Westertown, Strathdon

Cairngorms. Sleeps up to 6

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