Autumn came in gently to Aberdeenshire with beautiful golden days and warm sunshine, the guests at Kilblean Cottages have enjoyed the fair days, watching the harvesting taking place, walking on the farm and enjoying the unexpected pleasures of this hidden part of Aberdeenshire. The Floral displays in Oldmeldrum have looked beautiful in the sunshine, lots of oranges and reds blooming happily in the Autumn sun.
The hedgerows are full of hips and haws on the Wild Roses and Hawthorn, the Rowan berries have been spectacular (sign of a tough Winter to come – an ideal reason to book a long weekend and cosy up in East and West Cottage!). As I walked the dogs yesterday in the late afternoon I heard the wonderful sound of the skeins of geese flying overhead, one of my favourite Autumn and Winter sounds in the countryside.
I picked the last fresh flowers from the farmhouse garden for guests in Kilblean Cottages this weekend. The apples and pears have been harvested – the pears have been eaten (only 4 but juicy and delicious) and the apples made into Chutney, we did not get a very good crop this year as the late frost really damaged the blossom. I have used the apples in some Autumnal photos for social media, alongside golden leaves, colourful squash, field mushrooms and conkers, all collected around the house. I am also a bit of a fan of Halloween and saw some wonderful little ghost, bat and pumpkin dishes which will greet our guests on Halloween weekend, filled with Halloween nibbles.
Over the Summer the cottages have been fully booked and we have been delighted to welcome at least four honeymoon couples, we put in a few little extras to the cottages. Wedding chocolates with flowers on the dining table and Love Hearts on the Pillows. East Cottage has been really well received with many people saying they would like to come back – one couple have booked again for a long weekend in December. Kilblean Cottages are close to some well-known wedding venues: Meldrum House Hotel, Barra Barn and Logie House and would be ideal for guests or small wedding groups. It is very rewarding to read the guest book and see the comments.
My mind is slowly turning to the festive season as the days get shorter and the leaves fall. For Christmas and Hogmanay 2021 both of the cottages at Kilblean will be available, fully decorated – I am planning trees, wreaths, baubles and decorations – with some festive treats in the fridge and a wee gift from Kilblean Cottages for you under the tree in addition to our generous cottage welcome baskets.
Why not come to Aberdeenshire and spend Christmas in this lovely part of Scotland with wonderful produce for your Christmas dinner – perhaps book a local hotel for your festive meal or celebrate Hogmanay with a dram of the local Glen Garioch Malt next to a woodburning stove in a cosy countryside cottage – what could be better?
Barbara
October 2021
PS Kilblean Cottages have been awarded a Customers’ Choice Award 2021 from cottages.com having achieved an overall rating of 9.5 out of 10 or higher for the 2020 season. Thank you for all your wonderful reviews!
