Balnafoich

If you’re in the mood for some countryside escapism but appreciate the joys of popping to a well-stocked local shop, cafe or pub, Balnafoich Farmhouse could be the answer. It’s at the top of a long singletrack driveway, surrounded by fields, trees and very little else. Despite the feeling of glorious isolation, a 6-minute drive brings you to the village of Boat of Garten. Six minutes more and you’re in Aviemore or Grantown-on-Spey.

Once a traditional stone and slate home, Balnafoich Farmhouse has been carefully renovated to bring in light and a sense of space that would have been lacking in the original cottage.

Kitchen and living

The open-plan kitchen, diner and lounge — the hub of the home — is bright and welcoming, and capitalises on the panoramic views. Everywhere a window might be, there are three.

In the lounge, you might read in front of the woodburner, tackle your to-watch list, or simply enjoy the view. There’s a lovely feeling of being up high, looking down upon birds cruising over the wide valley of the River Spey and the ancient Abernethy pine forest. Look long enough, and you’ll no doubt spot a steam train chuff-chuffing its way along the Strathspey Railway. In winter, bring out the binoculars to spot skiers on Cairngorm. There’s next to no light pollution at Balnafoich, so starry skies are frequent.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

There’s a roomy king bedroom off the living space, and the other two bedrooms are upstairs, where the view only gets better. The upstairs bedrooms have zip and link beds, one is set as a twin, the other a super king bed, unless requested otherwise, the two bedrooms share a large modern bathroom.

Outdoors

From the living area, there’s easy garden access, which has a choice of seating so meals and drinks can be enjoyed in shelter and sunlight throughout the day. Whoever’s on dish duty will have no complaints: the combination of evening light, bird feeders and a grassy, tree-filled garden enclosed by a drystone dyke makes a particularly bucolic scene when standing at the kitchen sink. The owners have spotted owls, hawks, cuckoos, woodpeckers, eagles and more. Visit in spring to add gambolling lambs to the list.

Amenities

Balnafoich Farmhouse’s garden unveils two wonderful surprises: a sauna with a cold outdoor shower and mountain views, and a steading with power and lights which can act as a games room or useful storage space for sport equipment. Look out for the vintage seed dresser table and threshing mill light fitting: a nod to the building’s agricultural history. A German prisoner of war is said to have lived in the barn’s attic during WW2, helping on the farm in return for food and board.

Important information

Licence Number HI-70864-F

EPC Rating D