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Mar Lodge, Knockespoch, near Huntly, Aberdeenshire

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Mar Lodge is a secluded, cosy yet spacious cottage sitting on the edge of the 300+ acre Knockespoch estate at the southern end of Strathbogie with spectacular views towards the Tap o' Noth, site of one of the highest hill forts in Scotland, in an area that abounds with history. If you enjoyed the scenery in films such as 'Mrs Brown' or 'Local Hero' then you will love this special part of Scotland. Mar Lodge is well placed for access to Aberdeen, Speyside and the Grampian Highlands and the wealth of traditional Scottish culture, history, architecture, flavours, wildlife and sporting activities that these regions have to offer.

From June to September summer visitors will be spoilt for choice when the colourful and traditional Highland Games take place in 14 different locations in the region, some of which are enjoyed by the Royal Family and celebrities. Even visitors can take part in the games: at the Lonach gathering, famous for its march of the clans with pipes and drums, visitors can enter the hill race.

While away a couple of hours on a tour of your favourite Speyside whisky distillery or pop into Duncan Taylor's Whiskies of Scotland shop in Huntly High Street for a choice of fine and rare malts. And if your vision of Scottish landscapes is dotted with castles you won't be disappointed, there are in the region of 130 castles in Aberdeenshire and many more in the neighbouring counties. Join the castle trail and visit any of 13 castles and grounds, some of which are open to the public or host exhibitions and concerts. History lovers will find ancient monuments, archaeological sites and battlefields, and close to Mar Lodge a pictish stone stands beside the entrance to Knockespoch House, home to a branch of the Gordon family for over 400 years. (There is even a traditional Celtic tune called Mrs Gordon of Knockespoch found on many recordings available locally.)

Visit the unspoilt quiet beaches and spectacular cliffs of the Aberdeenshire coastline and spot dolphins and seals or visit the brightly coloured fishing villages dotted along the coast, such as Pennan where Local Hero was filmed, and make a phone call from the same phone box that Burt Lancaster used. There are many sporting opportunities nearby from downhill and cross-country skiing, including a dry ski centre, to fabulous hill walking and mountain biking trails, with bike hire available. And for the fishermen, Donside, Deeside and Speyside are all well known for salmon fishing. This is an idyllic Scottish cottage for a honeymoon or a relaxing break in stunning countryside.

  • Sleeps - 2 + 2
  • Bedrooms - 1 (5ft double, double sofa bed in living room)
  • Bathrooms - 1 (with shower over bath)
  • Dishwasher
  • Washer/dryer
  • Microwave
  • Electric cooker with hob and additional gas hob
  • Log fire and wood burning stove
  • TV and satellite, DVD, stereo
  • Telephone, internet connection available on request
  • Travel cot and high chair available on request
  • Private garden with lawn, seating area and barbeque
  • Storage for bikes, fishing and sports gear
  • Sorry - No smoking in the cottage
  • Huntly 12 miles
  • Aberdeen Airport 40 minutes drive
  • Stations - Insch 6 miles, Huntly 12 miles
  • Pub at Rhynie 3 miles, tea room at Clatt 1.5 miles
  • Local restaurants in Alford 8 miles, Huntly, and Kennethmont 3.5 miles - many others further afield
  • Golf 6 miles
  • Pony trekking 8 miles
  • Dry ski slope at Alford 8 miles
  • Alpine skiing at The Lecht 30 miles and several cross country skiing  trails locally and at the Nordic ski centre at Huntly
  • Swimming at Alford 8 miles and Huntly 12 miles
  • Leith Hall house and gardens including tea room
  • Castle and whisky trails
  • One well behaved dog welcome

Accommodation:
Accommodation on the ground floor comprises 1 bedroom with 5ft bed and open log fire complete with safety glass - very romantic if you are staying for your honeymoon! Bathroom with WC, basin and bath with shower over. There is a well equipped breakfasting kitchen with seating for 4, fridge freezer, microwave, electric stove and gas hob, electric kettle and toaster, dishwasher and washing machine. The large living room with dining area has a wood burning stove, TV and satellite, DVD, games, and books. The cottage has a telephone and internet access is available on request. The accommodation is not adapted for disabled visitors but is all on one floor with a small step into the cottage.

Outside there is a private garden with lawn and seating area. The adjacent outbuilding houses the tumble dryer. There is also storage space for bikes, fishing and sports gear, a drying area, garden furniture, a barbeque and even a kennel on request.

Directions:
From Aberdeen (and airport) take A96 towards Inverness, pass by Inverurie and Pitcaple. Shortly after Pitcaple turn left on the B9002, the Oyne Fork, towards Oyne, Leith Hall and Archeolink. About a mile beyond Oyne take a left signposted to Leslie and Auchleven (Premnay). Go over the crossroads in Auchleven, through Leslie and carry on until you reach a T junction. Turn left to Tullynessle. After about 200 yards you reach a small sign on the left saying Knockespoch. Take the small road on the right opposite between two houses into the estate. Full directions will be sent to you on completion of your booking.

From Huntly take the A97 south towards Alford passing Gartly, then take next left onto B9002. Follow signs for Kennethmont and Clatt. 2 miles beyond Clatt turn right into Knockespoch Estate. From Bridge of Alford head northeast on Suie Road for about 5.5 miles, after a hill, turn left into Knockespoch Estate. Full directions will be sent to you on completion of your booking.

What's included:
Heating and logs are included in the rental price but there is a �20 winter fuel supplement which applies from October through to March. Bed linen, bath towels and tea towels are provided.

Cost and availability
The cottage is rented out year round. Weekly lets have a Friday change over day with check out by 10 am and check in after 4pm.

Short breaks are welcome, 3 night breaks start on Friday (check in after 4pm, out by 10am), 4 night breaks start on Monday (check in after 4pm, out by 10am). There is a 10% discount off second week for 14 night bookings. Pets are charged at �20.00. All major debit and credit cards accepted.

To book this perfect retreat in Aberdeenshire, click the enquiry button below and see availability and prices.

Mar Lodge, Knockespoch, Clatt, Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 4PL Scotland

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