Ford Cottage

Ford Cottage sits on the banks of the River Dee in the heart of Royal Deeside, where Scots pine woodland and moorland form the backdrop to this single-storey granite building. The river flows past the garden, which has a patio, seating and a firepit—though the garden is not fully enclosed, so it suits those comfortable with an open setting rather than a sealed boundary. The village of Kincardine O'Neil lies across the water. Ballogie, the wider estate, is a working landscape with abundant wildlife.

The cottage sleeps seven across four bedrooms: a kingsize, two twin rooms and a single. Both bathrooms have heated towel rails, one with a bath and shower, the other with a walk-in shower. Ground-floor living centres on an open-plan kitchen, dining and sitting room with a wood-burning stove and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the river. The kitchen has an electric range, dishwasher, microwave and fridge-freezer for cooking from scratch. Wifi, electricity, bed linen, towels and wood for the stove are included; there's also a travel cot and highchair on hand. Private parking fits three cars, and a bike store is available. No smoking indoors.

This part of Deeside holds National Trust castles—Craigievar, Crathes and Drum among them—within reach for day trips. The estate itself offers walking and wildlife-watching on the doorstep. A single dog is welcome and stays free.