Braeriach - Mar Lodge Estate in Ballater offers a tranquil and picturesque setting with well-maintained, spacious, and comfortable apartments. Guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the property's cleanliness and the variety of walks in the surrounding area. Some minor maintenance issues and updates are suggested, but overall, the property provides a peaceful and enjoyable stay.
Reviews consistently mention the property as clean and well-kept, with guests feeling comfortable during their stay. The high standard of cleanliness contributes positively to the overall experience.
The location is highly praised for its quietness, stunning countryside views, and proximity to good walks and local amenities. The setting is described as beautiful, adding to the peacefulness of the stay.
Guests find the apartments comfortable, with special mentions of excellent beds and spacious living areas. However, some guests noted issues with water temperature and the comfort of additional sleeping arrangements, slightly affecting the score.
While the property is well-furnished and equipped for a pleasant stay, several reviews point out maintenance issues such as a non-functioning top oven and lukewarm water. These concerns suggest room for improvement in facilities and maintenance.
There is no mention of gifts or special thoughtful touches in the reviews provided, so it is not possible to assess this category accurately. Therefore, the score is set to null.
Braeriach is a stunning first-floor apartment set in the splendid National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge, lying within the depths of the Cairngorms National Park. The perfect choice for a pair seeking a countryside escape amidst the breath-taking scenery of Scotland, Braeriach is one of several luxurious apartments within this traditional country lodge, affording wondrous views over the estate’s Caledonian pine forest, making it a true haven for a rural retreat. After exploring the vast grounds on a morning walk, venture into your country retreat for lunch, with a well-equipped kitchen/diner presenting all the appliances you need during your self-catered stay, including a washing machine and a dishwasher for your convenience, set within a spacious room finished in soft green hues with white fixtures, a central island with lighting overhead and a small circular table, ideal for a quick bite to eat or breakfast served hot from the stove.
Choose to eat in the kitchen, or for a more formal dining experience, venture into the living/dining room, which continues the grandiose décor and furnishings of the property with a large wooden dining table positioned behind the plush seating arrangement, where high ceilings, a wallpapered wall and a striking chandelier create a bright and elegant setting. A quiet evening can be spent relaxing before the TV as you watch a favourite DVD, or simply enjoying the company of your loved ones, with this room hosting two extra guests on one large sofa bed, offering a comforting setting to fall asleep in.
Guests can also spend time in the shared games room, a spacious carpeted area with a sofa, books, artwork, stag heads lining the walls and a snooker table for relaxed afternoons indoors. The elegant bedroom is home to a majestic four-poster king-size bed, where you will feel like royalty as you drift into a slumber, enhanced by deep-toned décor and a charming feature fireplace with green tiles. Freshen up in the bathroom making use of the classic roll top bath for a relaxing soak or enjoying a refreshing shower, preparing you for a day of adventure in this exciting area of Scotland, with patterned wallpaper, blue walls and a separate WC for convenience.
Mar Lodge offers a memorable setting throughout the seasons, from festive Christmas and New Year stays to spring breaks, summer holidays and the autumn stag rut, while the estate itself invites exploration, with the River Dee weaving through the landscape, abundant wildlife to spot, ranger-led National Trust experiences available on the estate and a wide network of walking routes to follow. Guests can also venture further afield to discover Glenshee and The Lecht ski resorts, Balmoral and Braemar, Corgarff Castle and the renowned Braemar Highland Games. Make memories you'll never forget with the ones you hold dear at Braeriach. This property can be booked alongside Refs.
1060441, 1060444, 1060494, 1060500, together sleeping up to 31 guests. Exempt from needing a Scottish Licence to Short Term Let.
Settled in Royal Deeside is the village of Braemar, surrounded by some of Scotland's most stunning scenery. Set alongside the River Dee in the wondrous Cairngorms National Park, Braemar makes a scenic base for your outdoor adventures with its shops, cafés, pubs and local businesses providing all you need for a self-catered stay. Enjoy the delights of many outdoor activities during your stay with opportunities for fishing, stalking, mountain-biking and walking.
EPC Rating: Band CRefurbished January 2026: First-floor apartment.
One four-poster queen-size bedroom.
Bathroom with roll top bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Living/dining room with sofa bed
Biomass central heating.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher.
Smart TV, DVD player, CD player, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available on request.
Off-road parking in rear car park.
Access to Mar Lodge Estate.
Private water supply.
Sorry, no smoking or vaping.
Shop and pub 4.1 miles.
Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Holiday guests have access to the estate grounds outside of the regular opening hours.
The billiards room, stag ballroom, grand dining room, library and drawing room at Mar Lodge can be hired separately – please contact the lodge for further details on +44 (0)13397 41276.
Billiards room not available over the festive period.
Mar Lodge Ranger service runs a number of scheduled walks and events throughout the year- information on these can be found by visiting here.
The opening times, visitor facilities and entry prices of all National Trust for Scotland properties and attractions can be viewed on their website here
Cornelis Marinus
The space was huge. The comfort great. The views exceptional. Great for a walk around. The wheater turn to severe on the Friday, Storm Eowyn, so we needed to stay an extra day, and this was very easy to arrange. Glad we stayed the extra day, as it had become very bad. A property highly recommended for those that like to know how Royalty lives.
Sheila
We love Mar lodge and the surrounding area. We met a lot of staff this time and had a good chat with them and they answered all our queries. The apartment was so warm and the views amazing.
Richard
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