Afternoon
River Dye swim
Winding its way through the heart of the estate and surrounded by forest, the River Dye is the perfect place for a spot of wild swimming.
Walking distance・Map provided with stay
It’s available in 20 days
7 nights
Monday 21 February – Monday 28 February 2022
£1,245 total
All bookings take place through the house owner’s website. Availability, details and URL are live and correct at time of posting.
Perfectly positioned by the banks of the River Dye, The Hay Loft is surrounded by wilderness and watched over by the fabled tor of Clachnaben. Central to this house is the sitting room window. In the past it was used for loading hay; now it provides a picture-book perfect view of the tonality of the Scottish landscape. Wander out and discover the estate – all 30,000 acres of it. You’ll find wild swimming, a sauna, fire pits (and even a bring-your-own pub) a stone’s throw from your doorstep. The Hay Loft shares the Glen Dye Estate with No.4 Steading Cottage and No.5 Steading Cottage amongst others.
Cook in or out
Guests can preorder from a list of produce from the estate vegetable garden for a delivery the next day. The choice of where to cook it is yours: inside in the spacious kitchen or outside in your own Big Green Egg barbecue.
Forage, plunge, discover
Staying here is your gateway to exploring the estate. Walk, cycle, run, wild swim and experience this part of Scotland – where the Howe of the Mearns meets the Highland boundary fault.
A space for all occasions
NORD, who were named Young Architects of the Year, reimagined the building in 2012 to create spaces in which to entertain, engage and disconnect (cue wood-fired Swedish hot tub). The house features two floors with bedrooms on both.
Contemporary meets classical details
Wake in the heart of the estate
A vibrant house with warm touches
The Hay Loft’s window detail
Bedroom with pop of colour
The Hay Loft details
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2
Floors
2
Rental type
Self-catering holiday let
House size
84 sqm
Architect
NORD
Year completed
2012
Notes
Dogs welcome
Area
About halfway between the Cairngorms and the coast
On the doorstep
In the heart of the Glen Dye Estate
Nearest town
Banchory (14 km)
Nearest cities
Aberdeen (45 km), Edinburgh (165 km)
Directions
By train
Stonehaven or Aberdeen are the closest stations
Train to house transport
Speak with the Glen Dye team to arrange collection/drop off
By car
A scenic drive through this part of Scotland
Electric vehicle hire
Available from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen
Electric vehicle charging
Yes, available at Glen Dye HQ
3-nights in June
£1,045
7-nights in June
£1,345
3-nights in December
£945
7-nights in December
£1,245
To book
Visit Glen Dye’s site for availability and booking
Availability
Usually booked months in advance
Rental type
Entire house, Self-catering
Owner’s website
Our favourites in the area
Morning, Afternoon, Evening. There’s an abundance of things to do on your doorstep when you stay at Glen Dye — and something for everyone too. Why not take a plunge in the River Dye by day and rustle up a feast of seasonal produce after dark? Whatever you decide, here’s a selection of favourite places as recommended by the Glen Dye team.
Evening
Dining on your doorstep
With the estate’s seasonal produce in hand, light up your Big Green Egg barbecue and rustle up a feast with your fellow guests.
Walking distance・Map provided with stay
Evening
The Glen Dye Arms BYOB
After dinner, wander over to the estate’s bring-your-own pub to enjoy an evening of board games and music records by the log fire.
Walking distance・Map provided with stay
Evening
Sauna relaxation
After a day of adventuring, unwind in your very own wood-fired sauna, a place of tranquility nestled amongst the trees.
Walking distance・Map provided with stay
Morning
Dunnottar Castle
Walk the loop from Stonehaven Bay, through woodland, and out to the castle’s ruins on the cliffs to learn the history of this fortress on Scotland's east coast.
35 km・Get directions
Morning
Estate wander
You really are spoilt for choice in this private wilderness, with activities for each day. The estate alone features miles upon miles of trails, and for more seasoned explorers, the Cairngorms are a close by.
Walking distance・Map provided with stay
Covid-19: Follow local guidelines and check opening hours before travel
The house and surrounding area
It’s available in 20 days
7 nights
Monday 21 February – Monday 28 February 2022
£1,245 total
All bookings take place through the house owner’s website. Availability, details and URL are live and correct at time of posting.
Glen Dye The Hay Loft credits
Photography: Department Two, Richard Gaston, Filippo Biasiolo