Located in one of Scotland’s National Parks, the Cairngorms, you’ll find the lovely village of Ballater. It sits in the heart of Royal Deeside which means that its a stone’s throw away from Queenie’s Summer home, Balmoral Castle as well as a host of other castles such as Braemar and Craigivar.

But more importantly, Ballater is where, nestled on the edge of the village that you will find this charming home, Dormie Cottage. It is from here that you can explore this region of the Scottish Highlands and still have the home comforts such as cosy beds and a roaring fire in the winter or glorious outdoor open plan dining in the Summer.

REVIEW of Dormie Cottage, Highland Cottage Rentals, Ballater, Scottish Highlands

Dormie Cottage can sleep up to six people and very family friendly. I love how the home is almost cut in two with the master bedroom and en suite on one side of the kitchen and another bedroom, sofa bed in the lounge and a separate bathroom on the other side of the kitchen.

If you had older children, you could give them the run of the one side of the house, whilst you and your partner took the other. Bliss I reckon.

It is also dog friendly, so bring your pooch as well as easily assessible for the elderly or disabled. The cottage is all on the ground floor with flat surfaces that can accommodate a wheel chair or walking aids. There is a drive way that leads right up to the cottage and gates that you can securely close should you want your dog to be able to run about the garden.

My favourite room was this yellow guest bedroom with two single, extremely comfortable beds and the happiest of donkey’s smiling at you from the painting on the wall. This room is quite magical - it has a sky window and as the snow and rain fall, it makes a beautiful delicate pitter patter that soon places you into a very deep sleep.

No doubt this is ideal for younger kids too, as on a clear night, you’d be able to see millions of twinkling stars across the galaxy and while away many hours, just by looking up.

The family bathroom is large and bright with a very inviting free standing bath. I did enjoy a bubble bath or two in here. The en suite is actually a wet room with a spacious shower and heated towel rail, which after a day out in the cold, you’ll appreciate drying off from your lush shower with a cosy warm towel.

All bedding and towels are included in the rental so no need to worry about bringing these along with you on your Highland getaway.

I fell in love with the kitchen. There is a lot of work surface, induction stove, large fridge as well as every mode con you could need including a microwave and a coffee machine. You’ll find many kitchen essentials provided including tea, coffee, sugar, salt as well as washing up liquid and towels.

There is a local Co-op about 5 minutes walk from the house. A quick easy stop to stock up on other essentials like milk and bread as well as any groceries you might require for your stay.

There are large glass folding doors that allow you to open the kitchen space out into the garden area which will be a massive bonus in the Summer. The kitchen is however dominated by a very large oversized 6 seater round table; I’d happily swop this for a rectangle table with sleeper seats, just to provide a little more room and greater access to those doors.

The lounge area is cosy with an open fire which is all set up ready for you to just light. There is a wood store outside in the garden and a wooden bucket fire side, for easy collection. The fire heats this home up fast, and there truly is nothing more delightful than being cosy on the couch with a loved one, glass of wine in hand, listening to the fire crackle as the snow falls outside.

Some wonderful quirky characters adorn the walls and tables at Dormie Cottage.

Dormie Cottage is an ideal spot from which to plan days out in the Scottish Highlands. The village itself, is packed with interesting history more of which you can learn at the rebuilt Royal Station, now a visitor centre; as well as cafes, restaurants and some great wee boutique shops.

Local attractions include many walks and hikes through Glen Muick and Lochnagar, visit Muir of Dinnet and Burn O’ Vat; plus there are many outdoor activities for the adventurous types - skiing and snowboarding with the Lecht and Glen Shee a mere 40 minutes drive away.

As foodies and whisky aficionados, Distillery Bagging (no munros here) is a thing and every trip, we like to visit whisky distilleries and pick up a bottle or two.

Neighbouring Balmoral Castle, in fact you’ll think you were going to Balmoral, is the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Owned by Diageo, this distillery stocks an impressive array of Diageo whiskies from Caol Ila to Johnnie Walker. It is also here that Diageo employees and those fortunate enough, attend the revered Malt Whisky Advocate training course! Besides Royal Lochnagar, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Cardhu and Balvenie distilleries are all within a short driving distance too.

As well as whisky, Royal Deeside has an abundance of amazing food and drink producers. Under 30 minutes from Ballater, lies Finzean Estate and Farm Shop. The shop was established in 2006 as a way to support local farmers, producers and small enterprises. You’ll find home-reared beef, seasonal wild venison and game, locally supplied meat, vegetables and fruit, artisan cheeses, eggs, freshly baked bread, honey and preserves as well as crafts such as paintings, soaps, books etc.

On the hunt for some incredible cheese to accompany that bottle of Merlot, then head to Cambus O’May Creamery and shop located in Ballater. Their cheeses are unpasteurised or raw milk cheeses which gives way for interesting textures and tastes.

If you are lucky enough to have booked Dormie Cottage on the 4th Sunday of any month, then why not spend a while at the local Farmers Market located at the Church Green, opposite the Co-op store and 5 minutes walk from the cottage. You’ll be sure to pick up some amazing local produce.

But if you’ve missed this, do pop into the Deeside Deli, on Ballater Bridge Street. You can pick up everything local from freshly made pies and charcuterie to honey, fresh fruit and veg, cheeses and gins.

Dormie Cottage is a truly wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s about exploring Scotland; whether you seek adventure or a slower pace. It’s about discovering Scotland; those amazing Highland walks, burns, rivers and lochs; but it’s also about the people.

Strap on your boots and get them muddy; or visit farm stalls and cafes, sip on hot chocolate and eat cheese. What ever your bag is; do yourself a favour and book Dormie Cottage for a few days or a week.

Dormie Cottage - prices start £212 for 2 nights.

Highland Cottage Rentals, Dormie Cottage, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland www.highlandcottagerentals.com