We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
The minimum stay for this property changes depending on the dates selected
Cottage
Glencoldon Cottage is in the Osprey Village of Boat of Garten, 6 miles from Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. It is ideal for 4-6 people and has a Green Tourism Gold Award for its many eco-friendly features and large 'wild' garden, which welcomes a huge diversity of local wildlife.
The village is on the River Spey between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey. It is ideally situated for easy access to the huge range of attractions and outdoor activities that the area is famous for; from walking and watersports, to mountain adventures and whisky-tasting.
A full upgrade to low-carbon and modern high-spec was completed in 2017, and, in 2022, enhanced with additional solar systems, EV charging and remaining fossil fuel system removal. So, you can perhaps even travel the N...Glencoldon Cottage is in the Osprey Village of Boat of Garten, 6 miles from Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. It is ideal for 4-6 people and has a Green Tourism Gold Award for its many eco-friendly features and large 'wild' garden, which welcomes a huge diversity of local wildlife.
The village is on the River Spey between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey. It is ideally situated for easy access to the huge range of attractions and outdoor activities that the area is famous for; from walking and watersports, to mountain adventures and whisky-tasting.
A full upgrade to low-carbon and modern high-spec was completed in 2017, and, in 2022, enhanced with additional solar systems, EV charging and remaining fossil fuel system removal. So, you can perhaps even travel the National Park on sun power!
As the cottage garden opens onto the Speyside Way, we have also made sure all the facilities are available to make it fully cycle-friendly too, from providing a secure bike shelter and basic tools, to easy clothes washing and drying. There is a huge variety of tracks around Strathspey and the National Park, many accessible from Boat of Garten.
As a natural wildlife haven, the spacious balcony deck area, with views to the Cairngorms, allows you to fully immerse in your tranquil surroundings, and enjoy the visits of the local (+ resident!) red squirrels, deer, rabbits and bats, and a huge range of birds - all the wildlife of this stunning area!
The large child-friendly wild garden has direct gate access to the forest behind the cottage (with many local walks and scenic routes to the shops) and opens to the 65-mile Speyside Way to the front (running alongside the famous Strathspey Steam Railway – you can see this running past several times a day! [Feb-Oct]). The garden is partly an extension of the surrounding forest and partly an area where you can enjoy a barbeque, or a game of volleyball, badminton or mini-football on the small lawn.
There are no hidden extra costs, with all heat, power, EV charging and log usage for the wood burning stove, included in the hire.
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
Smoking is not allowed inside the house, but there are many covered outdoor areas where it is possible.
Bedrooms
1 King1 Double2 Singles
Bathrooms
1 Full bath1 Shower
Meet the host
Derek P
Hosting since September 2017
Languages spoken: English, French, Spanish
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests: What I love most when arriving at the cottage is the instant tranquillity! As this is one of the reasons many people visit the Cairngorms too, we decided we would not divert guests from starting to unwind with a big welcome - we thought we should just make sure they have all they need to quickly make themselves at home. However, we are more than happy to share our local knowledge. I was lucky enough to grow up at the cottage, so I have enjoyed all the local highlights for 50+ years; and know all the great places to go with children, having taken my own not so long ago. Many people come with their own adventure planned; for others, though, we provide info on local favourites and leave you many ways to get in touch if you need any help.
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
If you have submitted a review for a holiday rental property, we may also ask that you provide us with proof of your stay to ensure that your review is attached to the correct rental property.
Holiday rental reviews collected via the VRBO website (formerly Homeaway) and syndicated to the Tripadvisor website are not currently subject to Tripadvisor’s standard moderation processes.
Very peaceful and relaxing stay in a beautiful location with comfortable accommodation; the kids enjoyed playing outside, we hired bikes from the nearby shop and especially appreciated the bike shed and forest tracks nearby. What a privilege to stay here, thanks so much !
Visited August 2023
Written 27 August 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
What a privilege to have people to stay who appreciated the cottage, wild garden and local area so much! Boat of Garten is so lucky to have such a great bike shop, Ride Cairngorm, located here! Hope we might be able to welcome you back again! Thanks for your stay and the review!
Written 13 November 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris F
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom3 contributions
Great place to stay
Great cottage in a superb location. Beautiful views from the balcony and all without damaging the planet.
Visited August 2023
Written 13 August 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
We do our best to minimise our impact, and, where possible, make the wild garden even more habitable for the local wildlife. Pleased you noticed and thanks very much for your review! All the best!
