Middle Lodge is a detached, granite built lodge house and makes a great base to visit north east Scoland and hear the Doric tongue! The living area is spacious, bright and light, and there is a garden room where you can relax and enjoy the mature garden with a spacious terrace. The owner thoughtfully provides a generous welcome pack, loaded with locally sourced produce.
Situated by a web of walkways which take you through Pitfour Estate with lake which was originally designed by Capability Brown. Take a longer walk and you can reach Old Deer and view the 13th-century Cistercian Abbey ruin, or visit the nearby standing stone circles.
Nature lovers can visit Newburgh at the mouth of the River Ythan, to view the seal colony, or visit Strathbeg and Troup Head RSPB visitor centres. Adventurous walkers can enjoy a walk along the spectacular cliff top at the Bullers of Buchan and end up at Slains Castle in Cruden Bay, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s ‘Count Dracula’.
For golfers, there are three links courses at Cruden Bay, Peterhead and Fraserburgh, or a cheeky 9-hole course at Longside. There are long sandy beaches at Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Cruden Bay and are almost deserted. Peace, perfect peace!
Nearby castles include Delgatie, Banff and Fyvie, all very different. Fyvie Castle is known as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the National Trust for Scotland, whilst the other two are privately owned. An early morning trip to visit Peterhead’s fishmarket, Europe’s largest white fish port, is a must and then head out to Peterhead Prison Museum for afternoon tea. Definitely alternative Scotland! For foodies, there are lots of wonderful restaurants in the area. Beach 12 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.