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Balneden Steading
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About
#1 of 1 cottage in Tomintoul
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Balneden Steading is the ideal location for a self-catering holiday in the Scottish Highlands. This former historic steading offers 3 spacious, contemporary cottages to rent - The Mill (sleeps 4+1), The Grain Store (sleeps 4+1), and The Cattle Shed (sleeps 2). The Cottages can be booked individually or in combination to meet your party's needs. We also offer short breaks (minimum 3 night stay). Perfectly located at the start of the Whisky and Castle Trails, one mile from the A939 Snow Roads between Grantown-on-Spey and Tomintoul, we are situated in the stunning Glenlivet Estate, within the Cairngorms National Park. Speyside's distilleries, vibrant Aviemore, majestic Royal Deeside and the sandy beaches and wildlife of the Moray Firth are all within a 1 hour drive. The breathtaking panoramic views from Balneden make it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy highland life. We hope to have thought of everything to make your stay in rural Scotland as relaxing and magical as possible.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Hiking
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Dishwasher
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is officially classified according to VisitScotland standards.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Romantic
Location
Tomintoul AB37 9HL Scotland
Getting there
8 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Originally booked for 5 nights in the Cattle Shed, we decided to add another night. The Steading is in a beautiful location surrounded by sheep, lambs, pheasants and partridge to name a few with easy access to some fabulous walks and an easy drive to the coast through some amazing scenery if you take the country roads. The cottage itself is fantastic with a lovely welcome basket on arrival with local treats. The accommodation is light and airy with extra light coming in from the skylights and has beautiful views over the countryside. It is furnished with everything you could need to feel at home. The log burner is cosy should you need it and wood is available from hosts. The accommodation was spotless on arrival which is much appreciated in these times and sanitizer also available. Would like to thank the lovely hosts and housekeeping team for making our stay safe and comfortable. We would love to stay again and would highly recommend this property. Thank you so much.
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Date of stay: May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Phil Rogers, Owner at Balneden Steading
Responded 10 May 2021
Thank you for your positive endorsement, it is much appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you both back to Balneden Steading.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our third visit to Balneden, and I'm sure we'll be back next year!
We stayed in the Cattle Shed again, which is lovely and spacious for two people and two dogs. It has everything you need for your stay, and is clean and comfortable. And the views are incredible, as always. This time we were treated to some beautiful weather and watching the sun come up over the hills was the perfect way to start the day.
Overall, fantastic accommodation in a great location - everywhere in the Cairngorms national park is within an hour's drive or so, plus you can also easily head north into Moray (which is usually drier than the Cairngorms on rainy days in our experience).
We stayed in the Cattle Shed again, which is lovely and spacious for two people and two dogs. It has everything you need for your stay, and is clean and comfortable. And the views are incredible, as always. This time we were treated to some beautiful weather and watching the sun come up over the hills was the perfect way to start the day.
Overall, fantastic accommodation in a great location - everywhere in the Cairngorms national park is within an hour's drive or so, plus you can also easily head north into Moray (which is usually drier than the Cairngorms on rainy days in our experience).
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Philip Rogers, Owner at Balneden Steading
Responded 18 Sept 2023
Thank you. It is always good to hear that our cottages live up to their spectacular location.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
On the slopes of Cnoc Fergus, at the banks of Allt nam Muc is a little place called Heaven… or so it should be.
I was allowed to stay there for a month to finish a literary project between that last hesitant summer day and the first heavy snowstorm in the final days of 2024. There they still understand the art of hospitality, you are definitely not a number. Nowhere in all my years of wandering have I experienced such an extensive self-catering cottage where everything is provided and where the host and hostess work hard to make you feel at home. If the weather turns bad and you are stuck on the hill for a few days, no problem, the groceries will be fetched or they will help you start your snowed-in car. And then I haven’t even mentioned the view that no photo does justice. The silence that reigns there is of a whispering beauty. Actually, I shouldn’t be writing this, because I would prefer to keep this little piece of heaven all to myself.
I was allowed to stay there for a month to finish a literary project between that last hesitant summer day and the first heavy snowstorm in the final days of 2024. There they still understand the art of hospitality, you are definitely not a number. Nowhere in all my years of wandering have I experienced such an extensive self-catering cottage where everything is provided and where the host and hostess work hard to make you feel at home. If the weather turns bad and you are stuck on the hill for a few days, no problem, the groceries will be fetched or they will help you start your snowed-in car. And then I haven’t even mentioned the view that no photo does justice. The silence that reigns there is of a whispering beauty. Actually, I shouldn’t be writing this, because I would prefer to keep this little piece of heaven all to myself.
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Do your groceries on the way up, because in heaven, there are no shops just around the corner.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent stay in Balneden Steading. Accommodation was first class and in a beautiful location. The hosts were very helpful and available if you needed anything but otherwise we were left alone to enjoy our break. Would definitely recommend staying here. We will return.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent a week here as a family of 5. Everything was cleaned to a high standard, laundry facilities were great as despite it being April we experienced quite a bit of snow so the drying room helped with drying out the kids clothes and shoes! Owner was helpful and friendly. Lovely welcome basket of goodies on arrival and it was great having a log burner too.
Views from the property were wonderful. I enjoyed watching the sunrise too with the sheep in the field next door. Good location for exploring the Cairngorms. We enjoyed going up the Cairngorm Mountain and visiting the reindeer herd near Aviemore. Would definitely recommend.
Views from the property were wonderful. I enjoyed watching the sunrise too with the sheep in the field next door. Good location for exploring the Cairngorms. We enjoyed going up the Cairngorm Mountain and visiting the reindeer herd near Aviemore. Would definitely recommend.
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We spent a week in the Cattle Shed and absolutely loved it - couldn't fault a thing. The cottage is beautifully decorated with everything you need, and a log burner and underfloor heating keep the inside nice and cosy. Bed super comfortable and bathroom spacious with good water pressure.
We visited in December and there was sheet ice on the drive up to the cottage, so we parked at the bottom of the hill and the owner's kindly came down and picked up our stuff for us. Absolutely faultless stay and we would love to return one day.
We visited in December and there was sheet ice on the drive up to the cottage, so we parked at the bottom of the hill and the owner's kindly came down and picked up our stuff for us. Absolutely faultless stay and we would love to return one day.
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Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: The Cattle Shed is perfect for couples
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable and well equipped converted barn, in idyllic surroundings look no further. We stayed in The Mill, one of 3 available for holidays, and can truly say that it was perfect.
It was spacious, very warm and had everything you needed to cook everything from a roast dinner, casseroles and great breakfasts.
The welcome basket included a local whisky, Tomintal, local gin, Caoruun, shortbread, teas and coffee, everything was excellent.
There was a separate building that had washing machine and tumble dryer, pegs etc. Plenty of logs available for the wood burning stove, although The Mill was so cosy we only had one fire when the temperature dropped to-5C one evening.
The star gazing was terrific. Being in the Cairngorms it made an excellent base to explore the area, from whisky distillery tours, bird watching and historic attractions.
Great walks around plus cycling etc.
It was spacious, very warm and had everything you needed to cook everything from a roast dinner, casseroles and great breakfasts.
The welcome basket included a local whisky, Tomintal, local gin, Caoruun, shortbread, teas and coffee, everything was excellent.
There was a separate building that had washing machine and tumble dryer, pegs etc. Plenty of logs available for the wood burning stove, although The Mill was so cosy we only had one fire when the temperature dropped to-5C one evening.
The star gazing was terrific. Being in the Cairngorms it made an excellent base to explore the area, from whisky distillery tours, bird watching and historic attractions.
Great walks around plus cycling etc.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from PhilR2033, Owner at Balneden Steading
Responded 23 Mar 2020
Thank you, Kathryn. We look forward to seeing you both again when we have leaves on the trees: they make such a change to the views from your armchair.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife, baby and Spaniel spent a couple of weeks travelling around the highlands and staying at Balneden Steading added to what was an amazing trip.
We had booked to stay somewhere else, but the day before received a message to say they didn’t accept dogs, so panic set in.
We messaged Balneden Steading that evening and received a response within no time. Luckily for us, they had a last minute cancellation.
When we arrived the following evening, Phil the owner had kindly moved around bedroom furniture to set us up a travel cot and because it only had a large wet room/shower, provided a baby bath.
A lovely basket of local treats also met us on arrival.
Absolutely spotlessly clean, modern, quality beds/bedding. Kitchen has everything a keen cook could want for.
Walking the dog after breakfast and before dinner we came across roe deer, birds of prey, hares, game birds and much more...all literally outside the front door.
Perfect base for exploring. Will certainly be back next year and looking forward to enjoying a glass of red whilst soaking up those views.
Also to add, Covid is clearly taken seriously here, but not in a way that it impacts your stay. It just allows you to rest easy that where you are staying is safe and clean.
We had booked to stay somewhere else, but the day before received a message to say they didn’t accept dogs, so panic set in.
We messaged Balneden Steading that evening and received a response within no time. Luckily for us, they had a last minute cancellation.
When we arrived the following evening, Phil the owner had kindly moved around bedroom furniture to set us up a travel cot and because it only had a large wet room/shower, provided a baby bath.
A lovely basket of local treats also met us on arrival.
Absolutely spotlessly clean, modern, quality beds/bedding. Kitchen has everything a keen cook could want for.
Walking the dog after breakfast and before dinner we came across roe deer, birds of prey, hares, game birds and much more...all literally outside the front door.
Perfect base for exploring. Will certainly be back next year and looking forward to enjoying a glass of red whilst soaking up those views.
Also to add, Covid is clearly taken seriously here, but not in a way that it impacts your stay. It just allows you to rest easy that where you are staying is safe and clean.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Phil Rogers, Owner at Balneden Steading
Responded 6 Dec 2020
It has been great to be able to accommodate as many staycationers as possible since reopening in mid-July. Our overseas visitors' absence this year has clearly been your gain. PS: I would have responded sooner if TripAdvisor had flagged up your review.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a lovely time in the Cattle Shed, excellent accommodation and a much appreciated welcomepack. Cleanliness was first class. Lovely views from the cottage and ideal for two people.We would loved to have the log fire on however the underfloor heating was quite sufficient. We plan to return
and definitely recommend the Steadings. Phil & Julie were excellent hosts.
and definitely recommend the Steadings. Phil & Julie were excellent hosts.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Rooms
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gorgeous and scrupulously clean accommodation situated in stunningly beautiful surroundings.
Everything you need for a relaxing Scottish break/retreat - perfect!
Lovely welcome basket of local produce on arrival. All cleaning products eco friendly. Plenty of wood available for the wood burning stove.
I left a bag of clothing and Phil (the host) posted it back to me with no trouble.
Would definitely visit again (despite a 6-7 hour drive!).
***** 5 STARS
Everything you need for a relaxing Scottish break/retreat - perfect!
Lovely welcome basket of local produce on arrival. All cleaning products eco friendly. Plenty of wood available for the wood burning stove.
I left a bag of clothing and Phil (the host) posted it back to me with no trouble.
Would definitely visit again (despite a 6-7 hour drive!).
***** 5 STARS
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Date of stay: October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Phil Rogers, Owner at Balneden Steading
Responded 6 Dec 2020
We would love to welcome you back for a longer stay next time to fully relax and enjoy more of what the Cairngorms National Park and Moray Speyside have to offer. Returning forgotten items is all part of the service.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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"Do your groceries on the way up, because in heaven, there are no shops just around the corner."Read full review
"The Mill has a grassed area to one side which is great if you have dogs. There is an EV charger on site."Read full review
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandMorayTomintoul
NUMBER OF ROOMS
3
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingBALNEDEN STEADING | UPDATED 2025 Cottage Reviews (Tomintoul, Scotland) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Balneden Steading
Which popular attractions are close to Balneden Steading?
Nearby attractions include The Whisky Castle (4.5 km), Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails (2.5 km), and Tomintoul and Glenlivet Discovery Centre (4.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Balneden Steading?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and reduced mobility rooms.
What are some restaurants close to Balneden Steading?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Clockhouse Restaurant, Bridge of Brown Tearoom, and The Glenavon.
Are pets allowed at Balneden Steading?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Balneden Steading?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens (15.0 km).
Does Balneden Steading have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the mountain view available here.
Is Balneden Steading accessible?
Yes, it offers reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.