| The Hayloft

A little hideaway for two.

Amenities | Location | Interiors | Garden | Reviews | Book Now

The Hayloft is tucked into a quiet corner of Rothiemurchus, surrounded by woodland with the sound of the burn running past the garden below. Up amongst the trees, with its own large balcony looking out into the woods, it feels wonderfully removed from everything without being far from Aviemore at all.

Set on the upper floor of an original 1832 carriage house, The Hayloft is a cosy, romantic and dog-friendly self-catering hideaway for two. Loch an Eilein and miles of Rothiemurchus walking and cycling trails can be reached on foot, while Aviemore is around a 10-minute drive away.

Sleeps 2

Double bedroom at The Hayloft with faux-fur bedspread, bedside lighting and woodland view from the window.
Exterior of The Hayloft, a black timber self-catering cottage surrounded by woodland at Rothiemurchus in the Cairngorms.
Open-plan living and dining area at The Hayloft, with timber-clad vaulted ceiling, wooden dining table and armchair.
Cosy double bedroom at The Hayloft with vaulted white ceiling, warm bedside lighting and soft faux-fur bedspread.
Warm bedside detail in The Hayloft bedroom, with wooden furniture, lamp and soft natural textures.
Exterior view of The Hayloft surrounded by trees in its peaceful woodland setting near Aviemore.
View from The Hayloft deck across the peaceful wooded surroundings at Rothiemurchus in the Cairngorms.
Cosy bedroom seating area at The Hayloft, with leather sofa, patterned rug and low vaulted ceiling.
Small vase of flowers and natural details inside The Hayloft holiday cottage.
Open-plan kitchen, dining and living space at The Hayloft, with timber vaulted ceiling and warm wooden flooring.
Black timber exterior and entrance to The Hayloft in its woodland setting at Rothiemurchus.
Private outdoor deck at The Hayloft with seating overlooking the surrounding trees and countryside.
Scandinavian barn style iving area at The Hayloft with television, armchair and warm timber-clad vaulted ceiling.
Compact kitchen and dining area at The Hayloft, with wooden worktops and timber vaulted ceiling.
Cosy bedroom seating area at The Hayloft with leather sofa, patterned rug and warm bedside lighting.
Decorative foliage, ceramic jug and warm lamp creating a cosy atmosphere inside The Hayloft.
Cosy interior detail at The Hayloft with soft furnishings and warm ambient lighting.
Open doors from The Hayloft living space leading onto the private woodland deck.
Modern shower room at The Hayloft with walk-in shower, white suite and neatly folded towels.
Reading chair beside the kitchen at The Hayloft, with sheepskin throw and views through the wooden-framed window.
Compact modern kitchen at The Hayloft with wooden worktop, black tap and timber-clad vaulted ceiling.
Exterior of The Hayloft showing its secluded setting among the trees at Rothiemurchus.
Whisky decanter and glasses in the living room, one of the cosy details inside The Hayloft.
Dining table set for two at The Hayloft, with champagne and doors opening onto the private deck.
Bathroom basin and wooden countertop at The Hayloft, with simple flowers and contemporary fittings.
ESPA toiletries provided for guests at The Hayloft self-catering accommodation.
Leather sofa, cushions and foliage beneath the sloping ceiling in The Hayloft bedroom.
Whisky glasses and decorative stag detail creating a cosy Highland feel at The Hayloft.
Winter scenery beside the water in Rothiemurchus, close to The Hayloft in the Cairngorms.
Sunlight filtering across Loch An Eilein and through tall pine trees beside the water in Rothiemurchus Forest near The Hayloft.
Peaceful Lily loch surrounded by woodland in the Cairngorms, close to The Hayloft at Rothiemurchus.
Aerial view of The Hayloft and neighbouring buildings surrounded by countryside and woodland at Rothiemurchus.
Autumn view from The Hayloft deck across trees and open countryside in the Cairngorms.
Tranquil woodland burn flowing through Rothiemurchus Forest next to The Hayloft.
Private deck at The Hayloft with outdoor seating and rug, surrounded by green woodland.
Outdoor breakfast table for two on The Hayloft deck, overlooking the surrounding woodland.
Herb planter beside The Hayloft, adding fresh greenery to the cottage garden.

