Loch An Eilein Cottage

1 Bedroom | 2 Guests | Pets welcome

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Splendidly situated with unspoiled views of loch an Eilein

Immerse yourself in this tranquil and serene location within the stunning Cairngorm National Park. Here, you can truly retreat, unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. A Highland luxury cottage that is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, an abundance of native wildlife and a sense of complete peace.

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Thank you for your interest in our luxury cottages in Aviemore. We offer check in/out days on Mondays and Fridays, allowing you to plan your stay with convenience and ease. We require a minimum stay of 3 nights to ensure that you have ample time to fully enjoy your Highland getaway.

Short breaks – weekend and mid-week stays are available throughout the year!

We understand that each guest may have unique preferences and scheduling needs, and we are committed to providing exceptional service to ensure your stay is tailored to your requirements. Whether you have specific date preferences or any other requests, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to assisting you in planning your memorable stay at our luxury cottage +44 (0)1479 436100.

“This loch-side cottage makes all your Scottish highland fantasises come true”. Daily Telegraph

1 Bedroom | 1 Bathroom | 2 Guests | Dogs Welcome

  • Breathtaking lochside location
  • Wildlife haven
  • Wood burning stove
  • Direct access to many scenic walking trails

Prepare to be enchanted as you embark on an exquisite drive up to this luxury cottage. The journey itself is a feast for the senses along the tree lined road and views towards Loch an Eilein.

LIVING

The heart of the home is the open-plan living area, where the boundaries between the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces gracefully merge. This design concept encourages interaction and makes it the perfect space for socializing, whether you’re cooking, enjoying a meal together, or simply relaxing by the wood burning fireplace. The cottage is stocked with books and board games to enjoy on those long dark nights or sit back and watch your favourite shows on the Smart TV.

The kitchen is a culinary haven, equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and modern conveniences, ensuring that preparing meals is a pleasure. A couple of window seats to choose from allows you to gaze out onto one of the most beautiful views in all the Highlands from the kitchen or living room.

When it’s time to retreat to the bedroom, you can expect nothing less than a blissful night’s sleep in the sumptuous super king bed with 600 thread count bed linens. Bask in the warm glow from the double sided wood burning stove in your bedroom, surrounded by elegant furnishings and serene ambiance. The bedroom window looks out onto the private garden, inviting you to keep the curtains open to enjoy the vast dark sky. 

Enjoy feeling the soothing warmth envelop your feet as you enter the bathroom. Regardless of the time of year or the temperature outside, you can enjoy a cozy and relaxing experience every time you step in. Just off the bedroom you’ll find a lovely conservatory- with large surrounding windows to take in the back garden and forest beyond. The perfect sitting room to enjoy a quiet moment.

OUTSIDE

You’ll feel happily secluded outside without being completely isolated as the walking path around the loch is nearby. Use the picturesque patio for a delicious BBQ on long summer nights or sit out in the depths of winter bundled up, star gazing. You will be regularly visited by the local wildlife – deer, red squirrels, badgers and Highland birds. When (or if) you eventually decide to stray further than the loch and its forested shores, you’ll be right in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, with its dramatic, mountainous landscapes, charming towns and villages and an endless range of outdoor activities – if you feel inclined to a little exercise. If not, there are plenty of fabulous spots where you can just stop to breathe in the priceless clear Highland air and the endless views. The beautiful loch and walks from your doorstep makes this one of the most exclusive Highland luxury cottages.

CHILDREN

Cots and highchairs can be provided during your stay, just let us know in advance and we’ll have them in the property for your arrival. Please note, since most little ones prepare their own comforts, we don’t provide cot sheets.

PETS WELCOME

We love dogs and gladly accept them into our properties – we charge a £25 pet fee to cover the extra cleaning charges to keep everything extremely pristine for you and other guests. Please see our terms and conditions for more information about pets.

PROVIDED

  • Welcome hamper
  • Linen, towels and flannels
  • Luxury soap, hand cream, shampoo, conditioner and body wash products by Noble Isle
  • Salt and pepper and a selection of herbs and spices
  • Tea, coffee and sugar
  • Coffee capsules
  • Hypo-allergenic pillows and duvets available on request
  • Olive oil
  • Kitchen cleaning materials – Washing up liquid, washing up cloth and brush, dishwasher tablets
  • Laundry essentials: Washing machine liquid and softener
  • Kitchen essentials: Oven gloves, kitchen roll, aluminium foil, baking parchment, cling film, bin bags
  • Bathroom cleaner
  • Firelighters and matches

Short-term Let License Number: FS546866714
The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is band E.

