Mill of Tilquhillie, Former Water Mill, Banchory

Mill of Tilquhillie is a former water mill which has been completely renovated  to provide comfortable and characterful holiday accommodation for up to four people. It is situated in a peaceful country setting about two miles from the county town of Banchory and twenty miles from the City of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Airport. This charming listed cottage provides a tranquil base from which to enjoy the beauty of Royal Deeside with its many places of interest and spectacular scenery. Accommodation is on two floors. The main door opens on to a landing with stairs leading up to the open plan kitchen and the main bedroom. The kitchen is a lovely galleried room overlooking the main living area. It is very well appointed and includes a microwave cooker, a dishwasher and a table and seating for four. The stairs leading down from the door take you into the main living area. This is a very light and spacious room containing two big comfortable sofas, WiFi facility, TV/DVD with Freeview Digital Channels, a selection of DVDs and a CD player. There is also a large wood burning stove which, when lit in the Winter, gives the cottage a lovely cosy atmosphere. Opening off the living area is a newly refurbished shower-room containing a modern electric shower, hand basin, WC, and a heated towel rail. There is also a large cupboard which houses the washing machine. There are electric storage heaters throughout the ground floor of the property, and electric panel heaters upstairs. Due to the thickness of the granite walls the cottage stays very warm especially if the wood burning stove is lit. The main bedroom arrangements may be adapted to suit; either a twin bedded layout or joined together to provide a king size double. A chest of drawers and a ‘gentlemen’s wardrobe’ are also provided. The second bedroom opens off the rear of the main living room. This room was originally where the fire was set to toast the grain etc. in the mill. As a result of this, the room is in fact in the style of an upside down pyramid of granite. Inspired by the interiors of boats, the owners have built one full sized bed into either side of the room, both about four feet off the ground with three steps up to each bed. There are also ‘lee-boards’ - slings of material- which are attached up to the ceiling at night time to avoid any accidents! This small but unique and delightful room has been adored by children and adults alike. To the front of the cottage is a small, private garden, by the mill lade, with a patio table and chairs to enjoy the morning sun. To the rear is another larger patio which lies within a few yards of the waterfall from the mill stream and with a view of the large wildlife pond; a favourite visiting spot for herons, wild ducks and Roe deer. There is a picnic table and sun umbrella ideal for eating outside during the Summer months. The Mill of Tilquhillie is situated within the garden of the owners' house with its own ample parking area. Although it has its own small, enclosed garden, older children are very welcome to explore the woods and rough ground next to the cottage. However, there is a lot of open water on the site and so, although young children are most welcome, they would have to be closely supervised at all times. There is also a tarmac tennis court on site available for guests' use. Alternatively you can relax inside using the WiFi facility, TV/DVD with Freeview Digital Channels and DVDs, a CD player and a selection of books and games. Follow the River Dee upstream to explore Aboyne, Braemar or perhaps visit Balmoral Castle. There are some wonderful areas to walk and enjoy the spectacular scenery or, if you prefer, there are many National Trust castles within easy travelling distance, including our local Crathes Castle, world famous for its gardens. There are a number of golf courses and driving ranges within easy driving distance and whisky distilleries just waiting to offer up their secrets as to how one of Scotland’s most popular exports is created! Throughout the Summer a number of Highland Games take place if you fancy seeing just how far a caber can really be tossed!