Written 13 November 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dreamer158168
County Londonderry, United Kingdom2 contributions
Highlands
Perfect peaceful home from home. Well equipped cottage clean and comfortable. Would go back again for sure
Visited July 2023
Written 8 August 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
Thanks very much for your review! We'd be delighted to have you back again any time! All the best meantime!
Written 13 November 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nature-Walks
5 contributions
Magical Place
We were looking for somewhere quiet for our autistic daughter and we could not have found a better place for her. She was so content and happy in the tranquil surroundings. I can't recommend the cottage enough to any parent in a similar position looking for a quiet holiday for their child. The cottage is so clean and comfortable with the most comfortable beds. The views are just breathtaking. Our children loved playing in the huge garden and enjoying the many walks available locally. There is good public transport nearby and a fantastic wee village shop just a 10-15 minute walk from the cottage. Final word to Derek the owner who is an absolute gentleman and a fantastic host, thank you for helping us have such a memorable stay.
Visited June 2023
Written 4 July 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
Thanks for such a heart-warming review and so pleased you all felt the "wellbeing" benefits of the cottage and garden. Really can't overstate how happy we are that your daughter found somewhere that provided some relief from the pace and noise of modern life, as this is something we try to achieve. Thanks too for the personal endorsement..... helping guests as much as possible to have a memorable stay is obviously something I strive to do with everyone that stays! All the best to you all!
Written 30 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fusspot_and_Gardener
Forest Row, United Kingdom2 contributions
Great eco-cottage and garden on edge of wildlife-rich woods
We loved the spacious cottage and garden on the edge of the Boat of Garten woods.
Full of nature - a pine marten seen in the garden, red squirrels opposite, woodcocks overhead and Scottish crossbills in the woods towards Loch Vaa.
Seems to be run as environmentally friendly as possible.
Mountain views in gaps between the trees from comfy bedrooms and balcony.
Visited May 2023
Written 16 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
Thanks very much for your very positive review. Brilliant that you came across so much wildlife, and very envious that you saw an elusive Pine Marten in the garden! Please send me any photos you managed to take of that! Thanks again for staying and for the kind review.
Written 4 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David H
1 contribution
Fabulous cottage in an amazing location!
Our initial reaction on arriving was WOW! Fabulous property in an amazing location with wonderful facilities. We especially enjoyed eating out in the garden in the company of red squirrels and deer. Walks along the Spey were particularly special as were the walks through the woods to the village. We will return at some stage if we can.
Visited June 2023
Written 13 June 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
Wow! What a lovely review. Thanks very much and so pleased you enjoyed your stay. And discovered the Spey walks! The river holds a special place in our hearts - different every day! Hope it may draw you back to Boat of Garten sometime!
Written 4 July 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul Cassidy
1 contribution
Fantastic stay in Boat of Garten
Had a fantastic stay in a tranquil cottage in Boat of Garten.
Cottage on arrival was nice and warm. Host Derek could not have been any more helpful.
The log stove fire was such a delight and there’s was logs a plenty.
My sons aged 9 & 11 had a great time exploring the gardens and in there words it was there secret garden.
The garden takes you
To the woodland/Forest area via a gate at the back which is great for exploring.
Cottage itself was extremely clean, and had everything inside you could ask for. The wooden porch/decking area at the front ( morning views are awesome) was great start to the day.
There is also a electric vehicle charging point installed at the cottage which i thought was a great idea.
Definitely worth a visit and next time I’m booking a longer stay.
Can’t recommend it highly enough.
Visited October 2022
Written 25 October 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
Sorry for my delay in responding to such a great and kind review. So pleased you enjoyed the garden and views so much, and that your boys will remember their secret garden for years to come! As I roamed the garden too as soon as I was able to walk, I can appreciate their feeling of freedom from exploring at their age! I hope we can maybe welcome you back sometime. All the best for 2023!
Written 2 January 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ruth B
1 contribution
Fantastic Eco Friendly Cottage
We arrived to see a modern fully equipped Eco cottage with everything we needed for our stay. Including an electric car charging point. The Cottage had a forest feel to it, while being only a 5 - 10 minute walk to the village of Boat of Garten where you can see steam trains. It was a great base to visit Aviemore, Landmark and Highland Wildlife Park and lots more. We really enjoyed our stay and cannot fault the care and attention given by Derek even down to getting a phone call after our first night to make sure everything was ok. Would highly recommend staying at Glencoldon Cottage.
