Crofts Belnacraig

Right then, Crofts. It's near Belnacraig, up in Aberdeenshire. It's detached, on its own bit of land. You drive over your own little bridge to get to it. The drive up to the house is steep, just so you know. Once you're up, there's plenty of parking and the view over the glen is very good.

It sleeps six. Three bedrooms, one bathroom. It's got a 4 Star rating. There's a king size bedroom on the ground floor. Upstairs, there's a room with a super king bed that can be made into twins, and another with twin beds. The bathroom has both a walk-in shower and a separate bath. There's a separate toilet too.

The main living area is open plan. There's a woodburning stove which is the main feature. The kitchen is fine, gets the light. We've left some board games and jigsaws.

Outside, the garden is enclosed, so it's safe for kids and dogs. You're allowed one dog. There's a firepit with some rustic seating around it. It gets properly dark up here, so if you're interested in stars it's a good spot. There's also a large open barn with a table tennis table and some toys.

You'll see wildlife. Deer, sometimes a barn owl, sand martins in summer. You're right on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Plenty of walks from the door, like Ben Newe, or the bigger hills further in. There's mountain biking trails, road cycling routes, a few golf courses, and fishing on the River Don.

The National Trust has properties nearby, like castles and gardens. Balmoral is within reach. The famous whisky trail is here too. The Braemar Gathering is in September, about a 40-minute drive.

For basics, there's a Spar shop in Bellabeg, about six miles. The Steading pub at the Lonach is about seven miles and does food and local beer. The Kildrummy Inn does good meals. Alford is a bit bigger, has more shops and places to eat. Aberdeen is about an hour's drive if you need a city.

Facilities: parking, enclosed garden, washing machine, cot and highchair available, bedding and towels are included. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, but the stairs inside are typical cottage stairs: a bit steep and narrow in places.