Fit for a Queen

On the banks of a secluded loch near Aboyne, this beautiful cabin comes with a beautiful story. It was originally built in the 1920s by Viscountess Cowdray, a close friend of Queen Mary. Choosing it as the perfect spot between her home and the royal estate at Balmoral, it was built so the two women could regularly meet and take tea by the water together. Sitting here, in the peaceful Aberdeenshire countryside, it's not hard to see what attracted them. The setting, overlooking the loch, and surrounded by tall pines is a truly inspirational one, and whether you're here in the middle of summer or the winter, the views from the home are second to none. Despite its rustic charm and rough Scots pine exterior, the cabin has been renovated to create a luxurious home, with antique furnishings, a log fire and vintage art. There's a modern country-style kitchen with everything you could need and two comfortable bedrooms. And who wouldn't fall in love with the huge freestanding copper bathtub in the master bedroom? Outside, hike in the woods, swim from the little jetty, fish in the nearby River Dee or watch wildlife from the veranda – visitors regularly see deer and osprey by the loch. And despite its private setting, this amazing place is just a fifteen-minute walk from the village pub across the river.

Home truths:
*The second bedroom can be set up with twin beds or a super king-size
*You'll definitely need a car for this area – there's private parking here
*There's a private entrance and laptop-friendly workspace
*The bathtub is in the main part of the master bedroom
*Salmon fishing is available on the Birse Beat of the River Dee – subject to availability and an additional fee