Visited July 2022
Written 31 July 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
Thanks very much for such a kind review. We're hoping EV charge point will reduce our footprint even further as our solar panels help our guests travel around the National Park on sun power! Obviously would be pleased to welcome you back anytime! Cheers! Derek
Written 15 August 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Departure02999636491
1 contribution
Didn't Want To Leave
We loved our time at Boat of Garten, the accommodation was immaculate, and coupled with beutiful scenary and fabulous walks made this the idyllic hoiliday location. Glencoldon Cottage was wonderful and had everything a family needed. peacful and relaxing the cottage was picture card perfect. The only disappointment was the holiday break came to an end. I hope to return i would recommned Glencoldon Cottage to everyone. Mr Derek Panton deserves a five star rating for the quality, cleanliness and informative information on Glencoldon Cottage. From my family I thank Mr Patton for making our break perfect.
Visited June 2022
Written 26 June 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
Thank you so much for the very personal thank you, but I certainly can't take anywhere near all the credit! It might be me you hear from, but there are brilliant others involved in trying to ensure you have an enjoyable and memorable stay. Very pleased that you all seem to have! Thanks again and all the best!
Written 6 July 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew A
1 contribution
Incredible area, beautiful accomodation
The cottage was spotless, with everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Lots of natural light and plenty of warmth when needed. The wild garden surrounding the property provides a sense of well-being. We would happily stay again!
Visited June 2022
Written 12 June 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Excursion736220
Thanks for your review and again for staying with us. So pleased that you found it so relaxing and maybe recharged your well-being. It would be great to see you any time! Kindest regards!
Written 6 July 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Glencoldon Cottage is a short 10-15 min walk along the Speyside Way (Kinchurdy Road) to a variety of village amenities (2 shops, hotel, restaurant, steam train station, bus stops, etc.). The village itself offers a combination of tranquillity, a little off the beaten track, and easy access to Cairngorms National Park and other Strathspey attractions and activities, available on foot, bike, public transport and even steam train! The village lies six miles north east of Aviemore. For wider exploring, perhaps up through the world renowned whisky trail, over towards the Great Glen or exploring the Moray Firth and Black Isle, Boat-of-Garten is well placed just off the national rail and road network (A9, A95).
Getting around
Getting around
By Bicycle - too many off-road cycle routes to mention, including in the National Park and on Speyside Way. Many village-to-village tracks. National Cycle Route 7 passes through the village. PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Boat of Garten is located in one of the areas of the Cairngorm National Park most easily accessible by public transport, with nearby connections for bus, rail and air travel. Whilst a car is not essential, there may be certain activities / locations not accessible by the following links
By Rail – Nearest mainline station: Aviemore (on London - Edinburgh - Inverness mainline)
By Steam Train - Station in Boat of Garten. Shuttles to Aviemore
By Bus - Service 37 goes to Aviemore, Grantown on Spey, Carrbridge and Inverness.
Access
Car not needed
How to get there
Boat-of-Garten is well placed just off the national rail and road network (A9, A95). It is located in one of the areas of the Cairngorm National Park most easily accessible by public transport, with connections in the village for bus and rail travel.
By Rail – The nearest mainline railway station is in Aviemore; 6 miles away on the main London - Edinburgh - Inverness mainline. There is a sleeper service which leaves London in the evening – so, you can even go to sleep and wake up in the heart of the cairngorms!
By Road – Most guests arrive from the south (Edinburgh / Glasgow vis Perth). Travelling north from Perth on the A9, turn right off the A9 at the Grantown on Spey / Carrbridge junction (A95) north of Aviemore. Follow the signs for Boat of Garten.
Activities nearby
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 30 mins drive)Golf course (within 15 min walk)Horse riding facilitiesSkiing availableTennis courtWatersports
Things to know
Check in / out timings
Check in after 4 pm • Check out by 10 am
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
First, check the Availability tab on this page to see if your dates are available. If they are, contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to confirm availability.
Initially, you may contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox. This inbox is created after you send your first message or booking request to the owner. After you've made your first payment, you'll be able to see the owner's contact information.
This owner will contact you via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox.
You can send another message via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to ask if the property is still available.
For this property, please use a credit card to pay via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox. Once the owner approves your stay, he or she will send you a quote, which will include payment instructions.
Yes. Payments made via the Tripadvisor inbox are covered by our Peace of Mind Protection.
All bookings are direct with the owner 