Tucked away down a private drive in the charming village of Boat of Garten, Mallard is a beautifully updated 3-bedroom cottage offering a peaceful escape in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Surrounded by spectacular scenery and just a short walk from the village shop, café, hotel, and restaurant, it's the ideal base for exploring the Highlands.
Sleeping up to six guests, Mallard features two bright king-size bedrooms (one en suite), a twin room, and a modern family bathroom. The spacious open-plan kitchen/diner includes cosy banquette seating and the inviting sitting room has comfy L-shaped seating and a log-burning stove, ideal for unwinding after a day outdoors. The extensive enclosed garden includes a large lawn, picnic area, trampoline, and a playhouse with slide. A path winds through mature trees to a newly renovated summerhouse with a wood-burning stove that doubles as a pizza oven, a welcoming retreat in all seasons. There is also a garage with table football and secure storage for bikes.
A gate from the garden opens directly onto woodland trails leading towards Loch Vaa, offering wonderful opportunities for walking, cycling, birdwatching, fishing, and even winter sports when the snow falls.
Included: Linen & towels Wi-Fi Logs Christmas decorations included for festive weeks Highchair & Cot Charcoal BBQ
Rooms:
Lounge with log burning stove Large open plan well-equipped kitchen/diner King-size bedroom with en-suite King-size bedroom Twin bedroom Family Bathroom with bath and shower
Pet friendly - up to 2 pets welcome EV Charger
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Boat of Garten
Located in Boat of Garten, this cottage is in a rural area. Strathspey Steam Railway and Lochindorb Castle are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Cairngorms National Park and Loch Garten Osprey Centre. Travelling with kids? Consider Landmark Forest Adventure Park and The Lost Labyrinth.
Cairngorm Reindeer Centre - 27 min drive - 24.7 km
Getting around
Aviemore Station - 16 min drive
Inverness (INV) - 58 min drive
Restaurants
The Inverdruie Restaurant - 13 min drive
Route 7 Café - 11 min drive
Cairngorm Hotel - 13 min drive
The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant - 14 min walk
The Cairn Hotel - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Mallard - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Mallard - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms?
As of 1 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Mallard - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms on 31 Aug 2026 start from AU$607, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Mallard - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Mallard - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms?
Check-in begins at 10:00 AM.
What time is check-out at Mallard - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms?
Checkout is at 4:00 PM.
Where is Mallard - sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms located?
This family-friendly Boat of Garten cottage is located in a rural location, within 2 mi (3 km) of Boat of Garten Golf Club and Loch Vaa. Lochan Dhu and Avie Lochan are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A very comfortable place to stay in this beautiful area.
This holiday home was just perfect for us.It was very comfortable and extremely well equipped. The garden was enjoyed by our 2 year old grandson. The location is ideal . We had great weather which was a bonus. Would love to return.
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Apr 2026
Now that's what we call a top mark review! We're delighted you enjoyed your family stay at Mallard, our guests love the location for getting out into nature but also for the enclosed garden which is great for dogs AND 2 year old grandsons :) We'd be delighted to welcome you back again in the future - thank you.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
4 Apr 2026
Spring stay in Boat of Garten.
Absolutely loved the weeks break.
Or 2 kids, 3 & 5 had a fantastic time.
We all loved the house and gardens. Its location for going out walks and exploring was perfect.
Definitely will be coming back.
Thanks for having us :)
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family had such a wonderful week and the kids enjoyed it too. It’s great to know the house, gardens and location made for a fantastic stay, we look forward to welcoming you back.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Anna B.
9 May 2026
Highly recommended
Excellent location, with a fantastic garden. We saw deer, red Squirrels and many small birds from the garden. The cottage is very comfortable and light, well equipped with particular attention to detail. Beautiful plates, mugs and bowls, a good variety of utensils.
Anna B.
Response from VrboOwner on 11 May 2026
Thank you for leaving such a positive review of your stay at Mallard. The owners have put a lot of thought into ensuring guest comfort both in and outside the house which is why the reviews are so good! We hope to welcome you back again in the future.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
19 May 2026
Great cottage..great location
We had a lovely stay at Mallard, there is plenty to do in the area and the countryside is just awesome. The grandchildren loved the garden and exploring the woods. The wildlife in the garden was a delight, especially the woodpecker and pine martin. (Also saw a capercaillie on one of my cycle rides) We enjoyed to cycling and trips to Loc Garten for walks and to see the Osprey. Would definitely book again.
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May 2026
We are delighted you enjoyed your stay at Mallard, thank you for leaving a top mark review! Boat of Garten is a lovely village surround by woodland which makes it ideal for a bit of wildlife spotting. Due to their rarirty, Capercaille are a protected species and have a bit of a reputation for "not being particularly friendly" - you are lucky to have had a sighting :)