Scotland on Sunday Travel Wishlist - The Hay Loft, Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages, Banchory, Aberdeenshire

In 1990 Charlie and Caroline Gladstone took over this 30,000 acre estate near Banchory and set about upgrading the run-down buildings, launching Glen Dye Cabins & Cottages in 2018, writes Janet Christie.

The Hay Loft, one of the unique destinations available at Glen Dye Cottages and Cabins near Banchory, 18 miles west of Aberdeen.

Set in the middle of the estate on the River Dye, surrounded by forest and moorland, the accommodation ranges across a renovated sawmill, steading cottages, lodges, cabins, caravans, such as a remodelled 1950s Airstream Safari, and bothy, all given a contemporary meets country treatment.

Outdoors there is swimming, cycling, climbing, running, rambling and paddling, cooking on open fires and wild swimming in the river. While it’s remote and secluded, there is wifi in all accommodation at Glen Dye and there are landline telephones available too for emergency calls.

Well-behaved dogs are very welcome at Glen Dye so no need to leave your favourite family-member at home.

Typical of the high-end aesthetic, The Hay Loft is spread over two floors with a double bedroom with its own private bathroom on the ground and upstairs a series of rooms including a large sitting/dining room (with that window) as well as a landing, kitchen and large double bedroom with an ensuite bathroom.

Formerly a working hay loft, it makes a feature of the design with a picture-book sitting room window with views over fields, forest and sky. Outside there is plenty of room for wellies and bikes undercover.

Covid precautions

Glen Dye is following government guidelines with extra cleaning, changing mattress covers and pillow protectors after every guest and there is hand gel for residents and staff, who have PPE.

The Hay Loft has views over the surrounding estate and beyond.

Budget or boutique?

Boutique, blending style with seclusion, whether you’re a couple dreaming of sleeping in a 1955 Airstream, a family who want to retreat to cosy comfort in a lodge after a day in the outdoors, or back-to-nature nuts who dream of forest bathing and spectacular outdoor showers.

Room Service

The Hayloft has two double bedrooms, a large sitting/dining room, kitchen, two bathrooms; a wet room with wc and a bathroom. It also has an outdoor area. It is centrally heated and also has a wood-burning stove and unlimited firewood. A palette of hot pinks and blue tones in the bedrooms blend with whites and greys in the bathrooms and cosy colours in the living spaces to provide an eye-pleasing backdrop for tactile textiles and unique objects that would satisfy any design savvy traveller.

The Hay Loft has a log burner and turntable, as well as wi-fi and central heating.

Wining and Dining

The accommodation is self-catering with a fully equipped kitchen (and state of the art coffee maker) so stock up before you go, but don’t miss out on the produce grown and nurtured on site at Glen Dye’s Vegetable Garden. Fresh, organic vegetables and fruit, as well as eggs from the hens can be bought at the horse box trailer on site.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Each of the properties has a wood-fired Swedish hot tub, Big Green Egg barbecue, record player and records, games, wood fires and unlimited firewood. Guests also have access to the estate’s custom built wood-fired sauna, fresh eggs and vegetables from our garden and the bijou BYOB pub, The Glen Dye Arms, with log fire, ancient bar and record player.

Glen Dye is a peaceful location in which to kick back and relax with your bubble, or head out and enjoy hiking, running, cycling or just staring at the great outdoors.

Wander around the moorland and forests of the estate, hike up nearby 589-metre Clachnaben hill and take a dip in Glen Dye for the ultimate in get away from it all relaxation.

Or head for Banchory, Aboyne, Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven, Balmoral, Braemar and Ballater if you love independent shops and eateries.

Glen Dye run activities for guests, such as the two-day Screenprinting course running throughout July 2021 for all abilities (13 years plus). See website for details.

Little Extras

Electric vehicle charging is available.

Guestbook Comments

The kitchen in The Hay Loft makes for an easy self-catering staycation.

If you love the remote outdoors and towns with unique attractions and historic sites within reach of designer digs, Glen Dye is the place for you.

Prices The Hay Loft is £945 for short break Mon-Fri or Fri-Mon and £1,245 for a week.

Booking Dates are from March 1 onwards and Glen Dye offers flexible for re-booking and pledges to honour all bookings.

The Hay Loft, Glen Dye Cabins and Cottages, Glen Dye Estate Office, Bridge of Dye Steading, Strachan, Banchory, AB31 6LT ( 01330 850689, https://www.glendyecabinsandcottages.com)

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