The Dell of Abernethy

Rooms

There are 6 cottages sleeping from 2 to 9 people. Handsome Dell Lodge (sleeps 8-9) has 4 bedrooms. Two are on the first floor - think floor-length velvet drapes, wooden shutters, brass beds with good linen, a vintage rocking chair and mid-century sofa, fireplaces and dreamy views over sheep-pricked fields to the mountains; two are in the eaves. The staircase is lined with ancient keys, the bathroom has a painted floor and romantic clawfoot tub, the wet room sleek and timber-lined. We loved curling up in front of the fire on the retro leather sofas listening to Billie Holiday on the record player.

Moving down in size, West Dell (sleeps 6), with its axe-cut beams, was an old crofter's cottage, while South Dell (sleeps 6) was once the lodge's original kitchen; it comes with its own piano. Both of these have a master double on the ground floor, and two cosy twin bedrooms in the eaves: ample for a family. East Dell (sleeps 4-5) is more secluded, with a pretty garden and a 'sit-ootery': a bench beneath an ancient oak. It would suit a couple or smaller family.

For a cute couple's hideaway, Dell Cottage and Little Dell are romantic 1-bedroom cottages with private gardens and cosy woodburners to cuddle up in front of.

Features include:

• Hairdryer
• Washing machine
• WiFi

Eating

For self-catering, smart new kitchens in the cottages come with vintage Ercol tables and chairs; in the smaller units these are more akin to kitchenettes. The hub of Dell Lodge is its lovely kitchen-diner: think soaring rafters, an old carpenter's bench (Grandpa John was an expert craftsman), long table and artfully mismatched chairs – but modern where it counts (fancy range cooker and Smeg fridge).  Utensils and pans throughout are in good order. Tea, coffee, sugar, olive oil, salt & pepper are provided.

The Grocer (on-site) supplies curated catering options from hampers of local artisan produce and chilled deli items to homemade dishes to throw in the oven along with DIY meal kits, barista coffee and plenty of veggie options. We tucked into a heavenly Dell venison, juniper and gremolata pie and rustled up a smoked salmon and leek risotto following the fool-proof instructions. To wash it all down there's a cellar list featuring hand-picked wines, beers from artisan Black Isle Brewery, and Inshriach gin from their friend Walter down the road.

If self-catering palls, local chef Paulipocket Eats, offers breakfast/lunch hampers, freshly prepared meals, cooking classes and private dinners (book ahead).  Don't miss the family-friendly Gather Inn pub evening on Fridays (Easter to Halloween, and weather permitting in the winter) when food trucks swing by, and look out for pop-up supper clubs too.

In the village (a 15-minute walk), the Balliefurth Farm Shop stocks beef and lamb from their own farm, venison from nearby estates, and pies and sausages made on site. There's pub grub at Nethy Bridge Hotel and light lunches at Nethy House café.

Features include:

• Barbecue
• Dinner by arrangement
• Dishwasher
• Food blender
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Lunch by arrangement
• Oven
• Toaster
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• There are 3 acres of communal gardens, hammocks to snooze in, picnics to plan. Paddle or play Poohsticks in the River Nethy
• Wander along forest trails or amble riverside to the village; sign up for a meditation sound walk or a folk-story ramble
• Year-round there's an event programme of workshops, gigs, pop-up supper clubs and retreats, which you can book in advance
• Cycle through the forest to Loch Garten – a good wild swimming and stone skimming spot; bikes can be hired and delivered
• The Dell has teamed up with local Instinct Guides for Springwatch-style wildlife safaris by 4x4, as well as guided nature walks from your door, and wilderness skills (don't you want to learn how to throw a tomahawk, or cook venison on an open fire?)
• For the DIY version, head to famed RSPB reserve at Loch Garten where breeding ospreys nest each spring
• Hop aboard the Strathspey Steam Railway for an old-fashioned journey to outdoors capital, Aviemore
• The Malt Whisky Trail is a bucolic route through Speyside's rolling hills linking eight distilleries (for tours and tastings) and the Speyside Cooperage

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cycling
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Meditation
• Mountain biking
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Snowsports
• Swimming
• Wildlife

Kids

The Dell is all about old-school adventure, where families can unplug and slow down. There are 3 acres of gardens to explore, a play area, a Faery Wood, hammocks, and a zip line through the trees. It's the kind of place where kids can get mucky, roam free, climb trees and toast marshmallows over the fire. There's an abundance of fun things to do nearby too.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

All of the cottages (bar one-bed romantic bolthole Little Dell) are geared towards families, most with twin bedrooms in the eaves.

Cots Available

Distances:

• Airport: 40 mins (Inverness)
• Hospital: 40 mins (Inverness)
• Shops: 5 mins (Nethy Bridge)

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Dell is a few minutes down the lane from the sleepy little village of Nethy Bridge on the edge of Abernethy Forest in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. It's a secluded spot surrounded by farmland and forest.

By Air: Inverness airport is an hour's drive north with flights from around the UK.

By Train: Aviemore station is 20 minutes away. The Caledonian Sleeper from London stops here.

By Car: It's easiest to arrive by car, and there's plenty of parking. Edinburgh and Glasgow are a 3-hour drive south; Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, is 1 hour north.

Detailed directions will be sent to you once you book through i-escape.