Norwegian style cottage set in a peaceful location
Old Mains Cottage is a Norwegian style cottage set in its own extensive peaceful grounds.
The original cottage is approximately 200 years old and has a modern extension added to it. The facilities include: wood burning stoves; oil fired central heating; double glazing; fully equipped kitchen; shower room; two bedrooms (one double, two singles & a cot); large mature garden and dedicated parking for two cars.
The property makes a great base for discovering the many attractions of the Aberdeenshire and Morayshire areas because it is ideally situated between Deeside and Donside.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please ensure the oven has been switched off.
Please ensure you look under the beds for any misplaced clothing.
Please ensure you take your phone chargers and cables.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please remove outside shoes when in the cottage
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number AS-00677-P
Property # 10267210
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Alford
Located in Alford, this cottage is in a rural area. Craigievar Castle and Alford Valley Steam Railway are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Aboyne Golf Club and Reflect Spa. Deeside Activity Park and Insch Meadows Wildlife Area are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, and don't miss out on the sledging.
Is Norwegian style cottage set in a peaceful location pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Norwegian style cottage set in a peaceful location?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Norwegian style cottage set in a peaceful location on 27 May 2026 start from NZ$155, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Norwegian style cottage set in a peaceful location?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Norwegian style cottage set in a peaceful location?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Norwegian style cottage set in a peaceful location?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Norwegian style cottage set in a peaceful location located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Craigievar Castle, Grampian Transport Museum and Alford Valley Steam Railway. Haughton Country Park and Kildrummy Castle are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Clean, warm and comfortable. Set in a small wood so the birdsong was beautiful in the morning. Everything you need for an enjoyable stay. The whole area is stunning.
Cosy,warm and very clean.Lovely hosts who were extremely helpful Even arranging to return via post something I had left after our stay.Would definitely stay again!
Suzanne C.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 August 2024
Thank you for your recent review.
It was great hosting you and you’d be most welcome to stay at our cottage again 😃
Such an unique and cared-for cottage. It has everything you could ever need and is decorated with such love and attention to detail. Absolutely loved it!
Had a lovely stay in peaceful surroundings,the cottage felt like a home away from home with a fully equipped kitchen with all the mod cons and cosy living and bedroom with woodburners. whilst there we seen the northern lights and Balmoral castle was a short drive away.Excellent communication with the host's Will be returning
susan l.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 May 2025
Thank you for your recent kind review and we’re delighted that you saw the Northern Lights during your recent stay. Hoping you’ll return again soon for more adventures!
Really lovely location, so quiet. with nice walks along quiet country roads from the door. Cottage is cosy and kitchen surprisingly well equipped. Anne the host was super helpful and readily available. Lots to do in the surrounding areas, Deeside for walks and little towns/cafes, coast with great beaches and walks (an hours drive) and Aberdeen just 45mins for city things! Loved our visit, would definitely go again.
David R.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 24 October 2024
Thank you for your review and it was great to host you. We’d be delighted if you returned to this part of Aberdeenshire and stayed with us again.
We were surprised of how well the house is stocked, that made our stay very comfortable. We have met Anne upon arrival and she was lovely and made sure we were all setteled before she went. She prepared a list of things to do, where to park the car things
Marjolein B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 August 2024
Thank you for your recent review of “Old Mains Cottage”. It was lovely to meet you and I also hope you liked some of the places I suggested visiting in the local area.
We had a lovely stay at this beautiful cottage — it really had everything you could need and more. Clean, cosy, and well-equipped, with a lovely wood burner if you fancy it (though we didn’t need it, the central heating kept the whole place toasty). Tucked away in a peaceful, rural spot, it’s perfect for relaxing and switching off, with plenty of places nearby to explore. The only downside? The week went by far too quickly — we could have happily stayed longer!
This was a perfect place for us to spend time with our granddaughter. The cottage was well equipped for small children, including a cot, booster seat and plastic cups. We visited many fun and interesting g places within an hour’s drive. David the host was in contact to make sure we had everything we needed and offered suggestions about things to do in the area. We had a wonderful time and highly recommend the Old Mains Cottage.
We had a lovely time at the property. Very quiet and peaceful. Property owners were available and answered all requests promptly.
Note, there is nothing nearby in terms of shops and restaurants. The nearest is about a 20 minute drive. Not necessarily a problem—just something to be aware of!
I travelled to the cottage myself and my 2 young children. From the moment we walked in we fell in love with the decor. The cottage is so warm and cosy we felt right at home.
