Log Cabins to RentWhat could make your holiday go with more of a swing than tennis courts and neighbours willing to make up a competitive four? Or else other kids to play with your kids, and let them enjoy themselves with no effort on your part? However works best for you there is no doubt that a tennis court helps to serve up an enjoyable holiday. The log cabins below won’t get you to Wimbledon, but at least it’s a start.
Offering stunning views from every room right on the water-front, Porthmadog View Cottage is a luxurious and spacious home for eight very lucky guests with a wonderful balcony over the water!
The main living quarters are delightfully open-plan, with a huge sofa and armchairs to one side, a lovely casual dining area to another, and the magnificent kitchen to the other! A large set of French doors provides a stunning view over the water and the natural landscape all around you, as well as flooding the interiors with a warm glow of light.
The kitchen is bright and modern and infinitely spacious, with a full array of fantastic facilities built-in, as well as an awesome breakfast bar for casual meals and snacks. There’s a second, more casual living area in front of a fabulous wood-burner and TV, where you can settle for a little calm relaxation. If its entertainment you’re after, head to the games room for a round of table tennis!
There are four sumptuous bedrooms in total, two doubles and two twin rooms. Each is warm, bright and cosy, with seating areas and plush furnishings. The undeniable master suite enjoys a full wall of windows overlooking the stunning river outside, as well as a large bathtub which looks out over the room and a separate walk-in rain-shower! The second double room has terrace access, so you can wake up and step straight into the sunshine as you enjoy the sun dazzling over the sea in front of you! There are four fabulous bathrooms to accompany the four bedrooms, and all are spacious, elegant and equipped with fabulous facilities.
And finally, step out onto your incredible sea-front terrace, complete with a fabulous alfresco table! Enjoy a casual drink as you admire the magnificent views across the river and the golden sands of the beach below. This beautifully remote location makes it ideal for a little star gazing by night and watching the world sail by in the day time.
Just a short walk away you’ll find the wonderful town of Porthmadog, brimming with shops, pubs and restaurants and a quaint marina. Take a ride on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Steam Railways, watch the rare and migrating sea birds along the estuaries or get in a round of golf at Porthmadog Golf Club less than 2 miles away. With the delights of Snowdonia and The Lleyn Peninsula on your doorstep, vast mountains and glistening beach alike await you!
In this region of Wales, you’ll find its first national park: the Snowdonia National Park. 823 square miles of towering mountains and shimmering lakes, it can be seen as far away as Porthmadog on the west coast! Snowdon itself is an icon of Wales, alongside 13 other majestic peaks over 3,000 feet high, ideal for climbing and hiking! But if you’re not as fit as you used to be, worry not – the chilly peak of Snowdon is even accessible by train, so you can enjoy the breath-taking views whatever your level!
The town of Llanberis, at the foot of Snowdon, offers all sorts of quaint shops and eateries like the Llanberis Art & Craft and Coffee Pot and fascinating attractions. There are water sports, climbing and cycling activities, as well as Llanberis Lake Railway, the National Slate Museum and the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre, one of the largest Hydro-Electric power stations inside a mountain!
Wales is a small, mountainous peninsula to the west of England with just over 3 million people (less than a third of London!), yet more than 400 castles and three expansive national parks! With over 15 million visitors a year, there’s got to be something special that brings visitors back time after time!
Could it be the breath-taking scenery? The dazzling gardens? The easy-going and welcoming folk? Or even the heritage railways that never cease to pique one’s interest?
Our personal favourites are the three national parks: the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Snowdonia National Park and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Whether you’re into hill-walking, hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, kayaking or climbing, or the rather more adventurous surfing, hang-gliding or even a go on the only four-person zip line in Europe, you’ll find your perfect spot amid the extraordinary natural landscapes of Wales’ most treasured parks.
