Banffshire cottages and self catering, East Scotland

The Aul Bank, Banff, Banffshire, East Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly price range £300 to £599

Self catering accommodation in Banff sleeps 4.

Features include: • Short Breaks • Beach nearby • Detached • Sleeps 4

Accommodation overview: This unusual holiday property has been imaginatively converted from the local bank to extremely good effect. It features a wonderful spiral staircase which ascends from the bright, airy living room to the master bedroom. Set in the heart of the quiet traditional fishing village of Whitehills, visitors can easily walk down to the quaint harbour and marina, where locally caught fish can be bought. A walk along the rocky shoreline towards Boyndie Bay with views towards Banff makes an enjoyable afternoon, or visit the villages of Crovie and Pennan (of Local Hero fame), which cling to the rocky coastline further to the east. The Moray Firth is known for its mild climate, lovely sandy beaches and dolphin sightings. Shop 10 yards.

Living room/dining room with electric ‘wood burner’, rugs on wooden floor and spiral staircase. Modern, galley-style kitchen with wooden floor. Utility. Double bedroom. Shower room with double power shower and toilet. Spiral stairs to first floor: Double bedroom.

Cowrie Cottage, Portknockie, Banffshire, East Scotland

Sleeps 6
Weekly price range £295 to £540

Self catering accommodation in Portknockie sleeps 6.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Beach close by • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Pets allowed • Parking Available • Golf near by • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: Holly Cottage is a delightful single storey detached cottage, nestling in the peaceful open countryside looking out to the sea in the distance. The property has recently been totally renovated to offer comfortable and spacious holiday accommodation. The pretty village of  Catterline, perched on cliffs overlooking the bay and harbour, is only 1 1/2 miles away and boasts the Creel Inn renowned for its excellent sea food. Stonehaven is just 3 miles away and offers a good selection of shops and restaurants along with the UK's only Olympic size, filtered heated, seawater open air swimming pool! (open June to September). Stonehaven also has its own picturesque harbour, where you can stop for a bite to eat and sample some real ale. Fowlsheugh, the RSPB reserve at Crawton is well worth a visit; the cliffs at Fowlsheugh are packed with 130,000 seabirds and where grey seals and mink whales are occasionally spotted. The wild life reserve at Montrose Basin is just 20 miles south and has a visitor centre with viewing gallery to provide panoramic views for a variety of birds. During the summer months you can take a boat trip from Stonehaven, past Dunnotter Castle admiring the sea cliffs and bird colonies, if you are really lucky you might even spot a dolphin. Dunnotter Castle is only a further 2 miles. This dramatic ruined cliff top fortress is a very important part of Scottish history and holds many rich secrets of Scotland's colourful past! If you are lucky enough to be here for New Year you may have the opportunity to witness the spectacular fireballs festival. Aberdeen with its bright city lights is approx 18 miles away. The granite city offers a range of fantastic first class restaurants combined with a thriving cultural calendar and shops galore. The city of Dundee, and Arbroath - home to the famous Arbroath Smokie are also easily accessible. For those who like to explore, the North East coastal trail, which winds its way from St Cyrus in the south through Stonehaven and Aberdeen and round to Findhorn, runs for more than 150 miles, with cliffs, coves, beaches and bays. The castle and malt whiskey trails in Royal Deeside are both within easy reach, giving you the opportunity to learn about Scotland's history and have a dram! For the more adventurous the area has a network of cycle routes, good golf courses and endless walking opportunities. Holly Cottage provides the ideal place to relax and unwind in stunning scenery and an excellent base to explore the beautiful coastal countryside. Property is all at ground floor level, has gas central heating.

Woodside Cottage, Dufftown, Banffshire, East Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly price range £265 to £420

Self catering accommodation in Dufftown sleeps 4.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Easy Walking • Pets allowed • Parking Available • Golf near by • Has a Garden •