Amenities

The Hayloft may be made for two, but there's plenty of room to settle in. The open-plan living space has everything you need for a short break or longer stay, while the separate king-size bedroom is spacious, comfortable and full of character.

Key features include:

  • One spacious bedroom with king-size bed

  • Luxury cotton bed linen and blankets

  • Bathroom with walk-in shower

  • Towels and complimentary toiletries

  • Hairdryer

  • 43" Smart TV with streaming services

  • Well-equipped kitchen with fridge and ice box, two-ring ceramic hob and combination microwave oven

  • Bosch Tassimo coffee machine

  • Kitchen and household essentials

  • Books and board games

  • Wi-Fi and USB charging

  • Complimentary welcome hamper with breakfast items and treats

  • Parking for one car

  • Large private furnished balcony overlooking the garden and woodland

  • Access to The Old Manse wild garden

The Hayloft is dog friendly

Dogs are very welcome at The Hayloft, and with Rothiemurchus on the doorstep there is no shortage of wonderful places to walk.

The property is best suited to one dog, although two small dogs may be possible by arrangement. From gentle woodland trails to longer days exploring the Cairngorms, there are plenty of routes nearby without needing to travel far.

Looking for ideas? See our guide to dog-friendly walks in the Cairngorms.

Please note: The Old Manse garden is only partially enclosed, with open access towards the woodland, burn and road. There is also abundant wildlife nearby, so dogs must be supervised and kept on a lead while in the garden.

Select dates in the calendar to view rates and availability.

The location

 

The Hayloft sits within the grounds of The Old Manse on the Rothiemurchus Estate, just outside Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park.

This is a particularly lovely part of the Cairngorms to explore without the car. Step out from the garden and you're into Rothiemurchus, with its network of woodland trails winding through one of the largest remaining areas of ancient Caledonian pine forest.

Loch an Eilein is within walking distance, with its ruined island castle and beautiful circuit through the pines, while walking and cycling trails lead through the wider estate towards some of the best-known landscapes around Aviemore.

The property is reached via an external staircase that leads you onto the large balcony that provides a spectacular viewing platform where you can take in the beauty of the garden and surrounding woodland.

From The Hayloft, you can enjoy:

  • Walking to Loch an Eilein through Rothiemurchus

  • Miles of woodland walking and cycling trails

  • Wildlife watching in the surrounding Caledonian forest

  • Outdoor activities on the Rothiemurchus Estate

  • Easy access to Loch Morlich and Glenmore

  • Walking and mountain biking around the Cairngorms

  • Skiing and snowsports during the winter months

  • Aviemore's cafés, restaurants and shops around a 10-minute drive away

It's a lovely base for couples who want to spend their days outside, but equally suited to doing very little at all. The balcony, woodland and sound of the burn below make staying put rather appealing too.

The interiors

The Hayloft occupies the entire upper floor of a carriage house dating back to 1832. Originally built for the minister living at The Old Manse, the horses and carriage were kept downstairs while hay was stored in the loft above.

Today, the old hayloft has been transformed into a warm, characterful space for two. Original beams and timber details are paired with a relaxed mix of vintage, modern and industrial pieces, with plenty of natural textures that feel at home amongst the surrounding woodland.

The open-plan kitchen and living area is compact but thoughtfully arranged, with everything close at hand. The separate king-size bedroom is surprisingly spacious, with exposed rafters, plenty of storage and a little reading corner tucked beneath the eaves.

It's cosy without feeling cramped and characterful without feeling overly styled; a place that feels particularly good to return to after a day outside.

The balcony and garden

The Hayloft's large private balcony sits amongst the trees, overlooking the wild garden and surrounding Rothiemurchus woodland.

It's a lovely place for morning coffee, breakfast outside or a drink at the end of the day, with birds moving through the trees and the sound of the burn below.

Guests are also welcome to explore The Old Manse garden. A burn runs through it, crossed by a little footbridge beside a small waterfall, and paths lead onwards into the surrounding woodland and Rothiemurchus Estate.

During spring, summer and autumn, you're welcome to pick fresh herbs from the garden troughs too.

Ready for a stay at The Hayloft?

Check availability and book your stay

Planning your Cairngorms holiday?

Explore Discover Cairngorms for our favourite walks, places to eat and things to see and do around Rothiemurchus, Aviemore and across the Cairngorms National Park.