Loch an Eilein Cottage
Luxurious lochside cottage hidden away in the heart of the Scottish Highlands
Sleeps up to 2 people with spectacular views across Loch an Eilein
Dog friendly holiday cottage
- Quiet and peaceful location in Cairngorm National Park
- Abundance of local wildlife to enjoy
- Leisurely and adventurous walks directly from your doorstep
Check availability and pricing
On the north-western shore of Loch an Eilein you’ll find the cottage, splendidly situated with unspoiled views of the loch, 13th century castle ruins and the mountains beyond. A real treasure in the heart Cairngorms National Park. This former Regency-era folly is now a dreamily romantic Highland retreat near Aviemore. Take a look around on our virtual tour.
An exquisitely restored 19th century stone cottage that maintains original features that are eloquently met with contemporary and sumptuous furnishings. You’ll enjoy tranquil interiors; the cool neutral palette mirrors the waters of the loch and its reflection of the Highland sky and heathery mountains. A couple 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. The double-sided wood burning stove offers unparalleled warmth and atmosphere, perfect after a walk around the loch. Loch an Eilein Cottage is a cocoon of warmth in the changeable Highland weather. Interiors by leading London-based stylist and interior designer Fanny Ward.
"What a magical place to stay! Beautiful cottage, magnificent views, walks and bike rides. We've loved watching the wildlife from the window seats! Red squirrels, woodpeckers, ducks, countless birds!" March 2022
Retire in the intimate double bedroom that offers supreme comfort, whilst still enjoying the warmth and glow from the wood burning stove. The window looks out onto the private garden, inviting you to keep the curtains open to enjoy the vast dark sky. Fresh air met with the quiet comfort of nature offers a restful night's slumber. Underfloor heating makes the ensuite bathroom with a bathtub and tv a real treat. Modern luxury united in harmony in this classic old stone cottage is what makes Loch an Eilein Cottage the ideal self catering cottage in Aviemore. Attached to the bedroom is a light filled sit-out-erie to nap, read and enjoy a drink.
You’ll feel happily secluded without being completely isolated as the walking path around the loch is nearby. 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 spectacular dog friendly holiday cottages in Scotland!
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.
Your property includes the following:
- Wi-Fi Internet access *
- Telephone
- Wood burning stove
- Firewood
- Barbecue
- Under floor heating in bathroom
- Off road parking
- Storage for sports equipment
- Drying cupboard in sit-outerie
- Electronic safe
- Flat screen televisions in lounge, bedroom and bathroom
- Hair dryer
- DVD player
- Bluetooth speaker
- Washing machine
- Tumble dryer
- Dishwasher
- Range cooker
- Full size fridge freezer
- Wine cooler
- Iron and ironing board
- Coffee making machine - Lavazza
- Full range of appliances, crockery and cutlery
- Lavazza milk warmer/frother
- Welcome hamper stocked with food and drink from the Farm Shop
* Please note our internet connection is from a satellite connection in a rural part of the Highlands of Scotland. As such, it is suitable for light internet browsing and should not be relied upon for full daily use or streaming music or video content. Time lag between pages loading can be slower with satellite internet compared to cable internet.
The following are also provided:
- Linen, towels and flannels
- Luxury soap, hand cream, shampoo, conditioner and body wash products by The Highland Soap Company
- Fresh milk on arrival
- Salt and pepper and a selection of herbs and spices
- Tea, coffee and sugar
- Coffee capsules for Nespresso machine
- 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
- Hypoallergenic pillows and duvets available on request
Arrival & Departure
The property is yours from 4.00pm on your arrival day until 09.30am on your day of departure.
Other Services
Please see the Extras page for other services we can arrange for you or available to book.
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.