Accommodation overview: Drifter Cottage is a little gem situated in a quiet backwater in the charming coastal village of Portsoy. Originally a fisherman's cottage, it takes its name from the  "Drifters" or herring boats that were built and used for many years along this stretch of coast. This sweet, single storey stone and slate cottage has been lovingly refurbished and offers bright, attractive and surprisingly spacious accommodation for two in the heart of this quaint old fishing village. There is a cosy lounge with feature "wood burner" effect fire as well as a good sized separate dining room. The bright, well equipped, modern kitchen opens out to a pretty patio garden area, with attractive flower border, fully enclosed with small stone wall. It provides a lovely quiet space for alfresco dining or BBQ. Portsoy is a picturesque and vibrant fishing village. Mainly built from local stone, its 17th century harbour acts as a focal point and is the venue for the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, held here in July. There are a variety of charming small shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a renowned local ice cream parlour. The harbour area is a particularly attractive spot in which to enjoy a high tea or evening meal. The nearby Salmon Bothy Museum, situated in a converted ice house, not only provides a fascinating insight into a bygone era, but also runs a genealogical research facility for those wishing to trace their family history. The coast all along this region is renowned for its dramatic and ever changing scenery. Small coves and rocky outcrops are interspersed with wonderful sandy beaches. There are lovely walks direct from the property, as well as some excellent cycle paths, following coastal routes along the cliffs, or further inland. A particularly spectacular path runs through to the attractive seaside town of Cullen, taking you over the Cullen viaduct with the sweeping sands below. Another lovely walk takes you to the quaint old village of Sandend, with its perfect small harbour and lovely sandy horseshoe bay, popular with surfers and body boarders. Boat trips run from the nearby fishing village of MacDuff and are highly recommended to view the sea life closer to hand. Dolphins and seals are regular visitors to this coast. The area is also renowned for its wealth of sea birds and even the occasional whale has been seen close to shore. Nearby Troup Head is home to the only land based gannet colony on the British Isles. There is plenty to see and do in the area. There are numerous castles and distilleries on the famous 'Whiskey and Castle Trails'. The adjoining small town of Cullen has a number of excellent facilities including restaurants, pubs and cafes as well as unusual and interesting small shops. This whole area is a golfer's paradise with numerous traditional links courses within close proximity, all open for visitor's use. Fishing is also a popular pastime and there are a number of famous rivers all within 20 minutes drive, such as the Spey and the Deveron. Fishing permits are available locally. Drifter Cottage provides a lovely base from which to explore this unique and fascinating area Property is all on ground floor level, has gas central heating.

Portessie, Buckie, Banffshire, East Scotland

Sleeps 2
Weekly price range £191 to £

Self catering accommodation in Buckie sleeps 2.

Features include: Fishing nearby Wheelchair access • Near the Beach • Close to the Sea Pub near by • Pets allowed Golf near by Garden • sleeps 2

Accommodation overview: In the picturesque coastal village of Portessie, 1.5 miles from the fishing town of Buckie, this attractive ground floor property (1900) is traditional in style and well-maintained. South facing, the flat is bright and sunny with access to a shared enclosed garden - garden furniture is provided for the private patio. The flat is very comfortably furnished with a homely ambience and may suit some visitors with limited mobility as all rooms are on ground level. Explore the beautiful coastline, the Fishing Heritage Trail or many whisky distilleries. Sandy beach 1/2 mile. Enjoy fishing, golf, pony trekking and sailing. Shops 1/4 mile. 1 twin bedroom (cot by arrangement); living room, kitchen/dining room, bathroom with shower over bath. Night storage heathers in living room, hallway and bedroom. All electric. Fridge, built in microwave, auto washer/ dryer, television, DVD. Bed linen and towels are provided.

Sandend Cottage, Portsoy, Banffshire, East Scotland

Sleeps 4
Weekly price range £265 to £420

Self catering accommodation in Portsoy sleeps 4.

Features include: • Non Smoking • Fishing near by • Fire or Woodburner • Easy Walking • Pub near by • Pets allowed • Parking Available •

Accommodation overview: Set in stunning open countryside close to the pretty coastal village of Catterline, Brewlaw Cottage offers comfortable and well presented single storey holiday accommodation. The patio area takes advantage of the surrounding countryside, with views towards the sea in the distance. Catterline, well known locally for the Creel Inn and its excellent seafood, is only 1 mile away. Stonehaven has lots to offer 6 miles away, with a good selection of shops, an open air swimming pool and a very picturesque harbour, where you can sample some real ale! Just outside Stonehaven is Dunnottar Castle; this dramatic ruin is steeped in history. As you wander around the extensive buildings you are almost surrounded by sea with the cliffs below. The north east coastal trail runs for 165 miles, where you will find many interesting villages, fine sandy beaches and coves all waiting to be explored, you may even be lucky enough to spot bottle nose dolphins, seals, osprey or puffins. Nature lovers will feel very at home here with Fowlsheugh RSPB reserve being only a few miles away - the spectacular cliffs are packed with 130,000 seabirds, including razorbills, puffin and guillemot.  Montrose Basin nature reserve is just 20 miles south, the centre provides superb views across the tidal basin, which inhabits seals, herons, eider and waders. Osprey can be seen in the summer and pink-foot geese in the winter. 20 miles to the north is Aberdeen, with its stunning granite architecture. Aberdeen has much to offer with a good selection of shops, restaurants and attractions. For the more adventurous there are lots of opportunities locally for walking and cycling and a number of golf courses the closest being the challenging course at Stonehaven with stunning cliff top views. Brewlaw Cottage is an ideal coastal retreat giving easy access to explore the north east of Scotland. The accommodation is all on ground floor, has oil central heating.