The Inver Lodge, Ballater, Aberdeenshire

From the moment guests walk into the charmingly presented entrance hall of Inver Lodge, it's clear that the house has been set up perfectly for family gatherings, reunions, sporting, corporate and activity groups with so many different spaces to meet, socialise and relax.

Inver Lodge, sleeping 21, is such a welcoming and convivial property, the 'pièce de résistance' being the traditional bar equipped with beer pump as well as a commercial ice maker and separate beer fridge. Bring your own supplies and enjoy running your own bar while staying here. Guests can either enjoy sitting next to the roaring log stove with a glass of something, prop up the bar on a stool and sample local whiskies, or play bar billiards. The large wide screen TV also makes this a great place to watch a film together or a significant sporting event.

There is dining for 22 at the lodge and although visitors might prepare a meal for themselves in the very well equipped farmhouse style kitchen, there are alternatives on offer such as a full time chef or outside caterers coming in to cook up a special feast. Owners Sue and Chris will also provide a one pot meal for the party on arrival by prior arrangement. The comfortable lounge area with a second log burning stove gives an alternative place to sit and chew the fat, affording choice and privacy to all kinds of groups.

The 11 en suite bedrooms are a mix of zip & link superkings, kings, twins, singles and bunks, especially convenient for multi generational groups. The ground floor accommodation with en suite wet room is easily accessible for those less mobile.

Facilities are plentiful across the property with all but 3 of the bathrooms having baths and showers. Each bathroom is tastefully decorated with contemporary fixtures and fittings.

The location of Inver Lodge in Royal Deeside gives access to one of the best salmon fishing rivers in Scotland as well as opportunities for golf, photography and walks from the door with spectacular scenery all around. Skiing at Glenshee is 15 miles, Balmoral is just 3 miles away and the Victorian villages of Braemar and Ballater offer the chance for a mooch in gift shops, cafes and restaurants.