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Quietly sitting in the grounds of our old South Manse, this steading (Scottish for barn) has been beautifully converted into a 2 bedroomed, warm, comfortable and cosy sanctuary. Open plan living space with a contemporary feel throughout.
Step into your own private self catering sanctuary, relax, refresh and recharge.
This is no ordinary retreat, it’s a one-of-a-kind home away from home, full of authentic charming features with modern day furnishings. The Coo Hoose is a beautiful blend of heritage, elegance and comfort.
Cosy up in the armchair and lose yourself in a book. As evening’s cool embrace descends, gather by the inviting wood burner, make dinner together in the open plan living area or play board games at the dining table whilst watching the birds.
A stay at The Coo Hoose is an invitation to relax, rejuvenate and soothe your soul.
Expect a log fire, luxury bed linen, under floor heating and wireless internet when you arrive.
The Coo Hoose has an open plan kitchen so you can chat and enjoy company or watch children play. A well equipped kitchen with everything you will need to provide some delicious food for your stay. A large Oak table, seats 8, perfect for entertaining.
The Coo Hoose has two bedrooms, a small twin and spacious king. The comfortable king size bed provides you with the best night sleep and if you are an early riser, roe deer and red squirrels can be seen in the morning, especially during the colder months. The bathroom is equipped with an enormous shower and for those who like to have a long soak in a bath there is an old style bath tub in the master bedroom.
A large leather sofa and two leather tub chairs in front of the wood burner make a wonderful place to enjoy a book, paper or watch a film, so comfortable. Borrow a book from the small library or plan your next outing with maps and guides to help. Small selection of board games helps a rainy day.
The private garden is filled with wildlife and is a twitchers paradise. Hear owls at night, wood peckers in the spring, with roe deer and red squirrels often visiting. Nesting red kites circle the cottage. The patio is a sun trap, generously supplied with chairs and a table that seats 6 for summer lazing. A private drive leads to the cottage with ample parking.
For those who like to cook, the Award wining Finzean farm shop can supply some of their delicious beef, venison and game ( finzean.com ) fresh locally sourced produce. The owners Catriona and Kate are keen to support local farms, small enterprises and individual producers. The cafe creates fresh delicious lunchtime food, coffees and afternoon tea and some beautiful local artisan gifts and art work are also on sale. Courie Courie Bakery in Aboyne has delicious sourdough bread and handcrafted pastries ( couriecourie.co.uk ) check opening times for all online.
Breakfast, brunch or lunch is a short walk to the village, The Boat Inn across the bridge opens early, Spider On A Bicycle in Station Square or the Black faced sheep are great favourite.
There is a Farmers Market in Aboyne and Ballater each month during the summer.
Highland Bakehouse a local Artisan Baker, Crathie, they bake the most fantastic bread, croissants and regional Aberdeenshire breakfast roll the Buttery! Honesty box and bread supplies next to Crathie Primary school.
The Deeside Deli, Ballater have a superb selection of cheese, charcuterie with fresh vegetables and preserves. They also have home made prepared evening meals for an easy supper.
Catch a Fish van that travels about Deeside delivering fresh fish straight from the sea from Harbours at Johnshaven and Gourdon, Thursday morning 8;45am here in Birse, pavement on B976.
There is a small Co-op in the village but Morrisons, Sainsburys, Tesco and Asda all deliver to the door.
The water is so good no need for any bottled water but the Queen Mother’s favourite water from Deeside will be a sweet and refreshing treat if you forget your water bottle out and about.
Aboyne has a well stocked Co-op and at George Strachan, a Aladdin’s cave style general store, one can find anything from a simple plug to a fine selection of Scottish produce, including a fabulous collection of Malt Whiskies.
In the Old Station Square is butcher, John Troup, who stocks a fine selection of local beef and game.
As you are on holiday take advantage of some great places to eat, Upper Deeside offer some wonderful eating establishments. The Fish shop restaurant in Ballater is a modern relaxed restaurant with the most spectacular fish. They have just been honoured and listed as one of The Michelin Inspectors favourite New Restaurants. The Darroch Learg Hotel has a relaxed formal dining with wonderful hosts and superb food. The Fife Arms, in Braemar, has the Clunnie restaurant and Flying Stag bar who provide some amazing food in their five star hotel. Further afield the Michelin guide restaurant at Kildrummy Inn who have been awarded 2 AA Red Rosette for their wonderful food. For more establishments please see our Local information page.
Tucked away on the outskirts of Aboyne on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, the location is famous for its micro climate and often on the national news for both the warmest and the coldest place in the UK. The Boat Inn our local pub is just a short walk away on the banks of the River Dee. Good pub grub and draft bitter which is open all day. A wonderful part of Scotland to celebrate a special event, wedding or just wanting to escape city life. Walking, cycling, fishing or using the Coo Hoose as a base to explore the Cairngorms and North East of Scotland – this is the perfect place to stay.
A perfect and peaceful retreat for romantics, castle explorers, and Malt Whisky distillery enthusiasts. The River Dee is a stone’s throw away for the fisherman and Deeside can claim some of the most picturesque golf courses in Scotland. Local outdoor pursuits for the active include; Skiing, Cycling, Munro and Corbett bagging, Horse Riding, and Gliding. Or for those who simply need to ‘get away from it all’ – this is the place to stay.
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