Abercrombie

Abercrombie occupies its own corner of the Barra Castle estate, a historic setting in rural Aberdeenshire. You enter straight into a well-equipped kitchen with electric cooking and a dining area, from which the ground floor also holds a kingsize bedroom and a bathroom with a heated towel rail. Upstairs, a spacious living and dining room (fitted with a smart TV and sofa bed) connects to two single bedrooms and a shower room. The property sleeps six and comes with its own parking, garden with seating, and wi-fi throughout. Bed linen and towels are provided, and there's a highchair on hand if needed.

The kitchen is set up for proper cooking rather than holiday shortcuts, and you can also relax in the living space or use the garden furniture on the patio. Old Meldrum village—where there's a restaurant, pub and local shops—lies less than five minutes away by car. The wider region offers golf courses, whisky distilleries, and countryside walks; Bennachie, the prominent local hill, sits about ten miles distant. Hoodles Playbarn is nearby for families with younger children. No smoking is permitted inside.