Willow Studio Rafford

Willow Studio is on a farm near Rafford, which is between Forres and Elgin in Moray. It's a lodge, one of six set around a paddock. The others are available too if you've got a group.

It sleeps three, but it's really set up for a couple. There's one open plan space with a kingsize bed that can be split into twins. There's a small kitchenette area and a shower room. It's a 3 Star rating, so it's comfortable and clean. It's built from local wood, so it's warm and it smells nice.

You share a big veranda with the other lodges, which is fine, you often get it to yourself. You look out over a paddock with some ponds. It's quiet.

The farm is working, so you'll see tractors and sometimes hear sheep. That's just how it is. There's a chef on site who can cook for groups if you arrange it.

For a pub or a restaurant, you're looking at a couple of miles to find something. The beach at Findhorn or Burghead is about fifteen minutes in the car. The coastline here is good, long sandy beaches. Nairn's a bit further but that's a good beach too.

You're in a good spot for getting about. Forres is five minutes away. Elgin is about fifteen. Inverness is forty minutes down the A96. Aberdeen is about an hour and a half the other way.

If you like walking, there's plenty. The Findhorn Foundation woods are nearby, or you can go up to the Cairngorms. For distilleries, you're right between Speyside and the Moray coast ones. Plenty to choose from.

Facilities: there's parking right outside, Wi-Fi, all bedding and towels are included. You can bring one dog. There's a washing machine in a shared utility room on site.

Useful links: National Trust for Scotland for historic places and Cairngorms National Park for walking and outdoor information.