We decided just before Christmas to go away after New Year for a wee break, we checked on google for accomodation near Aviemore that would suit a large group and Balgowan House was one that stood out. Although a 25 min drive to Aviemore, we just loved the look of the house and it appeared to suit our needs. Booking was easy and clear instructions and directions were emailed to me. We were not to be disappointed, this house is lovely, spotlessly clean, modern and well equipped. All bedrooms are very spacious, in fact the house in general is big which was great as there were 10 of us sharing we didn't feel as though we were crowding each other. We found it to be very relaxing and it was great looking out in the morning to lovely scenery. We got snow which was an added bonus as the kids got to use their sledges, which we took with us, only to find there were sledges in the garage( really have thought of everything) will remember that for next time l.o.l This house really has everything, cooking was made easy, plenty utensils, pots etc, fresh towels in every bedroom, having 2 en-suites, a bathroom and shower room there was no queuing for use. If we were to be over critical, the games room is really the garage and being winter it was freezing so didn't use it as much as would have liked, overall, loved it, even stayed an extra night,..would stay again. Also just to add you really have to drive to shops, restaurants etc if not eating in house. Janet the lady who manages the property is lovely, she lives in the house at the corner and is helpful with any advice needed.

We have family living all over the country so for Christmas this year we thought, rather than invade someones house for a a day we would all go somewhere neutral. Having done something similar the year before just after Christmas we decided to go for it again.

Balgowan House was Beautiful. The house is well equipped with everything we needed (including Cooking the biggest turkey i've ever seen!) All the rooms were spacious beautifully cleaned and maintained. This was great because it meant nobody drew the short straw because there wasn't one! All the linen, the bathrooms, the towels, the equipment all just what we needed! we shifted some chairs around in the living room for christmas morning and had christmas dinner in the sun room surrounded by the Cairngorms!

I could go on and on about the house but the whole area is just great. We went in the winter so obviously there was less to do but you can see that during the summer there would be LOADS to do all around. I really enjoyed the wildlife park but I'm a nature freak so I would. In my mind it's worth it just for the tigers and Walker the Polar Bear!

I suppose if I absolutely HAD to criticise anything it was the TV facilities which were adequate but a little bit dated. Also there was no WiFi which is a bit of a shock to the system but in a funny sort of way its's nice to be disconnected for a while! They would be my only criticisms and to be honest theres so much to do other than watch TV and post the odd tweet.

Overall a great place to stay with friends and family and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who has a large group holiday in mind for a reasonable price.