, offering guided tours around the Balmoral Exhibition before allowing entry into one of the castle rooms, The Ballroom, with objects from around the residence displayed here, before you're able to explore the stunning gardens and grounds at your leisure.
Another beautiful village is Braemar, surrounded by the Grampian Mountains and woodland scenery, it's a haven for walkers with 24 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet high) in the area, as well as the historic Braemar Castle boasting a colourful past.
For Winter adventure visit the Lecht Ski Centre, an alpine style ski area.The ski slopes are set around the mountains Beinn a' Chruinnich, and can be reached within 20mins.
The largest ski centre in Scotland is in Glenshee, being around an hour from Westertown, you can venture out here for some fun on the slopes.
Whether seeking a holiday full of adventurous activities, or one full of rest and relaxation, Westertown has both covered in this one-of-a-kind Scottish Highland holiday home.
EPC Rating: Band B
EPC Rating: Band B
Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: AS-00205-F
Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £200.
About the location
STRATHDON
Tarland 12.8 miles; Braemar 25.8 miles; Aberdeen 42.7 miles.
Settled amidst the gorgeous scenery of the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland is the charming collection of scattered, small communities, known as Strathdon. This group of small villages and communities includes Strathdon itself, Bellabeg, Roughpark, and Forbestown, and is part of a quiet area of the Cairngorms compared to its nearby neighbour of Deeside. Strathdon is home to a SPAR shop in Bellabeg, along with a fantastic bar in Forbestown, The Steading. This area is known for coming alive when it hosts the annual Lonach Gathering with 'Scotland's friendliest Highland Games', with Lonach Hall hosting regular programs throughout of traditional music and dancing. This amazing setting is any walkers paradise, with rolling hills and forests stretching for as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a peaceful stay in the Scottish Highlands in the village of Strathdon.