Morrone Cottage has many excellent qualities - the position is great, within an easy walk of the village, and the view out to the hills over the garden is enchanting. Unfortunately we relied on the Owners Direct/HomeAway website description. This clearly states the property has two bedrooms. It does not. Two beds are in a separate room, the other two are on a landing/balcony area which is open to the living area and the occupants of the "real" bedroom have to go through it to reach the rest of the property (including the bathroom/toilet). Obviously there is no privacy possible. For our party of two adult couples, it was really not suitable and spoiled our stay. The sleeping areas are both under the roof with limited headroom and storage space.
While on the subject of the website description, it suggests that linen and towels are provided. Only by hovering your mouse over the entry, do you learn you have to request them - for an extra charge.
Some items of equipment were not present n the cottage when we arrived. In fairness they were provided very quickly when we raised the issue - but when the rental includes a hefty service charge, I have to ask why everything was not checked before we moved in?
The kitchen equipment is fine - the cooker is good (electric hob and double oven) and a serviceable microwave and toaster and double sink (one small) are there. The cooking area is quite cramped, though. There is a shortage of work surfaces for food preparation and little room for food storage unless you use the floor level cupboards in the lounge area - OK for us, but if you have difficulty bending this will cause problems. The fridge is small and inconveniently placed, but there is ample extra fridge (and freezer) space in an adjacent outbuilding. The dining table fitted us four comfortably. The lounge is double height, with a decent TV in the corner. The WiFi signal proved strong, fast and reliable.
Parking space is sufficient - you share the drive with Morrone House, and the same drive provides access to the next door property, so considerate parking is needed.
I am writing this review from another holiday rental property in Scotland. It is 30% cheaper, has double the space and has doors on each bedroom. Morrone Cottage just doesn't seem like good value, even allowing a premium for the Braemar area.
