3 Knocks Cottages

Aberdeenshire, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

"This traditional Scottish cottage is situated just over a mile outside the lovely town of Ballater on Royal Deeside in the Cairngorm National Park. It has a beautiful, sunny, south-facing aspect."

Location

The cottage is one of four originally built for workers on the Birkhall Estate which is now owned by Prince Charles, having formerly been the Highland home of HRH The Queen Mother.

The cottages were renovated to a very high standard in 1988 and are in a secluded spot on south Deeside.
No. 3 looks across the woods of the Birkhall Estate toward Glen Muick. It is in an excellent location for those wishing to explore the Cairngorms National Park and the Grampian Region.

The area owes much of its character to Queen Victoria and information about the Victorian Heritage Trail is available at the cottage. Balmoral Castle is seven miles away and there are many other castles and superb gardens open to the public within easy reach of the cottage.

There is a wide range of walking nearby; from the famous Lochnagar offering several Munros, to strolls along the Dee. The quiet roads and tracks offer plenty of opportunity for cyclists.

There is a wealth of wildlife, from red squirrels and siskins in the garden itself, to the deer and birdlife of the Glen Muick nature reserve. Braemar, one of the main places from which one can explore the heart of the Cairngorms, is just twenty minutes' drive from the cottage. Three of Scotland's four highest mountains are in the Cairngorms.

Salmon and trout fishing are important local sports. Skiing is available locally - depending on the weather! Guides, maps and tourist information are available for reference at the cottage.

Ballater is only a mile and a half away and offers a range of shops (mostly By Appointment to Royalty!) and many good places to eat. Highland Games are held each year in Ballater, Braemar and Aboyne.

Owner's Description

The cottage has three bedrooms and sleeps up to six adults. All the rooms are furnished to a high standard.

Downstairs there is a spacious twin-bedroom and upstairs there is a twin-bedroom and a double bedroom.

There is a bathroom upstairs which has an electric shower over the bath, WC, a hand basin and shaver socket.

There is also a cloakroom downstairs with WC, hand basin and shaver socket.

The large comfortable sitting-room has a wood-burning stove, colour T.V., video and Hi-Fi system.

The kitchen is modern and is well-equipped with an electric, automatic double-oven with ceramic hob, microwave oven, fridge with freezer box, dish-washer and washing machine with tumble dryer.

There is ample crockery and cutlery and plenty of cupboard space. There is also a freezer in the shed which visitors may use during their stay.


Heating
There is gas central heating throughout. Logs are provided for the wood-burning stove. The property has had secondary double-glazing fitted which helps to keep it very cosy, even in the winter.

Things You Need To Know

There is an iron and ironing board and hair-dryer available in the cottage.The garage and shed are useful for walking gear, and there is a ceiling-airer for drying wet clothing.

The cottage is fronted by its own garden laid mostly to lawn. There are four lounger chairs with cushions available for use by visitors in the garden. There is a woodland garden behind the cottage.

The cottage is fronted by its own garden laid mostly to lawn. There are four lounger chairs with cushions available for use by visitors in the garden. There is a woodland garden behind the cottage.

We are unable to offer a shopping service or domestic assistance but there are shops open in Ballater in the evening and on Sunday.

The cottage shares a private water supply with three other cottages. The water is tested annually but is not filtered or chlorinated. Some visitors may prefer to use bottled drinking water but many of our guests say how much they enjoy the fresh-tasting water.