Old Milton

Once the country playground of lairds and ladies, this former hunting lodge sits in the untamed wilderness of the Cairngorms. Acres and acres of grounds are home to a fishing loch with its own jetty, a professionally maintained 9-hole golf course and tennis courts. After a day of action and adventure in the great outdoors, there’s nothing better than soaking in the bubbling hot tub on the patio. Unwind with a single malt by the fire in the sitting room, or opt for an evening in the formal lounge fit for a duke, with its grand piano and wood-panelled walls. With stained-glass windows and a vaulted, beamed ceiling, the dining room reminds us of a church – a beautiful spot to gather the group for a decadent meal. The kitchen’s four-door Aga means country-style feasts are on the menu. There’s more to this home than pure opulence and Victorian splendour. It’s the small details that tie the design to the landscape, like hand-made staircases and the Ossian quotes carved into beams. This place really captures the magic of the Cairngorms.

Home truths:
*Up to three dogs are welcome and are confined to hard floor areas, and wet dogs are to stay in the drying room
*The eighth bedroom is in a self-contained shepherd's hut in the grounds with its own bathroom and kitchenette
*This home is fairly isolated, so having a car is recommended and there is plenty of private parking
*Your host can provide a cot and high chair for infants, just ask