The Wilds

If you were to imagine the quintessential, luxury Cairngorms self-catering holiday, chances are you would imagine staying somewhere like The Wilds. This 17-sleeper chalet-style lodge has been designed with beautifully stylish interiors that perfectly reflect its woodland surroundings, and fitted out with all the extras that we know you’ll love. 

Living

Inside, the whole house has a warm and contemporary Alpine-feel, with wood and natural materials everywhere you look, such as the big stone fireplace in the living-dining room. It’s the perfect place to unwind and relax, with a cosy wood burning stove and comfy sofas to sink into. There’s a double height ceiling, french windows that look out the front of the house to the garden and a long dining table.

Kitchen

It leads into a fabulous kitchen where there is a large island and bar stools, as well as a gas range, plentiful amounts of fridge and freezer storage, dishwasher, double oven and lots of wine rack space. The kitchen leads through to a big sun lounge with plenty of seating – a great place to enjoy breakfast and plan your adventures for the day.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

There are four bedrooms on the ground floor. A superking (which could also be converted to twins) with ensuite shower room. There is another superking/twin room, and then there is a quad room with custom-made full-size bunks, each of which has its own dressing table and storage area. Lastly there is a family room featuring a superking bed, with custom-made full size bunks around the corner; it also has its own ensuite shower room. There is a large luxury bathroom on the ground floor with freestanding bathtub and rain shower.

Upstairs is a bedroom with kingsize bed, which also has an extra single bed in its own little alcove. It has its own very stylish ensuite shower room with a rain shower. Up a different staircase at the other end of the lodge, there’s a snug area with another TV and DVD (to supplement the TV and DVD in the main living room). This leads into an ensuite bedroom with superking/twin bed and shower room.

Amenities

There are plenty of extra features to keep everyone happy, such as table tennis in the converted double garage – you’ll also find a lovely little bar in here. There’s a large kennel with a run, should your dog want a little space of their own – they are of course more than welcome in the house too!

There is also a really useful and spacious utility room, with washer, dryer, sink, hanging space, pulley and lots of space for storing and drying boots, coats and outdoor wear.

Outdoors

Fancy enjoying your morning coffee with red squirrels and Scottish wild birds? The Wilds is set in a mature 2 ½ acre garden that is a nature watchers haven, as well as a child’s idea of garden perfection with a wooden play frame, lots of trees, a little stream and a long, smooth hill (just perfect for sledging). The adults have certainly been well-catered for too, with a cedar-clad hot tub, an outdoor eating area and a fire pit – all the ingredients for a relaxing evening after a day spent exploring the Cairngorms.

Location

You would be forgiven for thinking that the location of a lodge called The Wilds might be just that. Even though you will feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, you are really convenient for both Aviemore (15 minutes away) and Kingussie (10 minutes away), perfect for a luxury Cairngorms self-catering holiday. Close by and ready to be explored is the Spey Distillery, Insh Marshes – a peaceful haven for wildlife, Ruthven Barracks and the outdoor playground of Loch Insh. There are a number of walking routes that can be accessed only metres away from the drive of the lodge.

Important information

Licence Number HI-70026-F

EPC Rating D