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Balneden Steading

Tomintoul, Cairngorms National Park

A stunning barn conversion suitable for 10/12 people in three separate cottages - ideal for holidaying with family or friends. Pets welcome

The Mill

• Sleeps 4/5
• 1 pet welcome - £20 charge
• Log fire

Grain Store

• Sleeps 4/5
• 1 pet welcome - £20 charge
• Log Fire

Cattle Shed

• Sleeps 2
• 1 Pet welcome - £20 charge
• Log fire

The recently completed steading has been painstakingly converted and rebuilt by the owners.  It  retains much of its original character, with double height vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. The official name for the steading is Balneden, meaning “farm on the hillside” in gaelic, and records show that it was first used as a farm from the 1740’s.

Balneden steading is situated in arguably one of the most scenic of spots, the magnificent scenery from the property down the valley and beyond to the Ladder hills and to the peaks of the Lecht Mountains are truly inspiring. The location is ideal for exploring the Cairngorm National Park.

The Cairngorms National Park, being the largest in Britain offers the visiting guest a wide variety of outdoor pursuits no matter what your ability or age. Home to Scotland’s best and oldest ski area, the runs here offer skiing for all capabilities, for the advanced try the black run, the White lady, not for the faint hearted. The lower slopes are ideal for the beginner and tuition and ski hire is available. In the summer months why not take the venicular railway to the top, the views from here are quite spectacular and the Ptarmigan restaurant on the mountain top plateau is an ideal place to sit and have a refreshment.

Located between the village of Aviemore and the ski area you will find Loch Morlich, in the summer months the loch makes an ideal place to sit and relax at on the sandy beaches. For the more adventurous why not try your hand at a bit of canoeing, sailing or wind surfing. The Park is also home to the largest expanse of native woodlands in the United Kingdom, and is an ideal place to walk and explore. The many walks suitable for all ages and abilities are an ideal way to pass the time and enjoy the many varieties of bird and wildlife that can be seen in the area, from the many squirrels feeding by the paths to the occasional osprey circling the sky. 

There are a host of places to visit in the vicinity, one of the best is the Moray Firth and its coastline, situated within a 45 minute drive of the property. The firth is home to pod of bottlenose dolphins, and there are various boat trips available, allowing the visitor to see the dolphins in their natural habitat together with otters, porpoises and seals. For birdwatchers Culbin Sands  and Forest, together with its RSPB reserve, are well worth a visit. The many forest walks and paths are ideal for exploring, and the area is home to large selection of wildlife.

Glenlivet is home to the Glenlivet distillery, probably one of the best known of Scotland’s whiskies. The area and its secluded location provided an ideal place to produce illegal spirit. However this changed in 1823 when distilling was legalised and George Smith a local farmer, obtained one of the first licences. The malt produced here has won a whole host of accolades and awards, including an award for being one of the United Kingdom’s Coolest Brands for 2009/10. The distillery is part of the Speyside Whisky Trail, the trail covering seven distilleries in the region offers the visitor the chance to experience and taste some of Scotland’s Water of Life, and gain an insight into the art of making the various malts and blends that Scotland is famous for. A great time to visit is May or September, as during these months many of the distilleries have festivals and special events.

The owners are located nearby and are able to offer a free shopping service of locally produced food, including meat and vegetables, and a home delivery from Asda can also be arranged.

Facilities – The Mill

• Large open plan double height vaulted ceiling living /dining room/kitchen, exposed beams and wooden floors with under floor heating with absolutely stunning views  – living area has wood burning stove,  large TV,  DVD  player and iPod docking station. Wi Fi access available free.
• Dining area with seating for 4/5 people
• Modern fully fitted kitchen with electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge with ice box.
• Master bedroom with king size bed, large wall mounted TV with free sat box.  The bedroom has access to a private decked terrace which is ideal for some ‘al fresco’ dining , whilst enjoying the stunning views over the River Avon and Lecht mountains.
• Double or twin room ( zip and link beds) – plus room for a guest bed – good quality single bed can be arranged on request.
• Luxurious bathroom with bath, separate power shower, toilet and wash hand basin complete with under floor heating.

Facilities - Grain Store

• Open plan living room/dining room/kitchen with 5 metre tall cathedral window, exposed beams and wooden floors with under floor heating – living area has wood burning stove, LCD TV with free sat, DVD and iPod docking station. Wi Fi access.  Dining table with seating for 4/5 people
• Modern fully fitted kitchen with electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge with ice box.
• Private outside seating area overlooking the River Avon and Ladder hills beyond. Garden furniture and use of gas BBQ.
• King size bedroom, with under floor heating – spacious room with stunning views of the valley.
• Double or twin room ( zip and link beds), with under floor heating – room for a guest bed
• Luxurious fully tiled wet room with power shower, toilet and wash hand basin complete with under floor heating.

Facilities  - Cattle Shed

• Open plan living room/dining room with double height vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and wooden floors with under floor heating – living area has wood burning stove, TV with free sat, DVD and iPod docking station. Wi Fi access available free.  Dining table and seating for two.
• Modern fully fitted kitchen with electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge with ice box.
• Large master bedroom with double bed complete with wooden floors and under floor heating – stunning views of the valley.
• Luxurious fully tiled wet room with power shower, toilet and wash hand basin complete with under floor heating.

Included in the rent for all cottages

• All bed linen.
• Electricity and oil fired central heating. One basket of logs for the fire – additional logs can be purchased at £5 per basket.
• Laundry room – houses washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer – The laundry room is shared with the other properties.
• Outside seating area with garden furniture and use of gas barbecue.
• Off road parking.

Extras on request

• Towels can be hired at £5 per set.
• Cots and high chairs.
• To make your holiday as stress free as possible the owners offer a free shopping service.  Email the owner with your requirements prior to arrival and they will arrange an Asda delivery and will purchase meat, fruit and vegetables from their local shops. 
• Fresh eggs from free range chickens, seasonal organic fruit and vegetables available.
• Fishing available for two rods on the River Avon – price on application

Private Water supply

Good housekeeping deposit of £50 required per property

Best Features

• Stunning barn conversion suitable for the larger party
• Located within the Cairngorms National Park.
• An ideal base for touring all areas
• Within easy reach of the ski slopes of the Lecht and the Cairngorms