CRAIGNEEN COTTAGE
2 West End
WHITEHILLS
By Banff, Aberdeenshire
Craigneen Cottage is a traditional, detached, fisherman’s cottage set on the shore at the west end of the village and enjoying uninterrupted views across the bay to the harbour and the rest of the village. The cottage has been completely refurbished offering a very high standard of accommodation.
The area is ideal for walking, golfing, cycling, sea or river fishing, bird and dolphin watching, and Craigneen Cottage is an ideal base for sight seeing. Fishing from the piers of both the old harbour and at the marina is popular as are boat trips which go in search of dolphins and seals. The harbour was converted to a marina some years ago and is home to a large number of pleasure craft. The coastal path to Banff is popular with walkers and cyclists of all age groups and abilities as it is flat with very little traffic.
The old county town of Banff is approximately 3 miles to the east. There you will find the mansion of Duff House, designed by William Adam, and open to the public as a country house gallery with a shop and tea room. Golfers can choose the fine greens of Duff House Royal at Banff or the more challenging Tarlair Golf Club at Macduff, a mile further on. Macduff is also home to an award winning aquarium which has a video link to the bird nesting colony on the coastal cliffs at Troup Head, a few miles to the east and well worth a visit. In this area lie the quaint villages of Crovie and Pennan - where the film “Local Hero” was partly filmed. Aberdeen is under 50 miles away and ideal for shopping, a trip to the theatre, art gallery and other places of interest.
In the other direction, cyclists can choose to cycle 5 miles on the back roads to Portsoy, noted for its marble and 17th century harbour now used mostly by pleasure craft,and for its annual Boat Fest. The Moray Firth coast has numerous little villages which are ideal for exploring with the main towns of Elgin and Inverness ideal for shopping trips and for a taste of highland scenery. The Malt Whisky Trail is another must for visitors.
Beautiful sunsets are another of the many attractions in the area. On clear summer days, the hills of Caithness, in the far north of Scotland, can be seen in the distance and on stormy days, it is fascinating to sit in the comfort of the conservatory and watch the waves crashing over the sea wall. The conservatory is also ideal for watching the many varieties of birds and even the occasional seal which gather on the rocks on the foreshore in front of the cottage.
The accommodation sleeps up to six and consists of a thru kitchen/dining area/conservatory. There is a 3-piece suite in the conservatory and a table which seats six in the dining area. There is also a separate sitting room with a comfortable, full size, double sofa bed, and a shower room with power shower. Upstairs there is a bathroom with electric shower over the bath, and two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one twin bedroom. Both bedrooms have fitted wardrobes. There is also a small box room which can be used for storing suitcases.
Facilities include: colour TVs with Sky including Sky Sport in the living room and conservatory, Music Centre including CD player and radio; Wi-Fi broadband; a fully equipped kitchen with electric cooker, microwave oven, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, kettle, toaster etc. Adequate supplies of cleaning materials including washing up liquid, dishwasher tablets and a welcome pack are provided. There is an under stairs cupboard in the hallway where a Vacuum cleaner, iron, ironing board, clothes dryer, garden furniture etc are stored.
There is ample parking at the front of the cottage and there is a drying green to the rear for guests’ use.