The cottage was extremely well equipped and the owners had thought of everything.
Anne and David are lovely kind people and recommended some great places to visit nearby with children also.
The garden was a wildlife hotspot and we loved watching and seeing what we would spot.
The parking although slightly narrow was fine for us even in a large van.
The property is very rural but this suited us well and is a great base for days out exploring the area.
Would love to stay again! Thank you for your kindness and lovely cottage.
Wir sind als Gruppe von vier Freunden zu Anne in dieses süße Cottage gereist und haben von hier aus das wunderschöne Schottland entdeckt. Wir hatten einen super angenehmen Aufenthalt bei dem es uns an nichts gefehlt hat, da das Cottage wirklich super ausgestattet war. Wer in kälteren Monaten reist muss sich aber bewusst sein, dass das Cottage nicht so gut isoliert ist, allerdings wird einem mit der Heizung nie kalt.
Umfassend ausgestattetes Haus. Man merkt das es das Ferienhaus der Familie ist. Geschirrspüler usw.. Leider gab es keinen Hinweis wie man die Heizung etwas wärmer einstellen kann.
Daniel B.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 August 2025
I sent an email (4/8/25) prior to your arrival and it contained information regarding the central heating. Alternatively you could have looked in the house manual in the living room, or messaged me.
Deze cottage is al lang in de familie en sfeervol en gezellig, met veel zorg ingericht. Het onderscheidt zich daarmee wat ons betreft positief van een doorsnee vakantiehuis. Geen Ikea! Fijn om in te verblijven.
De schoonmaak was werkelijk zorgvuldig gedaan- veel werk bij zo'n huis met al die kleine dingetjes. Een compliment waard!
We hadden er een fijne vakantieweek. Er zijn heel veel leuke en interessante dingen in de omgeving.
Wij konden het huis moeilijk vinden, de betreffende email met aanwijzingen waren we kwijtgeraakt en de coördinaten gaven op onze navigatie een locatie aan op een paar honderd meter afstand. Ook was er geen- duidelijk zichtbaar- naambordje. Gelukkig reageerde de verhuurder direct op onze vraag om hulp, zodat het snel goed kwam. Toch zou een bordje aan de straat nuttig zijn.
In huis is het wat aan de donkere kant.
De zit van de fauteuils in de woonkamer is niet top en er is te weinig verlichting.
Het tweepersoonsbed is kwalitatief goed, maar echt te hard. Een opdekmatras (topper) is wenselijk.
De toegangsweg is wat modderig- geen groot probleem-, maar onderaan toch wat te slecht.
Op de plaats om te keren stond tot twee keer toe een andere auto.
Deze verbeterpunten nemen niet weg dat we over het huis en de verhuurders heel positief kunnen oordelen.
Martijn T.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2023
Hi Martin,
Thank for your review and suggestions.
We have replaced the mattress on the double bed and improved the cottage signage.
Glad you had a great stay.
Kind regards,
Anne
Unusual quirky property.
A less hi-tech approach would have suited us better eg traditional directions which mentioned the VERY sharp right hand turn onto the track beside the dustbins would have been helpful. Beware - the KS bed is VERY firm!
Groot gezellig huis. Alles wat je ooit nodig zal hebben is aanwezig en nog veel meer. Mooi uitzicht op weiland met koeien. Bedden waren helaas erg slecht. Door de vele instructies/restricties voelde het wel minder ontspannen.
The cottage is in a quiet rural area. Once inside, it was warm and homely with lots of nice touches. The wifi was very good. Heating and shower were good, with comfortable rooms throughout
Beautiful cottage with log burners in both bedroom and living room. These were great with the cold weather we had.
Really great value for money, location is perfect for access to the caingorms national park for snow sports and walks. Also close to Aberdeen and the east coast.
Cottage had all the appliances you could need.
Thanks for a great stay
This cottage was fantastic. All amenities catered for. Positioned up a small, dirt road. Easily accessible by car. Very clean and tidy. Excellent entry and leaving details with instructions for all the supplied amenities. Kitchen well stocked for your arrival and stay. All bedding, towels and toiletries supplied. A lovely home from home. We stayed for three nights during our 48th wedding anniversary. Lovely way to spend three nights away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Our hosts, David and Anne, were only a phone call away if you needed anything. I can thoroughly recommend this wonderful cottage.
Daniel R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
About the host
Hosted by Anne Gray
Languages:
English, Norwegian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests