Guests say
Gardener's Bothy offers a truly peaceful and secluded retreat surrounded by stunning wildlife and natural beauty, perfect for those seeking a digital detox and a break from modern life. Guests consistently praise the tranquil location, abundance of wildlife, and the cosy, characterful atmosphere. While some mention areas for improvement in cleanliness and maintenance, the overall experience is memorable, especially for nature lovers and those looking to unwind in a unique setting.
Several guests noted that the property could be cleaner, mentioning issues such as dog hairs, a strong smell, and areas needing more thorough cleaning. However, others found the bed and bathroom clean and comfortable. Cleanliness appears variable, with some guests more satisfied than others.
The location is widely praised as outstanding, tranquil, and surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife. Guests love the remote setting, riverside position, and easy access to walks and nature, making it a highlight of the stay.
Most guests found the bothy cosy and the bed exceptionally comfortable, with warm interiors and a relaxing atmosphere. A few taller guests found the low ceilings challenging, but overall comfort is rated highly, especially for those seeking a rustic, peaceful escape.
Facilities are described as basic but sufficient, with a well-equipped kitchen and a good selection of DVDs. Some guests noted maintenance issues such as loose toilet seats, window problems, and unclear information about amenities. The lack of modern conveniences is mentioned, but this is often seen as part of the charm.
Some guests appreciated touches like bird feed left behind and a DVD library, but there are no consistent mentions of welcome gifts or special extras. Information folders and instructions could be improved for clarity. Please note that any gifts or extras mentioned by guests are not guaranteed.
About this property
This idyllic cottage has a woodland setting and is perfect for both walkers and cyclists with routes around this estate.. "Acres of peaceful and secluded countryside surround these magnificent cottages..."
At the heart of Glenprosen, one of the renowned ‘Glens of Angus’, lies the Balnaboth Estate on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park; 6,000 peaceful and secluded acres surrounding 16th-century Balnaboth House. In its midst, these six characterful holiday cottages each offer a unique and magical holiday retreat; indeed the creator of Peter Pan himself (Sir James Barrie) was born in nearby Kirriemuir and holidayed here.
These cottages were once occupied by shepherds, gardeners or other staff of the Ogilvy family when this was a traditional Victorian sporting estate. Red squirrels play in the trees, otters frequent the burns, and deer graze all around. Because of the varied scenery, that varies from beech woods to forest, pasture to heather moor, mountain streams to river pools, the area enjoys a spectacular range of wildlife, including species largely extinct elsewhere in Britain, such as black game and ptarmigan.
Magnificent walking, bird-watching, mountain biking and (in season) cross-country skiing abound on the estate and, further afield, downhill skiing at Glen Shee (25 miles). Fishing is available on a 5-mile stretch of the River Prosen, and there are twenty golf courses within an hours’ drive.
Enjoy the seclusion of this beautiful glen - peaceful, relaxing, scenic - yet just a few minutes’ drive from bustling market towns and busy fishing harbours which hug the Angus coastline, as well as from the city of Dundee which offers many attractions for all the family. The exciting Dundee Contemporary Arts is a stunningly-designed centre which incorporates galleries, a print studio and two art-cinema screens, while the Mills Observatory is Britain’s only full-time public observatory with a resident astronomer.
Good road, rail and air access to Angus provide easy access from all parts of the UK or international destinations. Shop 9-10 miles.. 1 step to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: TV, DVD Player, Multi-Fuel Burner
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washer Dryer
First Floor:
Bedroom: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet.
Bed linen included. Electric central heating, electric storage heaters and electricity by meter reading (initial £10 included). Towels £3 pppw. Fuel for multi-fuel burner at cost. Travel cot and highchair. Garden area with garden furniture. 6000-acre grounds. River fishing (trout free of charge, salmon £15 per day, £75 per week, 16th February-5th September). Grazing and stabling for horses available on request. Private parking. No smoking. Please note: There is a river and pond in the grounds. The property has a natural water supply from a spring.. Electricity by meter reading (initial £10 included), Bed linen included, Towels £3 per person per week, travel cot, high chair, DVD, microwave, Grounds of 6,000 acres, Parking, River fishing on a 5-mile stretch: trout foc, salmon £15 per day/£75per week (16 February to 5 September); £30 per day/£130per week (10 September to 31 October), Grazing and stabling for visitors’ horses by arrangement, Natural spring water supply. No smoking, NB: River and pond in grounds
Cot & high chairs on request, limited availability, please request prior to arrival.
No mobile phone reception at properties.
Electric storage heaters and electricity by meter reading (initial £10 included).
The water is from a spring, well or borehole, and not a mains supply.
Only dogs allowed at the property.
There is open water in the property grounds.
There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property.
Please note:There is road closures leading to the property please see the alternative directions to the property.
Suitable for up to 1 pet
Reviews (22)
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Confirmed Guest
If you're into wildlife and properly getting away from it all, this place is incredibly special. Tucked away in what genuinely feels like the middle of nowhere, the bothy was exactly what we wanted for a week of switching off, slowing down and having a bit of a digital detox.The location was easily the highlight for us. It's incredibly peaceful, surrounded by nature and wildlife, and you really do feel like you've escaped from everything. If you enjoy quiet mornings, evenings by the fire and being somewhere that feels remote and a little wild, it's hard to beat.There are a few things worth bearing in mind before you go. Firstly, bring cash as you'll need it for the electricity meter. There was a good stock of logs provided for the fire though, which we really appreciated. Secondly, it isn't the cleanest accommodation we've ever stayed in, although we were expecting that from previous reviews. We noticed quite a few dog and human hairs on the bed, so in hindsight I'd probably have brought our own bedding. There is also quite a strong dog smell upstairs, which didn't particularly bother us as dog owners, but may be more noticeable if you're not used to dogs.There's also no phone signal, but honestly that became part of the charm for us. There's a great DVD collection for the evenings, and it was actually quite nice having an excuse to properly switch off.Those things aside, we had such a memorable stay here. It isn't somewhere I'd recommend if you're looking for a spotless, polished cottage with all the usual conveniences, but that's not really what this place is about. If you want peace, wildlife, beautiful surroundings and a few days feeling completely removed from the noise of everyday life, the bothy is a very special place to stay.
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Laurette Watson
Its our 2nd visit to The Gardeners Bothy, we loved every minute there. The area that cottage sits on is naturally incredibly beautiful . The stream, trees & wildlife are all stunning and we enjoyed being outside as much as possible.Inside the cottage the bedroom is very cosy, comfortable and clean, nice hot shower and bathroom.Comfortable sofa and log burner downstairs, enjoyed the library of DVDs to choose from.
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Confirmed Guest
This was our fourth visit to Gardeners Bothy.The cottage is well equipped and comfortable. It is secluded in the trees with a stream running at the bottom of the garden. It is possible to walk around the estate.Kirriemuir is the nearest town with a Co-op and some other shops. There is also JM Barrie's house, a Camera Obscura and Police Museum.