Little Blackhall Lodge Banchory

Little Blackhall Lodge is between Banchory and the River Dee. It sleeps eight, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It's got a 4 Star rating.

It used to be a fishing lodge, and it's built where the old Blackhall Castle was. The gardens are what people really come for. They're big and mature, with lawns and trees. They were part of the castle grounds. You get them all to yourselves. We live in a separate attached part, but we don't use the garden. You won't see us.

The house is just a few hundred yards from the River Dee. There are good walks right from the gate. You often see red squirrels. If you're lucky, you might see an otter or an osprey. There's a trout pond on the estate you can fish, but you need to arrange it with the estate manager first.

Banchory is about two miles away. It's a decent size, with supermarkets, shops, and places to eat. The Falls of Feugh are close by, where you can watch salmon jumping.

For days out, you're right in the middle of Royal Deeside. Crathes Castle and Drum Castle are a short drive. Ballater and Balmoral are about half an hour. Aberdeen city and the coast are roughly 40 minutes in the other direction. If you fancy a dramatic drive, the Cairn o'Mount road goes over the hills to Fettercairn, which has an old whisky distillery.

Inside, it's comfortable and furnished like a family home. It has a woodburning stove. There's parking for a couple of cars. Wi-Fi, a washing machine, dishwasher, all that stuff is included. Bedding and towels are too. You can bring one dog.

Useful links: National Trust for Scotland for castles and gardens, and VisitAberdeenshire has good local information.