The Mill Tomintoul - Northern Cairngorms
Cairngorms National Park

About The Mill

The Mill  - Cairngorms National Park

Location: Tomintoul - Northern Cairngorms - Cairngorms National Park

Sleeps: 4

Price From: £630 p.w.

Near this property...

The Mill, Glenlivet Estate, Cairngorms National Park

Sleeps 4 - Pets allowed - STB 4*'s.

The Mill is situated in arguably one of the most scenic of spots, the magnificent scenery from the property down the valley and beyond to the Ladder hills and to the peaks of the Lecht Mountains are truly inspiring. The position of the property is ideal for exploring the Cairngorms National Park. The property part of an original barn steading is adjacent to two other properties, The Cattle Shed and The Grain Store, both of which can be booked through us making the properties ideal for a large family or a group of friends.

The cottage, the largest property at the steading, has been painstakingly converted and rebuilt by the owners, now retaining much of its original character, with double height vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. The official name for the steading is Balneden, meaning “farm on the hillside” in gaelic, and records show that it was first used as a farm from the 1740’s. The owners are located nearby and are able to offer a free shopping service of locally produced food, including meat and vegetables, and a home delivery from Asda can also be arranged.

The property, the majority of which is all on the one level has been completed in a contemporary style, and has been well equipped and furnished. The property consists of a spacious open plan lounge/kitchen, complete with a wood burning stove. A focal point of this room is the five metre floor to ceiling window, making this room very light and bright. Further facilities include a twin/double bedroom, large bathroom complete with a separate shower enclosure and roll top bath. A master bedroom with direct access to the outside decked seating and dining area, completes the facilities. The lounge/kitchen and bedrooms have all been floored with oak, and these including the tiled bathroom, benefit from underfloor heating. A private outside seating and garden area is available for the use of guests.

More information

Facilities

Downstairs

  • Large open plan double height vaulted ceiling living /dining room/kitchen, exposed beams and wooden floors with under floor heating with absolutely stunning views  – living area has wood burning stove,  large TV,  DVD  player and iPod docking station. Wi Fi access available free.
  • Dining area with seating for 4/5 people
  • Modern fully fitted kitchen with electric oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge with ice box.
  • Laundry room – houses washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer – The laundry room is shared with the other properties.
  • Master bedroom with king size bed, large wall mounted TV with free sat box.  The bedroom has access to a private decked terrace which is ideal for some ‘al fresco’ dining, whilst enjoying the stunning views over the River Avon and Lecht mountains.
  • Twin room.
  • Luxurious bathroom with bath, separate power shower, toilet and wash hand basin complete with under floor heating.

Included in the rent

  • All bed linen and towels.
  • Electricity, oil fired central heating and logs included.
  • Use of travel cot and high chair, if required.
  • Childrens play area, with overlooking decking terrace for the adults. However this is not within sight or earshot of the cottages, to ensure that guests without little ones are not disturbed.
  • Parking for two cars.

Extras on request

  • To make your holiday as stress free as possible the owners will be more than happy to take delivery of a Tesco / Asda online shop for you, subject to them being at the cottage on the day of your arrival, meaning that your holiday will start without the familiar trip to the shops after a long journey.

Private Water supply

Good Housekeeping Deposit

A Good Housekeeping Deposit of £75.00 is required at this property.

Pets Allowed

Two well behaved dogs are allowed, however as the property is located near a working farm during the lambing season, April 16th - to the end of May, no dogs are allowed. A £20 weekly charge applies.

Winter Bookings

Balneden Steading is a superb place to spend a winter break. Situated in a remote glen, the cottages are still very close to the Lecht ski area and only 30 mins drive from Cairngorm Mountain. In snowy conditions, the 200 metre access path is ploughed daily to ensure that 4WD vehicles will always be able to get to the cottages. The owners have also made arrangements for 2WD vehicles. If the access track is impassable with a 2WD vehicle, there is a parking area at the bottom of the access track, and the owner will collect you and your belongings at the start of your break and drive you up to your cottage. At the end of the week your bags & belongings can be taken down to your vehicle for you. During the week you may need to walk up and down the access track, which is a 3-4 minute walk from the cottages. The owners provide torches, and you are advised to bring appropriate clothing and footwear to suit the conditions. People driving a 4WD will have no problem with the track. If you are not able-bodied and are driving a 2WD vehicle, it is not advisable to book any of the cottages.

Best Features

  • Great base for expoloring the Cairngorms National Park
  • Close to the Whisky Trail
  • Unspoilt views of the surrounding countryside

 

STL LICENCE NO: MO-00100-F   EPC RATING: C

 

Photos click to enlarge

Map

The Mill Reviews

The latest reviews of The Mill ...


Reviewed this property on 01/10/2024
And awarded it
We had a really great stay. The Mill was warm, comfortable and had everything we needed - with lovely views and plenty of room for our two dogs. It was situated in a great place for us to get into the Cairngorms from Aviemore and from Braemar - and to visit the Moray coast.