With water to the north, south and east, Wales has rather more than its fair share of dramatic coastline, making for not only incredible scenery but also a superb beach holiday destination! The Pembrokeshire Peninsula which looks out over the Irish Sea promises rugged and steep limestone cliffs best enjoyed from the Pembrokeshire Coast National Trail. Along the way, you will find enchanting villages, picturesque resort areas, idyllic fishing harbours, winding estuaries, and incredible, wide-open beaches
The Wales Coast Path traces the country's entire length, taking in perfect sandcastle-beaches and striking mountain passes weaving through the wilderness. The immense geological diversity can be enjoyed along with the extensive network of paths, while for some jaw-dropping architectural beauty, Caernarfon Castle and Caerphilly Castle are just two of the many sublime castles. While the utterly cosmopolitan Cardiff is brimming with splendid castles, arcades, and historical buildings, making it the perfect base for exploring the rest of the country!
Only two hours from London, getting into Wales is easy! Cardiff Airport, or one of the London airports when visiting South Wales. Other cities served by international airports in England which offer reasonable access to parts of Wales include Bristol (for south Wales), Birmingham (for mid-Wales), Liverpool and Manchester (for north Wales). Along the coastlines the roads are excellent, and there is an extensive train service throughout the country.
Seaview Mansion holds a truly wonderful position set within the popular town of Oban with wonderful views over the Firth of Lorn and out to the islands of Mull, Kerrera and Lismore. The home makes an outstanding base for those wishing to explore this beautiful part of Scotland and with excellent ferry services nearby, it makes a fantastic option for those wanting to enjoy some island hopping! Seaview Mansion has been lovingly transformed by its current owners and today boasts luxurious interiors and modern furnishings, comfortably accommodating up to twenty-two guests across its eleven well-appointed bedrooms. On the ground floor is the main entertaining space which comprises of two elegant reception rooms, a living room with fireplace and fabulous sea views and a fabulous cinema room with 86” TV as well as a fully-equipped kitchen with all the tools a budding chef could possibly need and a spacious dining room. The first of the bedrooms, a king-size room, can be found on the ground floor.Upstairs on the first floor are a further seven bedrooms, one super-king room, two king-size rooms, each with en-suite shower rooms as well as a double room with en-suite bathroom. The remaining three bedrooms share the use of a family bathroom. On the second and final floor are the remaining bedrooms, one twin room, while the remaining two can be set up on request with either twin beds or a double bed, making them ideal for siblings, friends or a couple. These rooms share the use of two family bathrooms. Outside, guests will enjoy half an acre of gardens with plenty of lawned space for the children to enjoy! Spend an evening on the terrace enjoying a yummy barbecue al fresco while making the most of the brilliant sea views, as the sun begins to set, take a dip in the luxurious hot tub, the perfect way to relax in style! The old “carriage house” has been transformed into a games room with snooker table and table tennis, the perfect place for the teens to hang out in the evenings.
Seaview Mansion is located just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Oban and a wide variety of restaurants, pubs and shops. Oban with its busy port is known as “The Gateway to the Isles”, from here (and depending on season) guests can visit a number of popular nearby islands including; Kerrera, Lismore, Mull, Iona and Staffa. For keen whisky drinkers, the Oban Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest sources of Single Malt Scotch Whisky and one of the smallest scotch distilleries and is therefore a must visit while you are in Oban. For children, the local leisure centre is less than a 5-minute walk from the house and with its swimming pool and soft play area it makes a fantastic place to occupy the children should you have any rain! On a sunny day, the whole family will enjoy a walk up to McCaig’s Tower where beautiful views over Oban and beyond can be enjoyed. The closest airport to Seaview Mansion is Glasgow which is just over two hours from the house.
The Brick House holds a wonderful location nestled within the New Forest National Park in a privileged position on the very edge of the privately owned Beaulieu River. The home makes the perfect choice for those searching for a truly relaxing escape, being ideally based for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, whether that be on foot, by bike or even by indulging in some water based activities!
The former brickworks possess endless charm and character while still offering guests all the modern amenities possibly needed for a more than comfortable stay. The Brick House can comfortably sleep up to eight guests across five well-appointed bedrooms. On the ground floor is the main living accommodation which comprises of a warm and welcoming living and dining area with a cosy wood burner, the perfect place to snuggle up in the evenings as well as the snug and TV room. Also on this level is the kitchen, fully equipped with an Aga and all the tools a budding chef could possibly need. Upstairs on the first floor are the five bedrooms, two king-size double rooms, one of which can be set up with twin beds on request, while both come complete with en-suite bathrooms. There is also an additional king-size double bedroom and two single rooms, each with raised high level beds making them suitable for children aged seven and above. These bedrooms share the use of the family bathroom.
