Dess Lodge Kincardine O'Neil

Dess Lodge is a detached gatehouse in Kincardine O'Neil. It's part of someone's estate, off the main road between Aberdeen and Balmoral. It's Victorian. The road's busy enough, but you don't hear it once you're inside.

It sleeps four. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms. It's got a 4 Star rating. It's done up traditionally, lots of pine wood and an open fire. It feels older, not big and modern. The gardens go around it on three sides.

The stairs are narrow and a bit steep. They're just part of the place.

There's a shop a couple of miles away, and a pub in three. You'd need to drive.

You're right in the middle of Royal Deeside. Ballater's up the road, which is where the Balmoral shops are. Banchory's the other way for a bigger high street. For castles, you've got Crathes Castle nearby, and Balmoral Castle itself is about 15 miles west. There are also the stone circles at Tomnaverie if that's your thing.

For walks, you're close to the core of Cairngorms National Park. The scenery's very good.

Facilities: you've got the open fire, a washing machine, parking, wifi, and a TV. Bedding and towels are included.

Useful links: National Trust for Scotland - Crathes Castle, and the Balmoral Castle website for visiting information.