MID COULLIE COTTAGE
The Mearns, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Mid Coullie Cottage was once part of a small farm halfway up the hill, the 'Coullie'. Surrounded by emerald and golden fields as far as the eye can see, mist shrouded woodlands hug the top of the hill and a beautiful expanse of beach lies on the other side of the valley at St. Cyrus. Stonehaven is close at hand for outdoor swimming, paddle boarding, award winning pubs, restaurants and cafes. With Aberdeen and many a castle and gardens less than an hour away there is plenty to stimulate the senses and imagination. With cosy interiors, a warming aga, an acre of garden with beautiful views, birdsong, barbecue, fire pit and plenty to keep the kids entertained, you may just want to stay home and enjoy the hill.
Mid Coullie Cottage
Sleeps up to 6 guests.
The cottage has two double bedrooms; one has a double bed with views over the garden and valley, the other has a king-size bed with views of the garden. There is also a twin bedroom which looks up the hill. All bedrooms share a family bathroom with a walk-in shower and bath with handheld showerhead. There is also a downstairs loo.
Sitting areas
A sunroom has views across the valley from a super comfy Andrew Martin sofa, Satellite TV; Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV. A brightly coloured snug calls for cocktail hour or a secluded game of chess and a mezzanine den with beanbags, record player, games and satellite TV is tucked away up in the eaves.The main sitting areas and kitchen have underfloor heating.
Kitchen & Dining
The kitchen features an oil fired stove, a large fridge freezer with ice varieties and filtered water, Dualit appliances, a Magimix and Alessi cookware. The Danish dining table and chairs comfortably seat six. A high speed Sage blender and Omega juicer can be provided on request. Prepare pre-dinner drinks from the corner bar.
Pets
One well-behaved dog is welcome to stay downstairs. Pets are charged at £50 per week or part thereof
Family
Babies and children are very welcome, a cot and highchair are available.
Parking and Storage
There is parking for four cars.
There is an electric vehicle charging point.
The kit room has space for bikes and buggies. The washing machine and dryer are located in the kit room along with basketballs, garden games, cushions and chairs for the garden. There are also blankets and tableware for the garden.
Garden
Feel free to cut the flowers from the garden for the house and use the wood for the fire pit/Kadai. There are vases in the kit room's cupboards.
The garden is enclosed with a simple fence. Due to livestock in nearby fields dogs are to be supervised at all times.
WiFi
Free WiFi is available.
Arrivals and departures
Arrival Day: Any
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Arrival Time: 4pm
Departure Time: 10am
EXPLORE
ST. CYRUS
Over the hill, a 15 minute drive or an hour's cycle, are the cliffs and dunes of St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. Perfect for collecting driftwood and enjoying a picnic with kids, walking the dog or just taking in the colour and life, from pretty purple bellflowers dotted across the grassy dunes to the constant movement of fluttering butterflies.
LOCAL PRODUCE
EAT OUT
BALMAKEWAN FARM SHOP, DELI & TEA ROOM
Balmakewan Farm takes pride in its organic growing practices. The quality of their dishes on offer in their big brick barn reflects this. Breakfast, Sunday lunch, coffee and cake and on warmer evenings the Balmakewan Beer Garden offers local beers, Scottish cider, wine and spirits alongside pub bites.
UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
PADDLE TOUR
STONEHAVEN PADDLE BOARDING
Explore the amazing coastline between Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle with its dramatic sea cliffs, caves, coves and waterfalls, culminating in the breath-taking view of Dunnottar Castle.
Enjoy the company of the local wildlife too - seals, sea birds and maybe even some dolphins may join you.
RECOMMENDATIONS
HISTORICAL
VISIT RAF AIR STATION
MONTROSE AIR STATION HERITAGE CENTRE
An opportunity to visit the first operational military airfield in Great Britain which now houses the RAF Heritage Centre. The often moving stories of the lives of the men and women who served there are revealed through photography, artefacts, models and of course the aircraft. The knowledgeable staff will happily answer any questions.
WITH THE KIDS
PLAY IN THE DEN
THE DEN & PUMP TRACK, AUCHENBLAE
A few minutes drive from the cottage will bring you to the tranquil but fun-filled community run 'Den'. Putt, play tennis, splash in the stream, play hide and seek around the fort or just enjoy the play parks for both younger and older kids. If you've bikes, enjoy whizzing around the Pump Track (turn right out of the Den car park, and follow the short road to the end). Take a picnic or pop up the hill to the Brae Cafe for good lunches and sweet treats, coffee and beer (and order a take away for home time).
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mid Coullie. Rachel was super helpful and responsive. The house was immaculate and really well kitted out and the location was perfect for accessing the coast, inland to Cairngorms and down to St. Andrews.
Sarah July '22
There are many charming spots to sit and enjoy the lovely views across the fields.
A great stay for our group.
IN WORDS & SONG