Rowan Cottage is one of seven self-catering properties on the Glen Tanar Estate, a working estate just outside Aboyne on the southern edge of the Cairngorms National Park. It started life as a bothy for farm workers, with a chicken coop tacked onto one end, and has been restored using natural materials to keep the character intact. Inside, the original ceiling beams and granite fireplace do most of the heavy lifting. There's a wood-burning stove with unlimited logs, a super king bed and an open-plan kitchen and living room.

The estate sleeps two and is adults only. Walks start at the front door, the wider estate covers 25,000 acres of Caledonian pine forest, river and hill, and there's salmon and trout fishing on the Tanar if you fancy it. Aboyne is five minutes away for supplies, Ballater a bit further on for dinner.