Corriemhor Beag, Cromdale

Corriemhor Beag is a large house at Cromdale in Strathspey, about four miles from Grantown-on-Spey and within easy reach of the Cairngorms. It was a family home until 2017 rather than a purpose-built let, and that shows in the space: room for a big group and two dogs without anyone tripping over each other, plus a sun room, a piano and shelves of books, games and films for the days the weather closes in.

Up to two dogs can stay. The garden is the headline feature for dog owners, large and gated with a lock, and several parties have let dogs off the lead in it without trouble, including small breeds. It is not perfect. Gaps and holes in the fence line have been reported more than once, and guests are told about them on arrival because the boundary is too long to check properly. Walk it yourself before trusting it with a dog that will find a gap.

Walks run straight from the door, the distillery next door is close enough to be a landmark rather than a nuisance, and Grantown-on-Spey has a supermarket with a larger one at Aviemore. Winter guests describe snow on the ground and locals volunteering directions around an impassable hill, which gives a fair sense of the place.

Cleaning is the weak point and it is worth being straight about. Dog hair has been found on the living-room carpet on arrival, one party had to clear dog mess left in the garden, and there is a report that the cleaners vacuum around the furniture rather than under it, with dogs pulling debris out from beneath. That same stay described a badly stained mattress and a bath left unemptied for five days after a plumber was promised. Other guests report the house spotless, so this varies by changeover rather than being the rule.

At 4.5/5, Corriemhor Beag suits larger groups with dogs who want space, a gated garden and the Cairngorms on the doorstep, and who will check the fence and the bedding when they arrive.