Outside, guests will enjoy the excellent river views from the garden, while the terrace makes the perfect spot to enjoy a yummy barbecue al fresco on a Summer’s evening. A second large lawn can be found to the side of the house, complete with a trampoline, excellent fun for the children!
*Please note: There is an additional annexe at the property which can be rented separately. This can be rented in conjunction with the house for groups up to 12 and offer total exclusivity. Oliver’s Travels recommends that groups who require total exclusivity or wish to bring a dog rent The Brick House & Annexe*
The New Forest is found in the South of England, it covers most of South West Hampshire spreading into South East Wiltshire and East Dorset.
The New Forest is known mainly for the New Forest National park which, once used as a hunting ground for William the Conqueror, is an area of stunning natural beauty, encompassing waterways and rivers, spreading over an impressive 566 sq km, stretching all the way to the coast. This gives visitors a wealth of things to do, perfectly balancing coast, countryside, cliff walks and the more urban village and town areas.
Guests are free to walk, cycle or even ride through the national park, where they will be sure to come across the New Forest ponies which graze and live here all year round. (Be sure to pick up a lucky New Forest horse shoe from a local gift shop before leaving!) There are also deer, owls, otters and a plethora of other British wildlife. Beyond this there are many sanctuaries, gardens and even a wildlife park, all within the park area. The waterways that run through here are also impressive, offering visitors the opportunity to canoe, kayak, sail and even fish.
After an exciting day exploring the forest, visitors will find a whole host of locally sourced cuisine nearby, where one can enjoy a traditional meal of game and vegetables in a local public house or venture into a local village to experience the catch of the day, both accompanied by locally brewed cider, ale or beer.
Beyond the expanse of nature, coastline and cliff walks, there are also tea rooms, restaurants, a water park, theme parks and even the main shopping hub of Southampton, all just a short drive away.
The Brick House & Annexe holds a fabulous location nestled within the New Forest National Park in a privileged position on the very edge of the privately owned Beaulieu River. The home makes a wonderful option for those searching for a truly relaxing escape, being ideally based for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, whether that be on foot, by bike or even by indulging in some water based activities.
The former brickworks possess endless charm and character while still offering guests all the modern amenities possibly needed for a more than comfortable stay. The Brick House can comfortably sleep up to eight guests across five well-appointed bedrooms, while the Annexe can comfortably accommodate an additional four guests, however the sleeping arrangements are best suited to a small family of two adults and two young children.
On the ground floor of the The Brick House is the main living accommodation which comprises of a warm and welcoming living and dining area with a cosy wood burner, the perfect place to snuggle up in the evenings as well as a snug and TV room. Also on this level is the kitchen, fully equipped with an Aga and all the tools a budding chef could possibly need. Upstairs on the first floor are the five bedrooms, two king-size double rooms, one of which can be set up with twin beds on request, while both come complete with en-suite bathrooms. There is also an additional double bedroom and two single rooms, each with raised high level beds making them suitable for children aged seven and above. These bedrooms share the use of the family bathroom.
On the ground floor of the Annexe is a bright and open-plan entertaining space with living and dining area as well as a fully-equipped contemporary kitchen. Upstairs and accessed by a spiral staircase is the family bedroom, which features a super-king size bed and an additional single bed and boasts an en-suite bathroom with bath and large walk-in shower. A further single bed can be found in a cosy mezzanine level above, this is accessed by ladder style stairs and has a restricted head height so is best suited to a young child.
Outside, guests will enjoy the excellent river views from the garden, while the terrace makes the perfect spot to enjoy a yummy barbecue al fresco on a Summer’s evening. A second large lawn can be found to the side of the main house, complete with a trampoline, excellent fun for the children!
The New Forest is found in the South East of England, it covers most of South West Hampshire spreading into South East Wiltshire and East Dorset.
The New Forest is known mainly for the New Forest National park which, once used as a hunting ground for William the Conqueror, is an area of stunning natural beauty, encompassing waterways and rivers, spreading over an impressive 566 sq km, stretching all the way to the coast. This gives visitors a wealth of things to do, perfectly balancing coast, countryside, cliff walks and the more urban village and town areas.
