Derrywood

New listing 6/7/16 Derrywood (AS00447F; EPC rating E) is situated on the lower slopes of the Morrone hill, just outside the Highland village of Braemar on Cluniebank Road. It is set in a large private plot and provides beautiful views of the surrounding hills from all rooms. The space Derrywood house has 5 beds and sleeps 6 people. It has retained its traditional features since it was built in 1913, but some modern additions have been made over the years including insulation, modern electric heating and new and refurbished windows. With beautiful views, birds and red squirrels in the garden, hectic modern-day life seems far away. The house is facing the river Clunie, with views to the East towards the hills of Creag Choinnich, Coo Hill and other hills surrounding Braemar in the distance. It has a large, sunny front garden where a summerhouse gives views to the South and towards the village and catches the sun from sunrise to sunset on summer days. The lounge has a smart tv, a wood burning stove (firewood is provided for the duration of your stay), and houses a cabinet with many boardgames. It has a beautiful view from the bay window. The porch has space to store boots and shoes. The spacious dining room has a dining table in the bay window, a small table with information about the area and a bookcase with a wide selection of books, including books about the immediate area, wider Scotland, field guides and a range of cookery books. Children's books and games can be provided. There is an Ibach piano for use by guests, please bring your own sheet music. The kitchen is fully fitted with an induction cooker, two electric ovens, microwave, toaster, and stocked with coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper, olive oil, spices, and a wide range of pots, pans and kitchen equipment. Adjacent to the kitchen is a utility room with fridge, small freezer, and dryer (the washing machine is in the downstairs bathroom). There is a second entrance into the house via the utility room. The downstairs bathroom is large with a bathtub, toilet, basin, and houses the washing machine. All 3 bedrooms are upstairs. Bedroom one has a king size double bed, dressing table, and a wardrobe with hanging space. It has beautiful views from the bay window over the front garden towards the countryside. Bedroom two has three single beds. It has a wardrobe with hanging space and shelving and a chest of drawers.. Again it provides a stunning view from the bay window over the front garden. Bedroom three is the smallest with a single bed, a bedside table and chair and space for hanging clothes. The view is over the back garden towards Derrywood cottage. The small upstairs bathroom has a toilet, basin, and an electric shower and heated towel rail. There is shelving to store toiletries. The landing upstairs houses two drawer units with spare bedding and towels. The house has recently been insulated and upgraded with modern electric radiators in all rooms, the hallway, landing and utility room. New windows have been installed upstairs and all bay windows downstairs are refurbished. Each room has windows that can open. This makes the house easy to ventilate and to heat and comfortable for use all year round. Outside, there are two benches in front of the house to relax under the overhanging roof and enjoy the views. The recently rebuild summerhouse is furnished with garden furniture that can be used inside or moved outside in the garden. There is electricity inside and an outside light. A small outside bench provides permanent outdoor seating. There is an area for drying clothes beside the kitchen entrance. A gate beside the drying green leads to the back garden and the wood shed. Please note the back garden is not part of the outdoor space exclusive to guests of Derrywood but also used by Roos and Felix and their dog who are refurbishing the small cottage set in those grounds during 2024. Mountain bikes, a folding bike to pop to the village, and 2 electric mountain bikes are available for use. If you want to use these please request with us beforehand so we can arrange. We do not have bikes for children. An outdoor fire pit is available on request. It also allows for outdoor cooking. An outdoor tap for cleaning bikes or boots is available at the back of the kitchen. Derrywood has a private parking place with space for up to 4 cars. A double electric charging point is available. Guest access Guests are advised that the house is not suitable for wheelchair users. The access to the house itself is rather steep either via stone steps, which may be slippery in winter, or via a gradual climbing path through the garden. This path is useable by those with walking aids or pushchairs. A handrail is available along all the steps. The main entrance involves going up two steps into the porch. The side entrance, however, is almost level. All three bedrooms are upstairs. Outdoor lights help to navigate the access. Braemar golf course, famous for its spectacular location, is down the road from Derrywood, just a few minutes walk away. Braemar village is a five minute walk, and offers a medium-sized supermarket (open 7 days a week from 8 am to 10 pm), a pharmacy, and an award-winning butcher who also stocks vegetables and bread. A high-quality mountain shop and several shops specialising in Highland products and locally made woodwork give the village a special edge. There is an art gallery, a number of nice coffee shops, a chocolate shop, a patisserie, a brewery, several restaurants and pubs, including in the famous Fife Arms Hotel. During the summer months there are regular displays of pipe bands and there is a wide range of social and cultural activities, including several festivals, in the village including in St. Margaret's Church (also general information about the church itself and the village) and in the Village Hall. Details can be found on their respective websites, on the Visit Braemar page or on the Braemar Community page. Braemar Castle is as original as Scottish castles come. Recently restored to its full glory, this community-owned castle is once again open to the public. During 2024 there will be a gradual opening with several events planned. Please check opening times online. A full opening is expected during the summer months of 2025. The local history group holds free guided tours twice a week during the summer. A leaflet to allow a self-guided tour is also available. The Braemar Royal Highland Society has created a permanent display about highland games in general and the Braemar Games in particular in the beautiful Pavilion at the Games Park. Glenshee ski resort is nine miles to the south; for skiing in winter, and walking in summer. Then there are the beautiful walks that can be made in the immediate surroundings of Braemar village with views from the surrounding hill tops over the entire area. The village gives access to the Cairngorms national park, the biggest national park in Scotland. Tours are available for those who prefer a local guide to show them the best spots for walking, wild swimming, fishing, photography or other pursuits. Please ask for more information if you want us to help plan your stay. Other things to note Braemar can be reached by public transport from Aberdeen. Bus timetables are available via Stagecoach. Please note that we will charge our own car at the charging point at times. There is however always one charging option available to guests. Please let us know if you plan to park more than 2 cars so we create the space required. Please liaise before your stay if you need a cot, children's toys or children's books. Also let us know if you want to use the electric bikes, or want to store your own bikes. We are happy to advise on walks, cultural activities or day trips ahead of your stay. Please feel free to ask. Please note that the grounds to the back of Derrywood are no longer part of the gardens exclusive to guests. Roos and Felix are renovating the small cottage behind Derrywood. Most of the work is internal but we will notify guests should we expect there may be some noise disturbance.