Boutique Farm Bothies
- Premier host
- Drumblade, Aberdeenshire
- See on map
- Sleeps: 2 or 4
- Bathroom: 1 per bothy
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
Barley Bothy and The Sheep Shed are found on a picturesque farm near Drumblade, and are named for the farm’s main produce – barley and sheep! Each one features a fantastic combination of eclectic design, upcycled furniture and cosy furnishings, all wrapped up in corrugated tin. And with verdant fields and meadows as far as the eye can see, they provide a rare opportunity to switch off from the world and embrace some pastoral peace.
Barley Bothy sleeps four people between two king-size box beds – perfect for young families or couples holidaying together. In keeping with the upcycled theme, practically the entire structure of the building has been given a new lease of life – including the steel frame salvaged from a scrap yard, and interior wood cladding sourced from a former chicken shed!
Every aspect of Barley Bothy is utterly inviting, from the cosy living area with its leather tub chairs arranged around the Jotul log burner, to the box beds, tucked away behind hinged doors and each featuring a stargazing window. Cute and quirky knick-knacks, gingham curtains at the cheery blue window frames, and hand-painted dining furniture contribute to the bothy’s charming character. Even the high-level flushing loo and roll-top bath add a touch of vintage luxury.
An electric immersion heater creates plenty of hot water, while electricity is provided for the lighting, fridge and charging points, just in case you need an update with the outside world. Prepare your meals at the wood-fired range cooker for an alternative culinary experience, and afterwards, relax back in the rocking chair on the veranda, looking out for deer, pheasants and hares as they potter in the fields beyond.
For peace, seclusion and romance, The Sheep Shed has it all. Set in its own copse, this beautiful bothy sleeps two, and features as much originality and character as Barley Bothy. Its incredible design incorporates a ground floor and mezzanine, while floor-to-ceiling windows afford the most spectacular views over the fields.
The Sheep Shed exudes vintage charm, from the salvaged units in the kitchen area to the floral print drapes hanging at the red window frames. An industrial lightshade hangs above the cosy sitting area, providing romantic solar-powered lighting, while a wooden ship’s ladder takes you to the king-size bed and crow’s nest chair on the mezzanine floor.
Wash your worries away in the tin water trough bath, or shower each other with the hot water watering can! Or if you like your soaks a little more special, warm up in the wood-fired hot tub on your private deck and enjoy a glass of something delicious, chilled to perfection in your on-deck cold box. Both bothies have recently seen the installation of wood-fired pizza ovens, and homemade pica dough can also be provided, so you can create your own perfect slice of Italy from the comfort of your accommodation!
Keep readingAt a glance
- Hand-crafted bothies on working farm in rural Aberdeenshire, offering self-catering accommodation amongst upcycled luxury
- Choose from Barley Bothy (sleeps 4 between 2 king-size box beds) or The Sheep Shed (sleeps 2 in king-size bed) plus new addition, The Dairy at Denend (sleeps 2 adults and 2 children)
- Both feature incredible countryside views and secluded settings
- Wood-fired hot tub at The Sheep Shed
- Explore beautiful Aberdeenshire – great for walking, fishing and whisky tasting!
- 2 miles from Drumblade; 25 miles from Cairngorms National Park
Features
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Hot Tubs
Off-Grid
Facilities
The Sheep Shed sleeps 2, king size bed, bedding & towels provided, stargazing window, bathroom, tin water trough bath, shower, mezzanine, crows nest chair, wood fired range cooker, wood fired pizza oven, solar panel, charging points, outdoor deck, hot tub.
Barley Bothy sleeps 4, 2 king size beds, bedding & towels provided, bathroom, roll top bath, stargazing window, range wood fired cooker, wood fired pizza oven, fridge, electricity, Jotul log burner, outdoor terrace, rocking chair.
Local activities
Walks, castles, golf, dolphin spotting, fishing, scuba diving, boat trips, watersports, whisky tours.
Accommodation Options
Barley Bothy - sleeps 4
The Sheep Shed - sleeps 2
More information
Newly added in 2022, and an ideal space for larger groups and families, Denend Farmhouse is a vibrant four bedroom house that is the perfect venue for a long-awaited celebration or reunion. So if your party needs more space and even more vintage quirkiness for their holiday then look no further!
When you aren’t savouring every second of your rural escape, take the chance to explore all the glories of Aberdeenshire. Fishing, walking, golf and castle trails are on your doorstep, while the sensational Cairngorms are a short drive to the south-west. Get a taste of Scotland with some local produce from one of the nearby farmer’s markets, or learn about the county’s most popular export on a Malt Whisky Trail.
Whether you’re getting out and about in the glorious Aberdeenshire countryside or curling up amongst upcycled luxury in your beautiful bothy, you can guarantee your stay at Boutique Farm Bothies will be one to remember forever.
Things to note
Prices include a welcome to Aberdeenshire hamper, filled log store, a metre square of wood, kindling fire lighters, two baskets of logs, wood thereafter is charged at £10 per log store fill, open year-round, check in time from 3pm, up to 3 well behaved dogs are permitted at a cost of £15 per dog per stay, which includes a doggies essentials pack (towel, blanket, bowls, lead, gravy bones), no smoking permitted. 1 night stays may sometimes be available on arrangement at £220 per night – please email owner for details. The Sheep Shed starts at £140 per night for two guests (minimum 2 night stay) and Barley Bothy starts at £140 per night (minimum 2 night stay) for two guests. Extra guests are charged at £20 per person per night.
Where you'll be staying
Drumblade, Aberdeenshire
What the guests of Boutique Farm Bothies say
“What a fantastic, rural get-away! Spent an amazing evening, lazing in the hot tub, drinking wine, gazing at the starry sky before heading in to the warm, cosy and snug Sheep Shed, which Jane has clearly spent a lot of thought and time in authentically furnishing. Thoroughly enjoyed cooking a full English breakfast on the wood fired range, before dining al-fresco in the sunshine on the deck. I hope it is not too long before I can enjoy it again!”
D Burbidge
“Just returned from a weekend get-away in the Sheep Shed. Simply cannot recommend it highly enough (I have been raving about it to anyone and everyone I meet!). The location is stunning and so much thought has been put into making the shed just perfect for a cosy, peaceful and relaxing retreat. Getting to sit in the hot tub with a glass of prosecco and gaze out across the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside was a highlight. I am already counting the days till I can get back to this little bit of Scottish heaven!”
M Trieshard
“We spent a lovely weekend in December at the Barley Bothy – it was ideal for getting away for a big birthday. The space is well thought out; comfortable beds, cozy nooks, a lovely bath with skylight and loads of windows with which to take in the views. The fire was going and the kettle was hot for our arrival. The wee treats on arrival were a lovely greeting and the extra hamper we ordered was filled with local bits and pieces that easily fed us, and a sticky toffee pudding big enough for a family of four. We loved the porch and even managed to do a wee ‘Barley Bothy Recording Session’. Thank you James and Jane – it’d be a great spot to spend Christmas.”
S Fairburn