Guests are free to walk, cycle or even ride through the national park, where they will be sure to come across the New Forest ponies which graze and live here all year round. (Be sure to pick up a lucky New Forest horse shoe from a local gift shop before leaving!) There are also deer, owls, otters, all sorts of British wildlife can be found here. Beyond this there are many sanctuaries, gardens and even a wildlife park, all within the park area. The waterways that run through here are also impressive, offering visitors the opportunity to canoe, kayak, sail and even fish.
After an exciting day exploring the forest, visitors will find a whole host of locally sourced cuisine nearby, where one can enjoy a traditional meal of game and vegetables in a local public house or venture into a local village to experience the catch of the day, both accompanied by locally brewed cider, ale or beer.
Beyond the expanse of nature, coastline and cliff walks, there are also tea rooms, restaurants, a water park, theme parks and even the main shopping hub of Southampton, all just a short drive away.
*Want to enioy a relaxing break without the weekend crowds, for a lower price? Consider a mid-week stay! Please note that for mid-week stays beginning on a Monday, there is a 3-night minimum stay.
Situated on the border of Herefordshire and Wales, in the town of Hay on Wye, stands Newton Court. This incredibly beautiful country retreat boasts 9 bedrooms set across 5 acres, including a 17th Century extended farmhouse and separate guest annexe, offering plenty of individual spaces for celebrations and events. Impeccably decorated and modern and stylish throughout, Newton Court is the ultimate in luxury rural retreats and features outdoor spaces just as grand and breathtaking as the interior, with landscaped outdoor seating, covered outdoor lounge area, fire pit area, and wood fired hot tub. All of this overlooking the picturesque Wye Valley, and located just one hour north of Cardiff, and 3 hours west of London.
Newton Court features several absolutely stunning reception rooms including a main lounge area, reading zone on the upper landing, and an airy library style reception area. Newton Court’s stunning kitchen and dining areas are as spacious and modern as the reception rooms, featuring a double height beamed dining hall with a wood burning stove. The 40ft kitchen also features exposed beams, as well beautiful stone floors, and is well-equipped with four electric ovens and 8 hobs. Other modern amenities include combination microwave, two bar fridges for drinks, dishwasher, and double fridge-freezer. There is a central island with five bar stools; ideal for perching with a glass of wine as you prepare dinner, or for the kids to sit and eat, as well as a double sink, and ample storage and food preparation spaces.
There are nine king size bedrooms at the property; four in the main house and a further five split level en-suite guest suites in the annexe. All the bedrooms in the guest annexe feature their own private lounge areas away from the main house. Each bedroom is incredibly spacious and beautifully decorated in plenty of bright white tones with crisp white linens. There are sprays of exposed brickwork in some rooms, fluffy throws, and ornately framed mirrors and artworks. The fixtures and furnishings are eclectic and contemporary in style, with futuristic-looking reading lights in one room, and chandelier style lighting in another. The bathrooms at Newton Court are all just as luxurious in style and design as the rest of the property, with baths and separate shower cubicles, or claw-foot tubs with hand-held shower attachments.
The outside areas of Newton Court have just as much to offer as the inside. The sensational views can be enjoyed from the landscaped seating area that can comfortably seat up to 20 guests and is perfect for summer bbqs. Once you’ve enjoyed dining and socialising with friends and family there’s the opportunity to take a dip in the wood-fired hot tub that seats up to 8 people and overlooks the idyllic Wye Valley - there really is no better place to relax in the bubbles with a glass of bubbles while drinking in all the fresh country air.
The firepit area, also showcasing those amazing views, is ideal for cosy evenings, wrapped in a soft fluffy throw and toasting marshmallows, or perhaps you’d rather spend your evening in the undercover games room featuring flexible seating and a foldable table tennis table. During the day there are orchards and fields to explore, as well as garden games to enjoy; including volley ball, rounders and quoits, and with a children’s play area to boot, which includes swing chair, outdoor playmats and toy box, everyone will enjoy being outside.
