Glen Dye Cabins & Cottages

Outdoor paradise abounds on a Scottish estate, complete with luxurious havens dotted on the banks of the River Dye.

If you're in the mood for celebrating with your favourite people in tow (and the dogs, of course!), Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages -   recently featured on Channel 4's Extraordinary Escapes - offers a scenic and refreshing antidote to all those soulless hotels.

Nestled in the glorious centre of a 30,000 acre estate just 40 minutes from Aberdeen, you'll find a characterful collection of cabins and cottages that promise to suit just about every taste.  

Surrounded by a spectacular natural landscape of soothing wilderness forest and rugged moorland, you'll wake up to some of the most magnificent views Scotland has to offer. And that's just for starters!

Beautifully set in a small pine wood, The Saw Mill is a stunning wooden building, originally crafted in the late 1800s as a refuge for the estate's foresters. These days, you'll find an instantly welcoming, completely modernised lounge, kitchen and dining room - while your sleeping quarters are to be found in a refurbished 1955 American Airstream Safari trailer!

Oh, and you'll also enjoy your very own wood-fired hot tub and a refreshing outdoor shower...what could be better? Well, there's always the outdoor covered kitchen, equipped with a Big Green Egg barbecue and pizza oven - perfect for those times when only a sizzling al fresco supper will do.

Meanwhile, the North Lodge and River Cabin forms part of an exquisite Victorian shooting lodge positioned on the banks of the River Dye. Originally home to the Glen Dye Lodge caretakers, this historic haven now sleeps up to six guests in contemporary comfort. Curl up around the woodburning stove by evening, or take a stargazing dip in your very own hot tub (after a spot of wild swimming and a tasty Green Egg-cooked barbecue, of course!)

Cottages No4 and No5 are impeccably stylish, eco-friendly holiday homes, transformed from derelict farm buildings and each sleeping up to seven guests. Along with the standard wood-fired hot tub and barbecue both cottages have access to their own private ourdoor spaces, and No 5 also has exclusive access to The Smiddy - a spectacular stone building housing a games room for everyone to kick back in after a hard day exploring the area.

The best thing about this slice of outdoor paradise? While it feels blissfully remote, there's also plenty to do right on your doorstep.  Let's start with mile after mile of walking, cycling and running routes, through some of the most beautiful forest and moorland you've ever clapped eyes upon.

While away a sunny afternoon trout fishing, swimming or canoeing on the River Dye, or head for the famously breathtaking beauty of the Highlands if you prefer wandering slightly further afield.  Landmarks including Dunnottar Castle and Balmoral - the Scottish home of the Royal Family - are in ridiculously easy reach, too.

You'll find it hard to choose a favourite activity, but the greatest thing of all is that you get to pick something completely different tomorrow!

Things to note

Dog-friendly. Holiday arrival/start days are Monday or Wednesday for midweek stays (minimum 2 nights), and Friday for a weekend stay (minimum 3 nights). Regular four-day camps are available, including foraging trips and creative activity - check the website for details.  

The Sawmill can be booked for a minimum 2 night break midweek and 3 night weekend stay at £450/£675. North Lodge and 4&5 Steading Cottages have a minimum 4 night stay, costing £995 and £945 for four nights respectively.