The tranquil interiors of the cottage invite you to unwind and relax in style. The cool neutral palette, inspired by the serene waters of the loch and the reflection of the Highland sky, creates a soothing ambiance. Every detail has been carefully chosen to evoke a sense of tranquility and to mirror the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding heathery mountains. Loch an Eilein cottage was designed by leading London designer Fanny Ward. You’ll experience a sense of luxury and most importantly comfort.

HISTORY

Loch an Eilein Cottage’s Hidden History

Loch an Eilein (pronounced “lochan-yellen”) is Gaelic for Loch of the Island. It’s named for its little island with a ruined castle, originally dating from the early 14th century. The cottage looks straight out to the castle from its secluded position on the western shore. The castle itself is steeped in history, originally built as a sanctuary from clan war bands, who would frequent the ‘Thieves’ Road’ on the loch’s eastern shore to reach and plunder the herds of cattle in Strathspey.

In 1690, Government forces defeated a Jacobite army at the Battle of Cromdale, and the surviving stragglers retreated via Aviemore, attacking Loch an Eilein Castle as they passed by. Incredibly, they were held off by the occupants – a group of women, children and old folk. The castle eventually fell into disuse in the late 1700s. There is also a local legend that a zigzag underwater causeway once linked the castle island to the shore, but sadly no evidence has ever been found to prove its existence.

In 1813 Sir John Peter Grant built the cottage as a folly, first for his wife and then gifted to his daughters Elizabeth and Jane. He repaired and improved the cottage for them, adding a back kitchen and a flower garden.

The daughters adored the cottage, and in ‘Memoirs of a Highland Lady‘, Elizabeth wrote;

“We had a pantry and a store room, well-furnished both of them, and many a party we gave there, sometimes a boating and fishing party with a luncheon, sometimes a tea with cakes of our own making, and a merry walk home by moonlight.”

She also writes of seeing “fish eagles” (ospreys) nesting on the walls of the castle

Below you’ll find a lovely collection of Extras that will make your stay that much more special

Fully Stocked Fridge On Arrival

Nothing complements the beautiful setting of your luxury cottage better than nourishing food. We are lucky get the very best meats, vegetables, cheese, honey and easy to prepare ready meals from our very own Rothiemurchus Farm Shop. Passionate about food, sustainability, ethical farming and low food miles.

We offer the option of having a fully stocked fridge when you arrive to your cottage.

You can choose from a fantastic selection of essentials, food boxes, butchery packs or tailored hampers.  For those seeking a hassle-free dining experience, the Farm Shop provides a selection of recipe meal kits. These delicious and convenient options allow you to enjoy a satisfying meal without the need for extensive preparation. Heat and savor the flavors of carefully curated dishes, crafted with the finest local ingredients.

To order: simple phone the Farm Shop at 01479 812345 – our team will have your purchases in your cottage just before you arrive.

Whilst you are staying on the estate you are entitled to the benefits provided to the “Friends of Rothiemurchus”, giving you 10% off anything (excluding alcohol) at the Farm Shop & Barn. Your discount code will be emailed to you once you’ve made your booking.

 

Bespoke Ready Meals

From their base amongst the forests and mountains of the Cairngorms, Speyside Kitchen crafts delicious meals and dishes for everyone to enjoy, inspired by our local landscape and made with passion from local ingredients.

They can provide you with freshly prepared meals offering a taste of the Highlands right in the comfort of your cottage, available for delivery in oven ready dishes and table ready platters. We recommend the Weekender Package, the the final ingredient in the perfect recipe for a relaxing hideaway, a midweek/weekend break or as taster pack as part of a longer stay. It includes:

  • A Continental Breakfast Pack

  • Sharing Platter – Choice of Highland Cheeses / Trio of Salmon / Charcuterie Board

  • 2 course Supper Menu

  • 2 course Dinner Menu

For more information or to book your Weekender’s package or any bespoke catering, call them on +44 7925 544473 or email  info@speysidekitchen.co.uk

 

Private Chef

If you’d like to completely relax on holiday and let someone else do the cooking, then we can recommend some of the finest private chefs in the Highlands. Using the best quality locally sourced ingredients, your chef will prepare, cook and serve a delicious meal tailored to your tastes.

Silver Teal Cooks is run by Lizzie Massie, who can find you the perfect cook to cater for your holiday.

Sam Crew – Managing Director and Executive Chef for Arugala Ltd. Specialises in Modern European, Asian influences and clean healthy food, always beautifully presented. Contact director@arugulaltd.com

The Gold or Platinum packages, created specially for us by local caterers The Lunchbox Boys.