Newton Court is situated in the beautiful town of Hay-on-Wye, world renowned for its books and bookshops. Its position on the border of England and Wales provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy the picturesque border country. The accommodation itself is set within beautiful pastures and grassland, ideal for nature walks and spotting birds and other wildlife, and overlooks the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and an internationally important protected landscape, one of the most dramatic and scenic in Britain. The town of Hay-on-Wye is situated along the River Wye and is packed with bookshops, as well as being the venue for the annual Festival of Literature. Here visitors will discover quaint and pretty streets lined with second hand bookshops, and antique shops, as well as independent clothing stores, food and craft shops.
The regular local markets are a great place to pick up fresh local produce as well as homemade jams and preserves, and there are a number of picturesque cafes to visit for tea and a slice of cake - homemade of course, as well as the remains of the town’s 17th Century castle, which is currently under restoration.
With a bookshop on every corner, and even some secret ones hidden away, the town is a must-see destination for every literary buff or book enthusiast, where you’ll find shops specialising in everything from children’s books at Rose’s Books with its delicate pink floral exterior, to mysteries at Murder and Mayhem, where crime, horror, and detective novels sit among its ghoulish and fiendishly decorated interior. There are even several ‘honesty bookshops’ in the town, including one whose outdoor shelves line the outer walls of the castle.
The town hosts the annual Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, once described by Bill Clinton as ‘The Woodstock of the mind’, for ten days from May until June, and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. Thousands of people from all over the UK, Europe and America come to join the carnival-like celebrations, and take part in the programme of over 600 literary-themed events, as well as eat, drink and be merry
As featured in The Times under "25 stylish UK self catering stays for 2021"...
North Berwick House holds a wonderful location, set within a peaceful sixty-acre private estate, just a short distance from the seaside town of North Berwick. For those who enjoy a little hustle and bustle, the vibrant city of Edinburgh which is home to a wide variety of family-friendly attractions as well as excellent restaurants and shopping, is just a fifty-minute drive away.
North Berwick House is a completely unique home, it seamlessly combines a 200-year-old Gardeners Cottage with a mid-century modern house, built in 1960 by the Scottish architect Sir James Dunbar-Nasmith. Having been recently renovated, the home today retains its original contemporary character while boasting up-to-date stylish interiors and all the amenities those fortunate enough to enjoy a stay here could possibly need. The home can comfortably accommodate up to twelve guests across its six beautifully-appointed bedrooms.
The majority of the accommodation is on the ground floor which enables guests to enjoy the wonderful surrounding gardens. The living accommodation comprises of an impressive drawing room which boasts an open fire and a Bluthner Leipzig baby grand piano, a cosy TV room, a formal dining room and an open-plan kitchen and breakfast room which comes complete with all the tools to whip up a delicious meal. There is plenty of space for the whole group to gather and socialise making this the ideal home for a special occasion such as a family reunion. On the ground floor are four of the bedrooms, a super-king master suite with panoramic windows over the garden and a luxury en-suite bathroom, a second super-king room which has access to an adjacent family bathroom and two king-size rooms both with en-suite facilities. Upstairs, are the final two bedrooms, a super-king room and a twin room, which both share the use of an adjacent shower room.
The outside space at North Berwick House is truly magical, choose to roam the sixty-acre estate on foot or on bicycle or forage for seasonal produce in the walled garden. After action-packed days spent exploring the surrounding area choose to relax on the terrace with a refreshing beverage or indulge in a family-friendly game of croquet, the choice is yours!
North Berwick House holds a rural location, just a 5-minute car journey from the seaside town of North Berwick where a selection of helpful amenities and attractions can be found. The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is less than a 50-minute car journey from North Berwick House, and with its Medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, it is bursting with excellent attractions, including, iconic Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the excellent Scotch Whisky Experience and Edinburgh Gin Distillery as well as Camera Obscura & World of Illusions and the Edinburgh Zoo, which the whole family will enjoy! For guests travelling in from afar, Edinburgh Airport is less than a 45-minute car journey away making for a short transfer time. For keen golfers, a variety of world-class golf courses are within easy reaching distance of North Berwick House. North Berwick Golf Club and Glen Golf Club are both less than 10-minutes away, Muirfield is less than 20-minutes away, while most famous of all, St Andrew's, is 75-minutes from the house. Please ensure that you check which days of the week they are open to visitors, have a suitable handicap and make sure to book in advance!
