Cairngorm Mountain
Rothiemurchus cottages
On a historic Highland estate · In depth
About Rothiemurchus cottages
The Rothiemurchus estate, by Aviemore at the foot of the road to Cairngorm, lets its own cottages and houses in the Caledonian Forest, from Forest Cottage on the shore of Loch an Eilein to Achnahatnich House with its views of Cairngorm Mountain. Lower Milton Cottage has its own sauna, and the estate’s Smugglers Sauna sits by Loch an Eilein.
A Highland estate
Rothiemurchus is one of the great estates of the Cairngorms National Park, by Aviemore and at the foot of the road to Cairngorm Mountain. Its Caledonian Forest, lochs and rivers are on the doorstep of every cottage, and the estate runs more than 30 activities, from feeding the deer to clay shooting and quad-bike treks.
Saunas
For the Scandinavian ritual in the Highlands, the estate’s Smugglers Sauna stands at Loch an Eilein, booked by the session. Lower Milton Cottage, for two, has its own sauna beside an open-plan kitchen and living room.
From cosy cottages by Loch an Eilein to spacious family and dog-friendly houses, in the estate’s words.
The cottages and houses
Forest Cottage sits on the north-east shore of Loch an Eilein, with direct access to the water and trails from the door, for two plus two children. Loch an Eilein Cottage, for two, has a double-sided wood-burning stove, window seats and views of the loch and its castle ruins. Cairn Valley, for two, opens onto the forest. Achnahatnich House sleeps six, with two wood-burning stoves and views of Cairngorm, on a private forest road. The Boat House, dog-friendly, sleeps six in three bedrooms with super-king beds and underfloor heating. Honeysuckle Cottage, for four, has an enclosed garden for dogs, the Garden Flat is a walk from Aviemore, and the Rothie Cabins, for two, have decking, a firepit and a mezzanine for stargazing.
The Farm Shop
The Farm Shop sells estate venison and beef, local produce, gifts and hampers, with online click and collect, and the Barn Cafe is next door.
Our advice: book Forest Cottage or Loch an Eilein Cottage for the loch, add an evening at the Smugglers Sauna, and stock up on estate venison at the Farm Shop for your first dinner.
Why it's on our list
- Cottages by Loch an Eilein
- Lower Milton Cottage with its own sauna
- Smugglers Sauna at Loch an Eilein
- Dog-friendly houses and cabins
- Estate venison and beef at the Farm Shop
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Rothiemurchus cottages before you go.