Croit nan Sithean self catering rental accommodation Scotland

Croit nan Sithean
near Pitlochry
Perthshire
Scotland

Sleeping 4 (6)

Croit nan Sithean translates as 'the Croft of the Peaceful' and its situation, at the end of a lane in a tiny, secluded enclave of cottages on the edge of the little hamlet of Balnaguard on the back road between Pitlochry and Dunkeld in highland Perthshire, is certainly as peaceful as one could wish.

From the outside, it is a picturesque, 'roses-round-the door' cottage, traditional and stone-built, which has been extended into what was the adjoining barn. Inside, it has been renovated to a high standard and the result is surely one of the most enchanting cottages you could wish for. The layout is full of character and full of delightful surprises.

It would be a pity to give too much away, but on the basis that reading about it is never the same as seeing it, here goes. The L-shaped sitting room has an open fire and is cosy and comfortable. The kitchen is beautifully fitted and connects to the dining area, which overlooks the garden and where there is an attractive fitted bench window seat. Beyond the sitting room, a cleverly designed passageway which doubles as a utility room (told you it was different!) leads to The Barn, a second, enormous reception room on two levels, with multi-fuel stove and beamed ceiling. This means that a party who perhaps wish to watch different programmes or split up between television watchers and readers have plenty of scope to pursue their respective agendas. With a double bed settee, it can also double as a further bedroom. A downstairs bathroom makes this a very feasible option.

Upstairs, (the stairs are quite steep and not really toddler-friendly) there are two bedrooms with lovely views to the surrounding hills and with a shower room between them.

With regard to the garden, while we can never maintain that any garden is guaranteed 'dog-proof' the delightful suntrap behind Croit nan Sithean is as close as it gets. Walled and hedged, laid to lawn, with a patio area near the house, and with climbing roses, clematis and honeysuckle swarming over the walls in true cottage-garden style, it is completely secluded and completely delightful. There is parking for two cars near the rear entrance.

If the house is lovely, the surrounding area is no less so. Here, you are at the very gateway to the Highlands, yet less than an hour's drive north of Perth (leisure centre, cinemas, theatre etc.) The hill walking in the area is quite superb, with Ben Vrackie near Pitlochry (11m) the nearest Munro. A visit to The Hermitage at Inver near Dunkeld (10m), perhaps to watch the salmon leaping the falls in season as they struggle up river to spawn, is another delightful excursion. Or visit the osprey hide at the Loch of the Lowes just outside the village. Fishing can be organised on the nearby River Tay, while at Grandtully (2.5m) you will find one of the best white water kayaking sites in Scotland. (Beside it, at Strathtay, is the nearest shop to the cottage.)

You are only a few minutes' drive from the fast A9, which will take you north to the Cairngorms, Aviemore and Inverness, all easily accessible for a day trip. Pitlochry, too offers an excellent range of shops, hotels, and restaurants, as well as its famous 'Theatre in the Hills.' To the north west too, you can head for Loch Tay (water sports) via Aberfeldy or go over to beautiful Lochs Tummel and Rannoch. A week will most certainly not be long enough for you in this enchanting spot!

Heating by gas central heating, bed linen and towels are all included in the rental. There will be an additional charge for numbers over four. Two well behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted within the cottage.

Accommodation (sleeps 4 (6)):

Downstairs

Kitchen with gas range cooker and electric oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher etc.
Dining room with door to garden
Sitting room with open fire, TV/V/DVD
Corridor/utility room with sink and washing machine
Second sitting room with multi-fuel stove, TV and double sofa bed
Bathroom with bath, shower, WC and basin.