The Setting

The Dell sits in three acres of mature grounds, dominated by the enormous back lawn and surrounded by 200-year-old towering trees.
The Dell was originally built to house the head forester of Seafield Estate who kindly planted many of the different species towering head and shoulders above the house today. Beech and Copper Beech, Horse Chestnut, Oak and the fragrant Lime, which has been known to ‘calm ones nerves by simply walking beneath’
The Dell was also once home to William Forsyth, author of ‘In the Shadow of Cairngorm’ a good solid holiday read published in 1900 describing the people and legends of the area as they were at that time.

In the 1960’s the Dell was bought by John and Elizabeth Fleming who saved the building then riddled with rot and carefully set about restoring and converting it into the business it is today. Son John took the helm on their retirement, followed by granddaughter Polly and husband Ross who look after the business now.

Sitting just out with the village and in amongst grazing fields the Dell presents a very peaceful spot. The former Seafield nursery and the expansive Abernethy Forest provide a network of wonderful winding footpaths, most of which are also great on a bike and even better with a dog.  (Please note that during nesting season, early March – late July it’s best to keep your dog close by or on a lead)

Nethy bridge village centre is a 20-minute walk from the Dell either by riverside walk, forest wander or scenic amble down the road taking in some of the beautiful architecture of old Nethy.

The village, which has been a popular holiday favourite since the Victorian times remains unspoilt and is a quiet, friendly place. The River Nethy tumbles down through the village and is crossed by one of Telford’s great bridges. Alongside a very well stocked village store and post office, there is a fantastic butcher, ‘Mr Mustards’ offering wonderful local meats and a good selection of fresh vegetables.

The Mountview Hotel serves wonderful evening meals and there is a public bar within the Nethy Bridge Hotel. Activity wise, there is a tennis court, bowling green, a beautiful 9 hole golf course and a small swimming pool at the Abernethy Outdoor Centre. Explore Abernethy have marked out 45km of trails around the village and have a great visitor centre and ranger service in the village hall.

Nethy Bridge is the perfect base for exploring the Cairngorm National Park and beyond.