Reviewed this property on 15/04/2024
And awarded it
The Mill is located on such a picturesque hill side view that offers the most amazing sunrises. The property itself is very spacious and comfortable with tasteful decor throughout. Cleaning standards are very high too, spotless throughout. Location of the property is just perfect for a drive to the coast or inland. We filled a full week with adventures locally and we will return. 10/10

Reviewed this property on 08/08/2023
And awarded it
This is without a doubt one of the nicest holiday homes we have ever stayed in. The house was spotless, beautifully decorated and very well equipped in terms of amenities. The owners live on the same property and are very friendly.

Reviewed this property on 11/10/2022
And awarded it
Lovely cottage in a fantastic location. We really enjoyed our stay finding the cottage warm and comfortable. We did find the furnishings a bit sparse - a chest of drawers in the master bedroom would have been a helpful addition to save living out of a suitcase for a week. Some board games / books / information on the area (restaurant recommendations, walks nearby etc) would have been nice to have also. We were unlucky with the weather during our stay so did go out and buy our own puzzle midweek! Overall though these were tiny niggles, and we would definitely stay again if in the area.

Reviewed this property on 06/07/2022
And awarded it
Amazing location - a true wilderness cottage. We were surrounded by wildlife literally to the door - Siskin, Swallows, and Stoats for example. The views from the property were superb. The building and all its contents were of the highest quality. Just a fantastic holiday destination!!

Reviewed this property on 01/07/2021
And awarded it
Me and my boyfriend had such a wonderful stay at The Mill. The place is so beautiful with stunning views, especially with the massive window at the front! Julie and Phil are so lovely and were really helpful. I couldn't recommend this place any more, what a fab relaxing week we had, wish we could have stayed longer!

Reviewed this property on 09/11/2020
And awarded it
The Cottage provided everything we wanted and more. It is well equipped comfortable and welcoming. We would recommend it highly. Julie and Phil are great hosts and made us feel very welcome.

Reviewed this property on 14/08/2018
And awarded it
Stunning setting, well equipped and beautifully presented property with an absolutely incredible view out of the lounge windows - could never tire of that! Will definitely return.

Reviewed this property on 11/04/2018
And awarded it
Absolutely wonderful week spent at The Mill. The cottage is immaculate and very warm- even with snow on the ground! There is everything you might need provided for you. Of course the views are out of this world and there were endless excellent walks for our 2 springer spaniels. Would highly recommend- certainly the best self catering cottage we have stayed in.

Reviewed this property on 09/11/2017
And awarded it
7 Days at The Mill were lovely and relaxing. It was clean and tidy, with the most amazing view out of the large front windows. We were up before dawn every day and the sunrises were superb, sat with a coffee as the room gradually lit up. The bed was comfortable and the whole place was warm from under floor heating. So much so we didn't even light the woodburner (Although it was October, it was a very dry and mild week even for Scotland) . The internet is just about good enough for email (not the owners fault) and the TV was lousy all week so we ended up enjoying some early nights and hence, early mornings. The dogs loved it too, with some excellent walks in the area. We normally stay in Aviemore, but this was some 25 miles and 40 minutes away, which did give easier access to the northern coastal towns and beaches than we usually enjoy. As always, the bottom line is would I go back again, is it value for money and would I recommend it? - YES.

Reviewed this property on 28/07/2017
And awarded it
Lovely location, beautifully equipped and designed property.

Reviewed this property on 20/10/2016
And awarded it
A lovely stay. What a spectacular view! The Mill was a very easy place to stay with our 19 month old. She loved seeing the cows right outside the window. We thought the location was great and the amenities at the property made it a real home away from home. The wifi was patchy, but the setting made it worth it. I liked the additional touches like the shortbread biscuits and Tomintoul whiskey that was left for us to try. There were a few dog hairs around from the previous guest, but otherwise the property was left clean and tidy.

Reviewed this property on 14/09/2015
And awarded it
We stayed in The Grain Store in 2014 and loved it so much we returned this year, although with a 2nd dog we needed the extra space of The Mill this time. These are excellent 'home from home' properties with commanding views down the glen. The wifi is a bit ropey so not suitable for taking any work away with you, so that's another thing in favour of staying here. Double bed could be doing with upgrading but it didn't affect sleep so not a big deal. There isn't an enclosed garden area to let dogs roam but a training line attached to sturdy fence post sorted that. Weather was fantastic again this year too letting us enjoy the peace and quiet outdoors as much as possible. Great walks in the area for dog lovers.

Reviewed this property on 09/01/2013
And awarded it
We have just returned from The Mill in the Scottish Highlands having stayed for a full week including the New Year period. Our stay could not have been better, the Steading is unbelievable and is certainly the best accomodation that we have come across having had many previous holidays in rental cottages. We had a wonderfull time and would recommend the Mill to anyone.

Reviewed this property on 22/02/2011
And awarded it
I would agreee with previous review, very good. The views are wonderful and accomodation good quality. We were there in winter and the place was very warm.

Reviewed this property on 16/08/2010
And awarded it
The Mill certainly has the "wow" factor. From the moment you arrive at the cottages and look at the amazing view down the valley to when you walk in the front door to the incredibly spacious, airy and comfortable open plan dining kitchen/living room. It continues with the stunning bathroom and the exceedingly spacious bedrooms. The cottage had everything we needed for a very enjoyable week's stay and we did not want to leave. The owners could not be more helpful which added to the pleasure.

Guest's Opinion

Guests at The Mill rate it:
Excellent  
from 16 reviews

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