Dell of Abernethy Cottages

The Dell of Abernethy, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland - Explore & Book

"The Dell of Abernethy has been in Polly Cameron's family for three generations. Her grandparents first began offering Highland holidays, then her uncle took it on, now she and husband Ross run the Dell with their young family. She's got hospitality in her blood; the couple also ran a resort in Fiji, a restaurant in the Highlands – and founded The Insider music festival. They've made some changes along the way, putting in central heating in for a start – a biomass boiler and cosy wood-burning stoves. They've stripped the main 18th-century lodge back to its bones creating a bare boards and retro chic vibe with a smattering of family heirlooms. And added a giant woodland tipi. It was the tipi that swung it when BBC Springwatch scouts were scouring Scotland for a new base. They stayed for four seasons. There's a fire pit for toasting marshmallows, hammocks strung through the trees, forest walks from the door – and Bluebelle, the classic 1960s Humber Sceptre for secluded loch-side picnics. The magnificent Cairngorms and Aviemore await. The Dell is a family home and family business, evolving organically with a warm bear hug welcome. The fire is burning brightly when you arrive, the candles and tea-lights flickering. Highs This is self-catering 'with benefits'. The menu of food options includes artisan hampers and DIY meal kits It's family friendly, pet-friendly, friends-friendly – it's just plain friendlyWe loved the quirky touches, shelves of well-thumbed books, the old record player and LPsThe Tipi is magical at night. Book it for a celebration – Polly is also a chefPlanning a family gathering? All six cottages spiral out from the lodge – some are connecting Lows Craving complete solitude? This is the kind of place where you are likely to bump into other guests in the groundsThe twin-bedded rooms are generally in the eaves – think sloping ceilings, 'cosy' and compactAllow plenty of time to get here and about" - Lucy Gillmore