Luxury self catering on Stonehaven beach front sleeping four. Dog friendly beach apartment located above the award winning Bay fish and chip shop and Aunty Betty's Ice Cream and Sweetie shop. The sea practically touches your toes in this indulgent and eclectic Stonehaven accommodation which most certainly has the wow factor from the moment you step inside. Ideally located for Dunnottar castle, the outdoor swimming pool and of course the Hogmanay Fireballs.
If I was asked to name my foodie favourites in Stonehaven, Aunty Betty's and The Bay would be up there at the top of the list. Both shops situated in a prime location on the beach promenade and both well know for their long queues - which are always worth the wait! The Bay is an award winning chipper serving up locally sourced, sustainable fish and chips whilst Aunty Betty's is an ice cream and sweetie emporium extraordinaire. But what lies upstairs from these delicious destinations? The answer is a hidden gem!
The Beach Apartment is accessed from the rear of Aunty Betty's and even upon approach it's apparent that something special awaits with a quaint garden area and an impressive staircase leading up to the accommodation. You can drop off your luggage at the door and there's plenty of free parking available nearby. Prior to our stay I did wonder if there would be any discernible aromas in the accommodation but throughout our visit the only thing we noticed was a gorgeous smell of fresh coffee as we walked up the stairs. So no, it doesn't smell of fish and chips!
Once through the door a bohemian tardis awaits! The space is bright, largely open plan and sumptuously decorated. A riot of colours, textures, artwork, rugs, objets d'art, opulence and quite frankly OTT-ness. Admittedly the decor and furnishings might not be to everyones taste but they certainly make a statement. In some areas I would have appreciated a little less decadence and clutter to give more room to move about and for our own possessions. However, the overall impression was dramatic, a real design statement and the apartment was spotlessly clean.
The views are to die for. Two huge windows to the front let you see all the way down to the harbour and war memorial to the right and Cowie to the left. The rear and side windows look over the caravan park and outdoor pool. The beach apartment provides the idea location to watch the world go by (and the queues downstairs!). A telescope lets you see just that little bit further (alas no dolphins but a good view of boats and a heron). No surprise that first thing in the morning the light streams into the bedrooms, however in one of numerous thoughtful touches throughout the apartment eye masks are provided next to the beds.
Open plan living encompasses the kitchen, lounge, master bedroom, two dressing rooms, and an office area. There are fluffy blankets and cushions a plenty. Books, maps, games, umbrellas, sewing kit, an abundance of plug sockets and USB points, WiFi, first aid kit, iron and board, washing machine, dishwasher and tumble direr - it's all provided. The attention to detail and added extras throughout is second to none - they really seem to have thought of everything you could possibly need. Four legged friends are made very welcome at The Beach Apartment with a supplement of £10 per dog per night. We spotted bowls, leads and other doggie paraphernalia so would expect that canine visitors also get VIP treatment.
The kitchen industrial chic kitchen is very well kitted out with everything you'd need to cook up a storm. A welcome basked was stocked with local produce including bread, Mackies crisps, jam, cereals, porridge, oatcakes and some treats from Aunty Betty's. In the fridge was milk, Rora Dairy yogurt, Devenick Dairy cheese, Castleton Farm strawberries, ham and butter. Its always lovely to see local produce being championed in this way. Basics such as oil, salt & pepper, tea, hot chocolate, cafetiere coffee, sugar were also provided and a not so mini bar included full sized bottles of wine, spirits and even Champagne.
The second bedroom reminded me of a Parisian Boudoir! It has a double bed whilst the master is a king size, the linen and mattresses on both were super comfy. We had no need for them but there are electric blankets should it be chilly. Likewise there was no real need for the state of the art double sided fireplace - but we still fired it up and used the remote control to turn the flames up and down.
The bathroom is huge both a bath, shower and a TV positioned perfectly for viewing whilst indulging in bubbles. An abundance of toiletries are provided including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, facial wipes, essential oils, cotton buds & pads. Top of my list of room 101 items wold be hotel hairdryers. However I'm delighted to report that the hairdryer and GHD straighteners provided are almost as good as I have at home. I didn't initially spot that there is also a second en suite off the master bedroom. Equally as impressively decorated and kitted out with a fantastic powerful shower.
From the outset there was only one possible meal that we could indulge in at The Beach Apartment - The Bay Fish and Chips followed by Aunty Betty's Ice Cream. The ultimate dining duo was even better eaten under a chandelier and washed down with a bottle of Champagne (it was our 21st Wedding Anniversary the day before our stay). Alas there is no secret passageway or delivery hot line for either shop, so much to my teenagers disgust we had to go out front and queue just like everyone else. But it was worth it and absolutely had to be done.
Such overindulgence was perhaps not the best way to prepare for a 5k run the following morning, hoverer with Stonehaven parkrun on our doorstep it would have been rude to have taken a long lie. Saying that whilst I ran, Foodie Loon marshaled and played his bagpipes. His excuse being he was doing the Baker Hughes 10k the following day.
Post parkrun breakfast and it was time to check out. We all wished we could stay another night in this indulgent and eclectic sanctuary beside the sea. Alas it's probably too close to home for another family visit - but I reckon it could definitely work for a girlie weekend...
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!
For suggestions of what to do, eat and visit in Stonehaven check out my post about the Stonehaven Boardwalk Sculpture Trail and visit the Stunning Stonehaven Website.
Disclosure: This is not a paid post. We stayed as guests of The Beach Apartment. Food and drinks were at our own expense.
As always, all views expressed are my own.
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