Nethy Bridge, the Forest Village, hides in a great swath of woods in the shadow of the Cairngorms’ vast peaks on the northwestern edge of the park. The village is little more than a handful of houses and a main street with an impeccable Telford bridge, a couple of 19th-century hotels, and a convenience store. The Nethy water trickles through town and an ancient castle moulders on the outskirts heading toward Grantown-on-Spey.

Nethy Bridge was quiet, peaceful, and our home sweet home for four nights thanks to HomeAway.

Sarah and I arrived to Lower Granite Cottage to find a large, stately building situated on a slight rise, which provided a small view over Nethy Bridge. The building is separated into two rentable units – Upper and Lower Granite Cottage – and while we occupied the larger, lower portion nobody was staying in the upper rental. The grounds were impeccably maintained with grasses, trees, and flowers in eye-catching arrangments, and one morning we woke up to the sound of landscapers working in the yard.

The space inside Lower Granite Cottage is vast, and it made me glad I had a companion this time. Shining wood floors greeted us in the foyer off which several rooms and hallways opened. A door was locked here, and I presume it led to Upper Granite Cottage. Lower Granite Cottage conveniently separates the guest rooms from the master, and directly off the foyer was an open and bright bedroom with a plush queen-size bed. Sturdy wooden furnishings and fresh colors filled the room. Someone with an eye for design had been through here. We considered staying in this room, but large windows opened on the front yard and we sought a bit more privacy. A short hallway on the same side of the house led to the guest bathroom and another comfy room with two single beds. We were already smiling.

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge
On the opposite side of the foyer, doors opened onto the airy living room. Light poured through the front window illuminating leather furniture and more of the attractive wooden tables. This room was perfect for relaxing and watching the sun set. Another set of glass doors opened from this room into the dining room, which was gorgeously appointed with a modern aesthetic. Unfortunately, we didn’t spend much time here as the room smelled strongly of dogs.

The hallway leading from the foyer to the kitchen branches toward the secluded master suite where another large, plush bed sits. It appears that Danny, the owner of the cottage, has made it a point to maintain the same high-quality furnishings throughout the cottage. The space is roomy, comfortable, and full of good sleep. A small bathroom stands to the side just as you enter.

The kitchen is really fantastic, perhaps our favorite spot in the house. It’s laced with warm wood tones, big windows, and all the conveniences including a hidden refrigerator and strong wifi signal. Once we’d cleaned it up a bit, we spent a lot of time in here cooking meals and entertaining our friends Michael and Katherine who happened to be in the area. Just off the kitchen toward the back of the house is a small sun room and mud room with washer and dryer.

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge

Home Sweet Home in Nethy Bridge
It all felt like home by our second night. The cottage allowed us to slow down and revive some of our natural biorhythms from home, which was so necessary by this point in my five-week trip. We actually spent an entire day in Nethy Bridge walking along the river and retiring to the cottage where we had some wine and read. Perhaps it could have been cleaner, a bit fresher inside, but Lower Granite Cottage was a great oasis. We were extremely sad to leave it behind when we continued on our journey, and we still reminisce about it fondly today.

Tip: Don’t miss Monday nights in Nethy Bridge! We just happened to visit the convenience store when we noticed a fish and chips food truck on the corner just down the street from Lower Granite Cottage. Get the cod and mushy peas – they’re delicious!

Disclosure: HomeAway provided me with a four-night complimentary stay at Lower Granite Cottage. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Article Comments

  1. Danny Cassidy August 22, 2011 at 1:51 pm

    Thanks so much for the kind words Keith, we’re over the moon that you enjoyed your stay in our holiday home in Nethy. Following on from your comments, we’ve recently had the dining room repainted, doubled our efforts on the cleaning side of things and now have a no pets policy so I hope all the points you raised have been rectified. Hopefully you’ll find the time to revisit this beautiful part of Scotland again soon. All the best in your travels!

    1. Robina Laird August 23, 2011 at 5:13 pm

      Love to stay in your area, accomodation looks ideal but since you have changed your policy to no dogs I will now need to look for somewhere that is Pet Friendly which is more common now even in Hotels

    2. Keith Savage August 23, 2011 at 7:57 pm

      Nice to hear from you Danny, and about the changes too. We really loved our stay at Lower Granite Cottage!

  2. Johnny August 23, 2011 at 3:40 am

    Oh, it seems that you spend your time in a best way! The place seems so cozy that you can really call it home, sweet home! I want to visit it too!

  3. wandering educators August 23, 2011 at 11:20 am

    it seems like a wonderful place – and i LOVE homeaway -they’ve got so many great houses available.

    1. Keith Savage August 23, 2011 at 7:58 pm

      Yep, tons of great options on HomeAway.

  4. Holiday Scotland August 26, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Nethy Bridge is my favorite village of all time, close to the Abernethy forest with great walks and of course the Osprey center, Loch Garten is also close by with some of my favorite walks. stunning place with a nice little post office shop.

    1. Keith Savage August 26, 2011 at 10:24 am

      One of my favorites as well. So beautiful and peaceful.

  5. Car Hire September 16, 2011 at 4:11 am

    Now, I have to visit Lower Granite Cottage to take advantage of superfine services. It will be an extra benefit to utilize stylish kitchen.

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