Best Scotland Vacations - Self-Catering Cottages to Rent From the Queen

Renting a self-catering cottage on the Balmoral Estate is one of the best Scotland vacations we've heard about recently. Ever fancied being the Queen of England's neighbor? You could be, for a little while anyway, if you rented one of the self-catering cottages on the Balmoral Estate, near Balmoral Castle - Queen Elizabeth's private summer and autumn residence.

Self-Catering at Balmoral in Scotland

Self-catering cottages available on the Balmoral Estate sleep from 5 to 13 people and range from a few miles away from Balmoral Castle to right among the Castles's auxiliary buildings. The cottages include:

• Alltnaguibhsaich Lodge Self-catering for up to 13 people near the head of Glen Muick. The stone built cottage faces south across Loch Muick. Available Easter until early November, it may be unavailable during the Royal visit.
• Colt Cottages Two, semi-detached cottages, each sleeping up to five people, which can be rented together or separately. The cottages are close to Balmoral Castle, near the estate offices and stables. Available year round, it may be unavailable for some weeks during the Royal visit.
• Connachat Cottage Three miles west of Balmoral Castle and available throughout the year. The stone cottage, which sleeps 6, is on the edge of the Ballochbuie Forest, off a private estate road.
• The Garbh Allt Shiel A single story, semi-detached, granite house, about 5 miles West of the Castle in the Ballochbuie Forest, the cottage sleeps up to seven. It is just south of the River Dee and fronted with open ground usually populated by a herd of deer. Available year round, it may be unavailable for some weeks during the Royal visit.
• The Old Schoolhouse This is a really pretty little house that sleeps seven, in a secluded location in Glen Muick. Available from Easter to early November, it may not be available during the Royal Visit.

Prices for the cottages seem reasonable for parties large enough to fill them to - or near - capacity.
Check current prices and availability.
Download descriptive brochures.

What makes Balmoral self-catering a "Best Scotland Vacation"

Renting a Balmoral Estate cottage puts you close to great hiking, cycling and touring in the Grampian and Cairngorm regions. You may not see the Queen but she is your landlady. You'll be enjoying her private estate and, while she's away, you'll be able to visit parts of her house (Balmoral Castle that is) and take guided walks around her back yard.

Find out more about Balmoral

• Balmoral Castle - The Queen's Private Vacation Home
• Plan a Visit to Balmoral
• Walk the Balmoral Estate