Failte Gardenstown

The cottage is called Failte. It's in Gardenstown, Aberdeenshire.

It's a terrace cottage right by the sea. You can see the water from the front windows. It's a one bedroom place, but it sleeps four. There's a double bed and two single beds in the same room, so it's really a family room. One bathroom. It's got a 4 Star rating, which means it's well looked after.

The garden is enclosed, which is good if you're bringing dogs. We take up to two pets. There's parking right outside.

Inside, it's straightforward. Washing machine, TV, WiFi, that sort of thing. Bedding and towels are included. The shower is a walk-in one.

Gardenstown village is about three miles along the coast. There's a hotel there that does food. The bay is sandy. The coastal path runs past the cottage, so you can walk to Crovie or just along the cliffs.

For a day out, Troup Head is an RSPB reserve with seabird colonies. You can see gannets and puffins. Dolphins are often in the Moray Firth. The Macduff Marine Aquarium is good if the weather turns. Fraserburgh is about half an hour's drive for bigger shops. It has the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, which is in Kinnaird Head Castle.

Useful links for planning: RSPB Troup Head and Walkhighlands Aberdeenshire.