This west-facing former dower house, set above a private bay on the east side of Loch Fyne, enjoys stunning views across to the Mull of Kintyre and Arran beyond. It is located a few miles along a private road in a secluded part of what is known as “Argyll’s secret coast” and makes an ideal venue for a Scottish getaway with family and friends. In WWII the house was used as a base for the Norwegian commandos who went on the 'Heroes of Telemark' raid, which was one of the most successful acts of sabotage in the whole war.
This is a holiday house that has tripled in size over the years and has been designed specifically for your enjoyment, with the inclusion of an indoor swimming pool and a games room. The drawing room has large windows so you can enjoy the views across the Loch in maximum comfort. The kitchen is well equipped, and the spacious dining room can seat up to 16 people in comfort and style. The bedrooms are a good mix of double, twin and triple rooms, making them ideal for a family group.
Set in a beautiful location in 50 acres of grounds the sloped lawns lead down to the bay in front of the house. Access to the beach could not be easier for children out with their bucket and spades or those seeking shells. For more activity minded, there is a motorboat moored in the bay for guests’ exclusive use, subject to conditions or it is possible to bring your own boat to use from the jetty. However you wish to enjoy your break here, this is a superb venue for those wishing a family holiday in a beautiful coastal location.
The very large sitting room is located at the front of the house, and the two bay windows offer stunning views across Loch Fyne, With a wood-burning stove and comfortable seating at one end and a TV with further seating, this is a room that you can spread out in or be as one.
A door leads through to the front-facing games room, which houses a pool table and a table tennis table. Access from here can be out to the patio or through to the indoor swimming pool next door. Here there is a 30ft by 15ft heated pool, with sun loungers, a sauna and a shower, with further access to the decking area. Additionally, there is a cloakroom, which is perfect for storing all your outdoor footwear and where you can find life-jackets for trips out on the boat. Pet friendly with two dogs allowed.
The dining room is a light, airy, spacious room, next door to the kitchen, with a long table that seats a maximum of 16 people. Gathering the group in one place for all the meals could not be easier, and there are two high chairs available for younger children. There is excellent light coming in as the larger west-facing windows look past the games room across to the sea view.
Direct access takes you to the well-equipped modernised kitchen with work-island. Cooking is all electric, with hob with 5 rings, 3 ovens with a grill and a microwave oven, as well as 2 dishwashers. A utility room is next door with washing machine, tumble dryer and chest freezer. In the summer months, dining can take place outside at the various tables.
** The maximum number of people which the house will accommodate is 16 (plus up to 2 babies in cots) and this number must not be exceeded at any time.
** Guests who wish to use the boat are obliged to sign a Boat Request Form and be in receipt of a RYA Level Two Powerboat (with coastal endorsement) qualification or higher. Please let us know so the relevant additional legal documentation can be provided during the booking process. All certificates need to be checked in advance and brought on holiday. Use of the boat will not be permitted otherwise.The boat is not included in the rental rates and is only offered to guests at the owners discretion. Please note that the boat is not available between October and April.
Please note that short breaks can only be booked within 4 weeks of the start date.
The House is positioned to the South of the Cowal peninsula between Kinfinan and Tighnabruaich, as part of “Argyll’s secret coast”. Surrounded by a rocky outcrop with mixed woodlands and heather, there is a sloped lawn that leads down to a small bay, which consists of pebble and sand.
This is an excellent location for day trips, with a ferry service to East Loch Tarbert available locally. Golf is available in Tighnabruaich. Alternatively, you could enjoy a trip to the Isle of Bute and do a House and Garden Tour at Mount Stuart. The trip takes about an hour and 15 minutes which includes the ferry crossing.
A motorboat is available to your group, with one tank of fuel provided, as part of the booking – on the provision of an RYA level 2 powerboat (coastal) qualification or higher. All certificates need to be checked in advance and brought on holiday. If you wish to arrive by boat or bring your own boat, that is possible, but please check in advance to confirm.
If you're worried about it being isolated, think again. Once most guests get down to the property, they don't want to leave. There's so much to keep you occupied, a week will whizz by. You've got walking, the beach, fishing, boat excursions, the indoor swimming pool, a games room, a huge garden and day trips to places like the Isle of Bute and Tarbert. You can also use the Visitcowal website and download a map on the touring routes around the quiet roads of this beautiful peninsular or check out their events page for things to see and do.
