A real home from home. Beautifully furnished with everything you could possibly need for your stay. In a great location near the sea, with lovely walks. Can't wait to get back.

Can't rate it highly enough, excellent facilities, location. Everything was provided, lovely welcome pack on arrival too 🥰

We have been stayed at BalMara a few times since Christmas 2020. The house is lovely and has all you need to make your stay comfortable. It has been amazingly clean and well presented each time we have visited. The host is brilliant and completely non intrusive but always on hand should you need anything. Hopeman itself is a beautiful location with stunning beaches and coastal walks. It has definitely become our home away from home and we will definitely be returning.

Just back from our stay at Bal Mara. We were warmly welcomed and shown round by our host when we arrived. The couple lived in the house directly opposite and although on hand for any issues were completely non intrusive. The house benefitted form a lovely back garden kitted out for barbecuing and dining outside. There was also a small grassy area to sit in and a whirlie for hanging washing. The garden gate would benefit from having an inside lock to keep young children completely secure. Inside the house there was a very well equipped and spacious kitchen where there was enough room to eat also. A welcome hamper was provided with milk, cereal, chocolate treats and a bottle of fizz!! The lounge was comfortable with reclining chairs. The bathroom is also located downstairs. Upstairs was 3 generous and well presented bedrooms. The host provided a bed guard for our toddler but a high chair and travel cot was also available. Spare towels and sheets were also available if needed. As a family of five we were all very comfortable with plenty room for all our stuff!! For me this would be a five star property if the downstairs had a fresh coat of paint on the walls and woodwork. The bathroom could also have a few simple improvements to make it feel fresher. I would recommend this property for its location as it’s set back from the busy streets closer to the harbour and beach, for the space and comfort and for the hosts. Thank you

Our stay was fantastic!! Great house with absolutely everything you need with a Lovely garden too. Fantastic location. Host was great and really helpful. Will definitely be back!!

This is an ideal base to explore the Moray coast, in a small village off the beaten track (but with a pub, chippy, post office and hourly bus to Elgin). The house is a 5-minute walk from the harbour and two wide sandy beaches, ideal for paddling and surfing. Or you can walk the coast path. The landlady lives across the street which is very useful. Off-street parking on very steep driveway. Steps from gate to front door. The house has three comfortable bedrooms upstairs, and a spacious lounge, modern kitchen, and two electric reclining seats in the large sofa. Dining table for four, plenty of crockery and cooking utensils, dishwasher and washing machine. Back door leads to rear garden which is enclosed and pleasant, with barbecue. Be aware: there's only one toilet; heating is electric storage heaters; hot water is timed for night rate and may run out by evening unless you use Boost; coffee machine needs Tassimo capsules and there's no cafetiere or percolator. Otherwise great!

BalMara is a home away from home. Very comfortable with great facilities. My stay was relaxing and I was made to feel very welcome by its owners. BalMara is on my list for a repeat visit.

Bal Mara is a well appointed 3 bedroom house, with excellent facilities. It is situated in Hopeman, which is ideally located to tour/visit the Moray and its many attractions. We visited around Xmas and appreciated the effort to decorate the house in festive decor. The welcome pack was appreciated and heartily consumed. We visited for a few days but this house would be great for a longer stay. Will definitely consider re-visiting here in the future. Anyone staying here will not be disappointed

Trip with 3 adults and a 2 year old. Visiting from Whitby,North Yorkshire to greet the new baby in the family. We stayed at Balmara over the Bank Holiday weekend. It is fantastic, like a home from home. Everything was there you would need. We will definitely be booking again on our next visit.

Within a couple of minutes walking distance from 2 beautiful sandy bays and a wonderful safe sandy harbour perfect for water sports for children, this spacious, well equipped house was just right for a 3 generation family holiday. There were lovely coastal walks and a variety of interesting historical sites with easy reach.The secluded garden was a treat and the welcome pack more than generous. Thank you Rhona for our home from home and for organising a whole week of hot, sunny weather!