Once the humble lodgings of Banchory Farm’s manager, Grieves Cottage has been transformed from something perfunctory into a bijou, bon-bon coloured retreat. You enter through the most beautiful boot room, with a herringbone terracotta floor, panelled walls, and an under-sink skirt pleated into neat folds of florals and stripes, echoing the oxblood red and pink colour scheme of the space. But, this isn’t a case of style over substance: sitting alongside these pretty details are also plenty of hooks, a sturdy bench, under stairs storage and cosy woollen blankets, ready to help yourself.
Downstairs, the kitchen is spacious and generously equipped with delicate, thin-rimmed glasses, antique pieces and interesting ceramics. Local eggs and freshly baked bread bolster the wholesome aesthetic, nodding to the fact that here, enjoying life’s simple pleasures is the whole point. Speaking of, take a moment and enjoy the views across the burn, where deer unselfconsciously meander through the trees across the bank, enjoying their day as you do yours.
Everywhere you go there are design details that feel instantly save-able to the Pinterest board in your mind. From the botanical wallpaper in the hall with its pretty, strawberry plant illustrations, to the terracotta olive oil jar in the bedroom fireplace, it’s the realisation of every child’s dollhouse dreams.
That said, there’s nothing juvenile about Grieves Cottage. Its luxuriousness is most definitely for grown ups with a plush, well thought through scheme that’s clearly the work of someone who is well travelled and knows what they like. And, what they like are big, comfortable beds with lots of squishy cushions, a deep roll top bath with countryside views, a contemplative place to work when inspiration strikes, piles of fluffy towels, a marble clad bathroom and oodles of steaming hot water. Guess what? Us, too.