 Bespoke 5 Star Service

We now offer a personalised 5 star service to our self catering cottages set in enviable private settings on Rothiemurchus. Our 5 star service features a private chef and supporting housekeeping during your stay. Your chef will work closely with you to create a bespoke menu that showcases the best of Scotland’s produce and create an outstanding dining experience. All the associated housekeeping tasks will be taken care of during meals, plus a daily turndown would be included. You’ll have all the care and attention of a 5 star hotel but set to the taste and pace of your choosing. Get in touch with Katie so together, you can create a package that meets your holiday goals. Hidden Highland Retreats 5 Star Service starts at £1800, 3 night minimum

 

 

If you would like to book any of these wonderful extras for your stay, please let us know and we’ll have it all arranged for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars based on 28 customer reviews

Absolute Bliss! Total tranquility Spaniel heaven. Watching and walking in such glorious surroundings, seeing red squirrels, badgers and so many birds. Our 3rd stay here and we will definetly be back to this very special cottage. Rachel & Keith Bell with spaniels Daisy, Zara and Ted.
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02 Mar 2024
Our third time at this lovely cottage. Each morning is a different view and the light is never the same. Finally made it to Loch Einich, well worth the walk from the cottage. Relaxing times by the fire whist reading and dozing. I'm sure we will be back! Recommendations: Old Bridge Inn for dinner, Loch Einich (pack a lunch), nap on window seat, Waterloo Monument (great views), Fort George in Inverness. Jonathan & Seth Massachusetts Feb 2024
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16 Feb 2024
What a wonderful place and a gorgeous cottage - everything we hoped for. We've had so many visitors, all the birds, two squirrels, 7 ducks at 10am sharp everyday, deer and the biggest badger we've ever seen. We walked for hours everyday in the cleanest air imaginable. But when it snowed....wow, just magical. We've booked for next year already! We didn't want to leave. Nick and Alex
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24 Nov 2023
We've had a magical time here with a glorious walk up Ben Macdui (wiht a wonderful guide from Cairngorm Adventure Guides). Mornings watching the red squirrel and the birds at the feeders. Another walk to An Lochan Uaine and Highland beef stew, here at 'home'. A wonderful adventure for us. Thanks so much for a special place - the badgers came on our last night! October 2023 The Cecclini Family New York City
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16 Oct 2023
Perfect as always. Celebrating our 5th anniversary after first coming here 2018 on our honeymoon. Laura, James and Sammy
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13 Oct 2023
Adored our jewel in the crown cottage, deep in the forest. The 2 dogs in their element, woodland walks and endless dips in Loch an Eilein. We enjoyed a visit to Cawdor Castle, Speyburn Distillery and Balmoral - what a wonderful escape for our late Queen! We enjoyed the supply of seeds and nuts. Loved the log supply too! Lawrence and Nikki, Jasper and Truffle Oxforshire
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22 Sep 2023

LOCATION

Loch an Eilein Cottage is incredibly accessible by road, rail and air. Situated a mere 10-minute drive from Aviemore, a 35-minute drive from Inverness through stunning Highland scenery and just over an hour’s flight from London, you can be at the heart of the Scottish Highlands quicker than you may think.

BY RAIL

Aviemore Station is 2 ½ miles from Loch an Eilein Cottage and taxis are readily available. It is serviced by direct National Express and Caledonian Sleeper services from London and the south, and has links to all major cities (3 hours from Glasgow or Edinburgh). You can pick up a taxi from outside Aviemore Station or you can book a taxi on 01479 812 000 or 01479 811 111. If you aren’t heading straight to the cottages, you can leave your luggage with Aviemore Luggage Storage so you can easily explore without carrying your bags around with you.

Car hire – you can travel to Aviemore by train, and collect your hire car from Aviemore Car & Van Hire right outside the train station. Please see www.aviemorecarhire.co.uk who will meet you off even the earliest or latest trains.

The newly refurbished Caledonian Sleeper is the most luxurious and romantic way to arrive here and pulls in around 7am at Aviemore Station. If you would like to arrive in even more style, please speak to us about arranging use of the private helicopter landing pad on the estate.

BY ROAD

Loch an Eilein Cottage is situated about 3 miles from the main A9 road from Perth to Inverness and 10-minutes by car from Aviemore.

BY AIR

Inverness Airport is only a 45-minute drive away, taking you through some stunning landscapes on the fast A9 road. Direct flights take just over an hour from London, with British Airways serving the airport daily from London Heathrow and Easyjet 3-5 times a day from London (Gatwick and Luton). LoganAir fly direct daily from Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast. Daily flights with KLM link Inverness to Amsterdam Schiphol, which then links to another 176 European cities. From Inverness Airport, you can collect a hire car from a number of competitively-priced providers.

We have a safe landing site if you would like to arrive by private helicopter. Please speak to us to arrange landing and onward transport to the cottage.

Discover a luxury holiday in the Scottish Highlands. Our beautifully restored traditional Scottish accommodation can be hired on a self-catered or fully pampered basis. Discover the Scottish Highlands with Hidden Highland Retreats

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