At 1,164 feet above sea level, Tomintoul sits high on the northern slopes of the Cairngorm Mountains, surrounded by a landscape that has always shaped life in this distinctive Highland village.
Tucked just off the main street is Livet Cottage, a traditional two bedroom home that offers the chance to live right in the village while having some of the finest countryside in the north on the doorstep.
Tomintoul was established as a planned village in the 18th century, and its central square and collection of Georgian and Victorian buildings still give the place a character very much of its own.
Livet Cottage fits comfortably into that setting, with its stone exterior and traditional proportions giving little away about the amount of space found inside.
The main living room is a particularly welcoming part of the house, with windows on two sides bringing in natural light and a wood burning stove providing a natural focal point.
It is easy to imagine that stove earning its keep during a Tomintoul winter, when snow can transform the surrounding Cairngorm landscape and evenings are better spent somewhere warm.
From the living room, the house flows into a generously proportioned kitchen with enough space for a dining table, keeping cooking and everyday life together rather than separating them into different parts of the cottage.
The ground floor also contains a four piece bathroom, where a freestanding bath adds a little character of its own.
Upstairs are two bright double bedrooms beneath the roofline, along with useful storage tucked beneath the eaves.
There is private outdoor space too, with an enclosed garden behind the cottage providing somewhere for a table, a chair and a little peace when Highland weather allows.
What makes Livet Cottage particularly appealing, however, is the balance between its quiet position and the fact that village life is only a short walk away.
Tomintoul has shops, cafés and hotels, while the countryside surrounding it opens almost immediately into the wider Glenlivet Estate and the Cairngorms.
More than one hundred miles of walking and cycling routes run through the estate, creating a remarkable network for anyone who would rather spend their free time outside than sitting in traffic.
The Lecht is also nearby, bringing skiing and other winter sports into the equation when conditions cooperate.
This is whisky country too, with Speyside and the Malt Whisky Trail forming part of the wider landscape and culture surrounding the village.
Yet Tomintoul is more than somewhere from which to explore.
There is something appealing about being able to walk into a proper Highland village for everyday necessities and then, within minutes, find yourself heading into mountains, glens and open countryside.
Livet Cottage is not a grand house and does not need to pretend to be one.
It is a characterful, manageable home with a fire in the living room, a garden at the back and one of the Highlands’ most distinctive villages immediately outside the door.
Sometimes that combination is more than enough.
The property is being marketed by Caledonia Estate Agency
The asking price, full property details, photographs, floor plans, Home Report where available, and viewing information can all be found on the official listing.
Click here to view the official listing
