Clustered along a skinny stretch of shoreline between Fraserburgh and Banff, the village of Crovie was founded by crofters pushed off inland estates during the Highland Clearances, and is accessible only on foot (there's a car park at the edge of the village for residents) ... Photograph: PR
This characterful stone cottage has flagged floors, an open fire, pine panelling and a small terraced garden. It sleeps four in two bedrooms reached via steep stairs.
• 0845 268 0760, cottages4you.co.uk. From £296 a week Photograph: PR
This former apple store is now popular with honeymooners. Part of a 400-acre estate, it's a turreted stone cottage for two, overlooking a walled garden … Photograph: PR
It has an open fire, a king-size bed and a small but swish kitchen (there's a silver champagne bucket for helping to create hangovers and a Nespresso machine for helping to treat them), but if you don't fancy cooking you can have meals delivered to the door from local bistro the Arch.
• 01561 340223, romanticretreats.co.uk. From £170 a night Photograph: PR
Balbegno may be a stately 16th-century structure but inside it promises the same posh but playful modern style as the Pedlars stores its owners run. Sleeping 13, it has a Great Hall with a grand table for up to 20 ... Photograph: PR
There's another dining room, a modern kitchen and six bedrooms. Wellies and basic food supplies are provided and hampers can be ordered from the family's farm shop; don't expect ultra local produce though, as the shop is in Wales.
• 0131-476 6500, georgegoldsmith.com. From £2,995 a week Photograph: Tim Winter
A converted steading in the grounds of an old manse, the Coo House takes its name as its interiors theme, with cowhide rugs, rustic wooden bar stools and Cowshed smellies. Sleeping four, it offers luxuries from a woodburner to a huge walk-in shower and underfloor heating … Photograph: Russell Hogg
The setting, in Royal Deeside, means great walking and cycling, plus skiing in winter. Stock up on local groceries at George Strachan in Aboyne and the Finzean Farm Shop … Photograph: Russell Hogg/Aboyne Photographics
This classic Highlands cottage, with thick stone walls and painted porch, makes a romantic hideaway for two. Inside are whitewashed walls, a wood-burning stove, wood and slate floors and a bath with a view … Photograph: PR
And, while there is a cosy loft reading room up ladder steps, most of the cottage is all on one level (the owners can provide a ramp for wheelchair access). Stride out into the surrounding countryside or go for a dip in the natural pools of the river Deveron. • 01466 700262, aswanley.com. From £339 a week Photograph: Alamy
