Licensing:

From 1 October 2023, all self-catering accommodation in Scotland must have a licence.  Our Short Term Let Licence Number is HI-70366-F.

Cottage Features:

Extra warmth and natural light, efficiency + renewable energy technology, and gaining a closeness to nature, whilst also enhancing views to the Cairngorms and surroundings, were top of our thoughts when planning our cottage upgrades.  We think we’ve created a bright cosy Highland Hangout!

We realised that holidays are about much more than just having a few days off, and that many people come to the Highlands to get away from it all,  immerse themselves in the natural world and leave with a sense of wellbeing!  We think we have thought of most things to turn your next Highland trip into an experience that will live long in the memory.

Highlights:

  • Fully renovated + upgraded to modern high-spec
  • Bright, open-plan sitting room and dining area, fully-glazed south-facing
  • High-spec kitchen, including washing machine and dishwasher (A+++)
  • Living space opening to balcony deck area with views to the Cairngorms
  • Large child-friendly, enclosed “wild” garden
  • Short walk along Speyside Way or forest paths to all village amenities
  • Bike shelter with secure locking facility (see Cycle Haven information)
  • Solar-powered electricity + solar-heated hot water
  • Greener travel cost discounts – for Car-Free-To-Cairngorms + EV charging options
  • Wood burning stove (local logs, from sustainable source, fully supplied)
  • Sunpipes enhancing light, bright, spacious feel
  • Heat, power and log usage included in rental
  • Free Wi-Fi broadband (unlimited BT infinity)
  • Smart TV (including Fire Stick access to internet, movies, catch-up TV, etc.)
  • Hi-Fi with DAB, USB, CD and Bluetooth (listen to your own music!)
  • Small lawn (with balls, badminton / volleyball net + other equipment)
  • Charcoal BBQ
  • Direct access to woodland, wildlife, Loch Vaa and River Spey walks
  • Sledges provided for winter action
  • Speyside Way runs along the bottom of the garden
  • Strathspey Railway steam trains pass within view
  • Bicycle hire available in the village (Ride Cairngorm)

Other available items often asked about before guests arrive:

  • Child’s travel cot and highchair (please request at booking)
  • hairdryer
  • cafetiere.

We have taken the opportunity to build in efficiency, renewable energy and other sustainability measures; some of these, like added daylight brightness using sunpipes, enhance the experience any time of year – brightening even the dullest winter day!  And we make sure you have all the information available to fully enjoy the beauty of the local area, surrounding highlights in the National Park and the wide range of activities.

Accessibility + Allergy 

We were unable to build in all features that would have delivered 100% accessibility for a number of reasons.  Unfortunately, some access challenges were simply associated with the building being an older cottage situated at the top of a very steep hill.   But, in the spirit of “Accessible Tourism“, we have provided the information to allow you to make the choice whether the cottage is accessible / suitable for your needs – see our Accessibility Guide covering wheelchair access, visual and allergy information.  We have taken many steps to exclude allergens (see also “Pets” below).  There is an All Abilities path, opened in 2021, which starts at the Community Hall and goes through the forest behind.

Availability of Foods for Special Dietary Requirements

The Boat of Garten Village Shop stocks vegetarian and vegan protein options.  For those with food allergies and/or sensitivities, or cultural requirements, Tesco in Aviemore stocks some of its “free from” and “world” food ranges, including limited halal and kosher products, in addition to its usual foodstuffs.

Covid-19 / Flu + other infections

Reopening after the first Covid-19 lockdown was dependent on appropriate sanitising protocols and safety measures being in place.  We gained certification for our measures on 11/7/20.  We’ve had great feedback from guests on cleanliness and covid-readiness of the cottage (please see our reviews).

We have the same standards in place ongoing – our fantastic Turnaround Team provides huge reassurance (detail of our action + Cottage Covid Guide here, along with general Guest Welcome Guide)

Pets Policy

We don’t allow pets at the cottage, except Assistance Dogs, due to:

  • ​Concerns about sensitive local wildlife; eg. Capercaillie, a red-list endangered species, in the forest behind the cottage
  • Desire to encourage further biodiversity and support the huge amount of wildlife already living in or visiting the garden; eg. we’re sure a dog would appreciate the chase more than the young deer and other small mammals which frequent the garden
  • Desire to make cottage as accessible as possible, including for those with allergies (see above)
  • Desire to ensure that the wild garden remains child-friendly (it’s a large area, with many wee paths, nooks and crannies – tricky to check for dog poo….!).

Thank you for your understanding!  There are kennels and pet minding facilities in the local area; eg. Hilltop Kennels in Dulnain Bridge.

Further detail on what to expect at the Cottage can be found here in our general Guest Welcome Guide.

And we’ve blogged on many aspects and improvements of the cottage and wild garden.

Contact Us

Please contact Derek any time if you have any queries, need further information or want to discuss anything at all:

[email protected]  /  07968 177394