There's an excellent village store 20 minutes away (Kames Village Store) run by an extremely accommodating proprietor called Andy. He can pre-order groceries and dry goods and arrange a click and collect style service. The meat, veg & fish will all be locally sourced. The local butcher delivers to the village on a Friday, and there's also a local fishmonger.
Perfectly placed in picturesque Perthshire is this Victorian country house, set within its own secluded grounds, yet within walking distance from the village of Kirkmichael. A short drive, lined by rhododendrons, leads you up to the holiday house, where you will find a fine granite structure that has been extended over the years to become more of a mansion than a house. This holiday house in Scotland is ideal for family holidays for a week in the summer, and get-togethers and weekends away in the quieter months.
Within you will discover an elegant hallway adorned with stags' heads, which leads to the expansive drawing-room on one side and the large dining room to the other, as the two main front rooms. Whilst there is still an air of grandeur here, this is a house that is like walking into a family home, where you feel comfortable and relaxed immediately. Beyond can be found the kitchen, the breakfast room and the very substantial games room. This room with a magnificent fireplace can be used on a multi-purpose basis, as the table tennis table can be removed to create a party room for a ceilidh or impromptu party. All the accommodation can be found on the two floors above, with a selection of 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, making this ideal to sleep up to 17 people.
The drawing-room, with its open fire, and bay window with views to the front, is a large expansive room, full of comfortable sofas for your group of 17 people to relax in. Even with the fine pictures and antique furniture, the emphasis is definitely on comfort with so many sofas and armchairs to choose from. The elegant hallway with the stairs to the accommodation level above leads off in two directions, one to the kitchen and the other to the games room. Accessed by steps, the games room is a large later extension, which houses a table tennis table. However it is more than a games room, with fine pictures on the wall and a feature carved fireplace with open fire, and by removing the table from the room, it can be a party room, for a drinks party, a ceilidh or a small wedding function. Access directly on to the lawn is available from here. Additionally, next door there is a snug room, with a TV and toys for smaller children.
The front-facing dining room houses a long dining table where everyone can sit around in comfort. With an open fire at one end and radiators throughout, this is a warm room, as well as an elegant one, with swag curtains, and family portraits and old prints on the walls. The kitchen is located to the rear of the house and is in two sections. Firstly there is a breakfast room with a dining table that can seat 14/16 people, and then there is the modest kitchen section, with well-equipped kitchen space, with 5-hob “Rangemaster”, grill and oven, as well as an extra oven to the side. Next door is the large utility room with freezer, with the laundry room beyond, with washing machines and tumble dryer.
The expansive grounds are great for children to relax in, whilst in summer croquet can be enjoyed too.
Situated within 3 acres of private grounds in a rural location accessed by a drive, surrounded by fields and woodland, makes this a pleasant location to be based whilst in Perthshire. The grounds are enclosed and include a table and chair set for alfresco dining, a BBQ, croquet lawn and a football kickabout area with mini-goals. Located 71 miles north of Edinburgh and 11 miles from Pitlochry, makes this ideal to explore all of Perthshire and the central section of Scotland.
The village has a small general store, whilst supermarkets can be found in Pitlochry and Blairgowrie. There is a railway station at Pitlochry, which forms part of the London-Inverness mainline. For golfers, there are golf courses at Rosemount and Pitlochry. Families can be entertained at Blair Castle. For the activity minded, there is fishing on the Tay, white water rafting, walking and winter sports available at nearby Glenshee. Edradour distillery is only 10 miles away.
Forming part of a farm courtyard, this 19th-century cottage is available to hire on a self-catered basis for a group of up to 8 guests. Recently refurbished the cottage now offers comfortable and traditional accommodation to a modern standard. The open plan living and dining area is a large welcoming space for everyone to relax. The well-equipped kitchen will cater well for this group size. The bedrooms are all twin-bedded rooms with their own shower room. The spacious games room provides perfect entertainment for all ages. The main section of the cottage has oil fired central heating, with the living room and one of the twin room sections with electric heating. It has been modernised and refurbished to a high standard. With gardens to the front and the farm to the rear, this is a delightful big cottage to enjoy a rural holiday. Situated in a quiet rural setting, though being close to Stirling, there is parking available for 4 cars and it also has access to an outdoor tennis court.
