Guests say
Gardener's Bothy offers a charming, cosy retreat in a stunning, tranquil location surrounded by wildlife and beautiful scenery. Guests consistently praise the peaceful setting, comfortable bed, and abundance of nature, making it ideal for those seeking a break from modern life. While the Bothy is full of character, some guests noted areas for improvement in cleanliness and maintenance. Facilities are basic but sufficient for a relaxing stay. The property is dog-friendly and perfect for nature lovers, with easy access to scenic walks and local amenities a short drive away.
Cleanliness is mixed, with several guests noting issues such as dust, sticky surfaces, mould in the shower, and pet hair, while others found the bed and main areas clean. The rural, pet-friendly nature of the property means some dirt is to be expected, but a few reviews suggest a more thorough clean would improve the experience.
The location is widely praised as peaceful, remote, and surrounded by nature, with beautiful views, rivers, and abundant wildlife. Guests love the tranquillity and easy access to walks, with Kirriemuir and Forfar nearby for supplies.
Most guests found the Bothy cosy and the bed exceptionally comfortable, contributing to restful sleep. However, taller guests found the low ceilings and doorways challenging, and the dark wood panelling made the interior feel a bit enclosed for some.
Facilities are basic but functional, with a well-equipped kitchen and wood burner. Some guests noted maintenance issues such as a loose toilet seat, window problems, and unclear information about amenities like the sauna and hot tub. The lack of TV signal and internet is mentioned, but many see this as part of the Bothy's charm.
Some thoughtful touches, such as bird feed left for future guests, are mentioned, but these are not guaranteed. There is room for improvement in providing up-to-date information and clearer communication about amenities and local recommendations.
About this property
This idyllic cottage has a woodland setting and is perfect for both walkers and cyclists with routes around this estate.. "Acres of peaceful and secluded countryside surround these magnificent cottages..."
At the heart of Glenprosen, one of the renowned ‘Glens of Angus’, lies the Balnaboth Estate on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park; 6,000 peaceful and secluded acres surrounding 16th-century Balnaboth House. In its midst, these six characterful holiday cottages each offer a unique and magical holiday retreat; indeed the creator of Peter Pan himself (Sir James Barrie) was born in nearby Kirriemuir and holidayed here.
These cottages were once occupied by shepherds, gardeners or other staff of the Ogilvy family when this was a traditional Victorian sporting estate. Red squirrels play in the trees, otters frequent the burns, and deer graze all around. Because of the varied scenery, that varies from beech woods to forest, pasture to heather moor, mountain streams to river pools, the area enjoys a spectacular range of wildlife, including species largely extinct elsewhere in Britain, such as black game and ptarmigan.
Magnificent walking, bird-watching, mountain biking and (in season) cross-country skiing abound on the estate and, further afield, downhill skiing at Glen Shee (25 miles). Fishing is available on a 5-mile stretch of the River Prosen, and there are twenty golf courses within an hours’ drive.
Enjoy the seclusion of this beautiful glen - peaceful, relaxing, scenic - yet just a few minutes’ drive from bustling market towns and busy fishing harbours which hug the Angus coastline, as well as from the city of Dundee which offers many attractions for all the family. The exciting Dundee Contemporary Arts is a stunningly-designed centre which incorporates galleries, a print studio and two art-cinema screens, while the Mills Observatory is Britain’s only full-time public observatory with a resident astronomer.
Good road, rail and air access to Angus provide easy access from all parts of the UK or international destinations. Shop 9-10 miles.. 1 step to entrance.
Ground Floor:
Open plan living space.
Living area: TV, DVD Player, Multi-Fuel Burner
Dining area.
Kitchen area: Electric Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washer Dryer
First Floor:
Bedroom: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Shower Room: Cubicle Shower, Toilet.
Bed linen included. Electric central heating, electric storage heaters and electricity by meter reading (initial £10 included). Towels £3 pppw. Fuel for multi-fuel burner at cost. Travel cot and highchair. Garden area with garden furniture. 6000-acre grounds. River fishing (trout free of charge, salmon £15 per day, £75 per week, 16th February-5th September). Grazing and stabling for horses available on request. Private parking. No smoking. Please note: There is a river and pond in the grounds. The property has a natural water supply from a spring.. Electricity by meter reading (initial £10 included), Bed linen included, Towels £3 per person per week, travel cot, high chair, DVD, microwave, Grounds of 6,000 acres, Parking, River fishing on a 5-mile stretch: trout foc, salmon £15 per day/£75per week (16 February to 5 September); £30 per day/£130per week (10 September to 31 October), Grazing and stabling for visitors’ horses by arrangement, Natural spring water supply. No smoking, NB: River and pond in grounds
Cot & high chairs on request, limited availability, please request prior to arrival.
No mobile phone reception at properties.
Electric storage heaters and electricity by meter reading (initial £10 included).
The water is from a spring, well or borehole, and not a mains supply.
Only dogs allowed at the property.
There is open water in the property grounds.
There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property.
Please note:There is road closures leading to the property please see the alternative directions to the property.
Suitable for up to 1 pet
Reviews (16)
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Confirmed Guest
A lovely situation by two rivers for a quiet holiday away from it all. There was not much in the way of local amenities, but that's not why we picked this cottage. Great for a digital detox.
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Malcolm Hawkins
I did not actually stay in the Bothy. I booked it for my son and his wife to stay in. What I can say is that it was nice and cosy and we enjoyed eating and drinking in the garden with the sound of the burn in the background 👍
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Confirmed Guest
Visited a few times now. (5 in total on the Balnaboth Estate)This is our favourite Location absolutely amazing every season It's a old gardener's Bothy nesting between two water's It's not the Ritz, so if you're expecting it don't bother booking. It has it's own character, small and cosy. Wood burner stove (could have a better supply of logs in the colder months, saving trying to get to Kirriemuir in adverse weather conditions,just a recommendation)Has a great little compact kitchen with everything you need limited cupboard space but you can work round itSmall hall way for wet shoes and coats Stairs are a small slightly spiral , take your time until you get used to them. Bedroom large and spacious, warm with the storage heater on , bathroom with shower (no bath)decent size warm (when the towel rail heater is working Bed warm and really comfortable (good sleep)Plenty of wildlife, great walks up the glen and short drive to the other Glen's Shopping at Kirriemuir for local supplies or Fofar (Fofar for supermarkets Tesco, Aldi etc. Great time Highly recommended Dog friendly