Awarded self-catering by Visit Scotland.
Sauna, steam cabinet and outdoor hot-tub.
Gleneagles 7 miles, Sleeping up to 6

Craighead Muckle Howf
Craighead Farm
Braco
near Dunblane and Stirling
Perthshire
Scotland

5 star rental accommodation
Wonderful views of the Ochill Hills
Hot tub, steam room and sauna
Pond and fishing
Garden and patio
Sleeping 6

Ian and Heather converted the traditional stone-built steading next to their farmhouse family home to such a high standard that Visit Scotland awarded the Muckle Howf the rare accolade of five stars.

It is superb... a quiet country location, surrounded by natural gardens, a pond (with brown trout), hens, Highland cows, turkeys and Highland ponies, an outdoor hot-tub, a sauna and two sitting rooms. One downstairs with a wood-burning fire and TV, DVD etc, and the other upstairs with big comfortable sofas under a wooden beam ceiling and great views - an ideal room, says Ian, for good conversation and a whisky or two.

The Muckle Howf faces farmland and gardens so there's a feeling of seclusion and privacy here. But if you need anything Ian and Heather's home is on the other side of the yard behind the steading, and they are very welcoming and helpful.

Also, the Muckle Howf is perfectly situated in Scotland for exploring both east and west coasts, Edinburgh (60 minutes), Perth (30 mins), Pitlochry (60 mins) and Glasgow (50 mins), all of which can be accessed from the A9 a few miles away across the valley below. It is close to Dunblane and Stirling, and Gleneagles and Cromlix are only 7 miles away, so there's plenty to do in the area, while staying at home could hardly be more relaxing: a stroll around the gardens, talking to the Highland cows, casting a fly in the lochan, or lying back in the hot-tub under the stars at night...

Accommodation:

Below left and right; Comfortable chairs and sofas, superb views across farmland to the Ochill Hills from the upstairs sitting room - the Whisky Lounge. A good Howf should have good room for a dram, and this is it!

Left;
Steam room/shower and wooden sauna room.

Right;
Unspoilt country views from the outdoor hot-tub.

Left and right;
Master bedroom (5ft bed) with bathroom en suite (bath, shower over, basin and wc).

Below left and right;
Two further bedrooms (6ft zip and link beds), with shower-rooms en suite (shower, basin and wc).

Right;
Cosy downstairs sitting room with flat screen TV above the wood-burning stove in the fireplace. TV, DVD, CD, etc.

Initial fuel for the fire is supplied, thereafter logs are available locally.

This sitting room opens onto the kitchen/dining room.

Kitchen/Dining room:

Fully equipped with

Table for six (and more great views!)
Halogen hob
Single oven
Microwave
Washing machine, tumble dryer
Dishwasher
Freezer

Tariff:

The lochan (which has a wooden jetty) where you can fish for brown trout. There's no fence, so children should be under constant supervision.

2008	up to 6 people
Weekly	£ per week
January 6 to March 30	680
March 31 to June 29	880
June 30 to September 14	980
September 14 to December 21	680
December 22 to January 4	1180
Short breaks	£ per night
(minimum 3 nights)	From 140

Prices include electricity and central heating, linen and towels.
No smoking and no pets please.

Extracts from the visitors' book:

"Beautiful place with stunning views. Excellent facilities. Can recommend the hot-tub on a clear night. Plenty to do, great holiday, thank you". Laura, Jason, Becky, Ross, Staffs.

"Having done many cottage holidays before, this place is by far more superior to anywhere. The location is an ideal base and ameneties second to none. The cottage is pure luxury and you couldnt ask for anything more". Dan and Heather and family, Yorkshire.

"Very high standard (10 out of 10) Heather and Ian lovely couple, made us feel welcome. Fishing and weather great." Nick and Sharon, Herts.

To enquire or to book:

Please contact:
Ian and Heather Keir
email: ian.keir@btconnect.com
Craighead Farm
Braco
near Dunblane
Perthshire FK15 9LP
Scotland, UK
Tel: 01786 880321
or from outside the UK:
Tel: 44 1786 880321

Right;
Entrance, and patio deck with garden furniture. In the foreground in the wall is the bar-b-que.

Please tell Ian and Heather you found Craighead Muckle Howf through About Scotland!

Left and right;
Highland ponies and Highland cow (with turkey and hens).