There is one large living space which is split between the seating area and the dining space. The seating area looks like a classic elegant sitting room you would find in a country house rather than a cottage, with comfortable sofas and armchairs and prints of game birds on the walls. With a warming wood-burning stove and TV, this is a lovely setting to be entertained in. In the converted garage space which adjoins to the cottage is a games room/sporting room, which houses a table tennis table, wood-burning stove and is adorned with antlers, taxidermy and rod holders for fishing rods. There is also access to a tennis court within the grounds.
The kitchen is beyond the living space in the centre of the house, and it is a classic rectangular space, which has been well designed to maximise workspace and storage. With four electric hobs and oven, along with the microwave, there is plenty of cooking capacity for the numbers involved. A dishwasher and fridge/freezer are located in the kitchen, whilst a chest freezer can be made available in the games room. There is one large living space which is split between the seating area and the dining space. This dining section is elegantly set-up, with a fine dining table that can seat up to 8 people, surrounded by a dresser and antique pictures on the wall.
Set on a working farm, it is surrounded by fields. Located 10 miles from Stirling, a few miles away from Doune, this property is centrally positioned, being only 46 miles from Edinburgh and 36 miles from Glasgow. With a general store and additional shops in Doune, major supermarkets can be found in Stirling. Blair Drummond Safari Park is nearby and is a perfect day out for families. Stirling Castle, Doune Castle and the Wallace Monument are within easy reach. Fishing is available on the Teith. There are many golf courses in the area, including Gleneagles. The nearest distillery is Springston Distillery.
Within the Cairngorm national park in amongst the Scots Pines and close to the river, Spey can be found this traditional stone-clad house. Set within its own 2.5 acres of grounds, this is a house that started life back in 1793, which has been added to over the years making it a large holiday house today, perfect for a group of activity minded friends or for a family holiday.
With plenty of space inside as well, with a sitting room, dining room, TV room and a games room with a pool table, allowing for plenty of space for the group to spread out. The kitchen also has a breakfast room for more casual suppers or staggered breakfasts. The seven bedrooms are all on the two floors above and include double rooms, twin rooms and a single bedroom. This is a great base for a holiday in the Aviemore and Strathspey area which has proved popular for many years for so many people.
In the traditional manor, the sitting room is to be found at the front of the house, which has an open fire, comfortable seating and a TV, with DVD and SKY. Beyond the entrance hall, there is a smaller secondary sitting room, which is ideal for children, which has a TV and DVD player.
To the side of the building, off the kitchen, is a sunroom where boots can be stored, and dogs kept. Located on the first floor are two further rooms for entertainment purposes. There is a room with a pool table (with two fold-out beds available) and another smaller room with a ¾ size table tennis table.
The dining room is located off the entrance hall opposite the sitting room and is a bright room to the front of the house with a bay window, seating up to 12 people in comfort and style. To the rear of the house is the large kitchen and with a professional range-master cooker and two fridge freezers, it is set-up nicely to cater for larger groups. There is space for a breakfast table which can seat 6/8 people. Additionally, there is a utility room off the kitchen, with a washing machine and tumble dryer. A side door from the sunroom allows easy access to the kitchen, without having to traipse through the rest of the house.
Accessed off a quiet road, the drive takes you up to the house which is set in 2.5 acres of private grounds. Mainly set out in the grass, with a combination of lawn and meadow, surrounded by woodlands. A BBQ and garden furniture are available in the summer months. You'll see lots of wildlife around depending on the time of year you visit from Roe deer to highlands cows and pine martin, as well as all sorts of birds including geese on the pond 100 metres from the house.
Located in a country setting a short distance from the river Spey and the bustling town of Grantown-upon-Spey and only 15 miles from Aviemore. The Creggan activity centre is a few miles away, with the Landmark Forest Adventure Park located at Carrbridge. Golf courses in the area include Grantown, Nethy Bridge and Boat of Garten.
Fishing on the Spey for salmon is a popular pastime. The Cairngorms and many walks including The Speyside Way, are in the vicinity. Ospreys can be seen in the summer at the RSPB hide locally. The Castle and Whisky Trials are in the area. This is a great area for families and an activity-based holiday.
