The Byre Lumsden

The Byre is on our farm just outside Lumsden village. It’s a converted steading, so it’s all on one level. No steps inside or out. We built it to be accessible.

It sleeps six in three bedrooms. They’re all en-suite with showers. The main bedroom has a super king bed that splits into two singles, and a wet room with grab handles and a fold-up seat if needed. The second room has a king bed that splits too, and the third has a double. They’re all straightforward rooms.

You’ve got an open plan living area. Big table for six, comfy sofas, and doors looking out over the fields. The kitchen has everything you’d expect. It’s underfloor heated, so you can set each room to what you like. There’s a wood burner for cosy evenings.

Outside the doors is a paved patio and a bit of lawn. You can sit and watch the sheep. There’s a big drying room next to the cottage with a washer and dryer, and plenty of space for wet coats or bikes. We have an electric car charger right there too.

Lumsden has a shop and a garage. There’s a kids’ playpark and a Sculpture Trail you can walk. We’re in walking country. For fishing, the River Don is close by.

You can drive to the Lecht for skiing in winter, or to Royal Deeside. Ballater or Braemar is about half an hour. Aberdeen is maybe 45 minutes if you need the city. The North East 250 route goes near here if you’re touring.

Practical stuff: We take one well-behaved dog by arrangement, but they must be on a lead outside because of our livestock. Bedding and towels are included. There’s a cot and highchair. Parking is right by the cottage.

If you’re looking at castles or walks, National Trust for Scotland has good information for the area.