Mid way between Blairgowrie and Dunkeld in Highland Perthshire, on the 'pretty way' between the two towns, is the charming hamlet of Butterstone. Blink, and you'll miss it! However, it's as well to keep your eyes open, otherwise you might also miss Bay Tree Cottage, and that would be a pity for, it is a most delightful, traditional, stone-built, semi-detached and downright romantic cottage now offered for holiday letting.
The owner is a professional in the field of interior design, so you are in good hands when it comes to comfort and style, and at the cottage she has given her talents full rein. On the ground floor, there are two cosy sitting rooms, one with television and one for relaxing without 'the box', one with an open fire and the other with a stove, which render both as snug as can be. There is also a most beautiful extended L-shaped kitchen diner, with slate floor and French doors to the garden, of which more anon. The bathroom is also through from the kitchen. Upstairs there are two charming double bedrooms.
Then there is the garden. To the front is a small cottage garden and the front of the house is covered with roses and honeysuckle. But it's the secluded rear garden which is particularly captivating. Enclosed and secluded, it runs back into the woods, with a gate at the end which will take you out into the woods and then to the hills, where you can walk for miles. There is an outside patio area (furniture) but the pièce de resistance is the delightful summerhouse, with electricity and stove, where you can sit in comfort even on winter days and watch the many birds who come to feed here.
Dunkeld (4m) is a popular tourist village, with interesting shops and some excellent eating places. Two things not to miss there are the Hermitage, just outside the village at Inver, with wonderful woodland walks along the river Braan, leading to a spectacular waterfall, where, in season, you can marvel at the salmon trying to leap the falls to make their way upstream to spawn. Children may be interested in the Beatrix Potter Centre in Birnam, again just outside Dunkeld. The authoress drew inspiration for many of her drawings from the wildlife she observed when holidaying here. On the way to Dunkeld from Butterstone, you will also pass the Loch of Lowes, with its osprey hide, where you can watch these magnificent birds on their nest and fishing in the loch.
At Dunkeld, you are on the A9, which will take you north to Pitlochry (all facilities, famous Theatre in the Hills, fish ladder etc.) and beyond to Aviemore, the Cairngorms and even Inverness. The town is dominated by Ben Vrackie, relished by hill-walkers, or you can head west 'by Tummel and Loch Rannoch' where there is wonderful scenery and hill walking potential aplenty.
In the other direction, from Blairgowrie (8m, all facilities) you can head up to Braemar, Balmoral and Royal Deeside. Perth (19m) has every kind of sporting and cultural facility you could wish for.
For that special meal out, The Kinloch House Hotel is a few miles further along the road to Blairgowrie. There is golf at Dunkeld and Blairgowrie (home of the prestigious Rosemount course), fishing in Butterstone Loch, riding and a swimming pool at Blairgowrie.
Bed linen, towels and the first £10 of electric heating are all INCLUDED in the rental. One dog welcome by arrangement. Smoking is not permitted within the cottage. Private water supply. Please note that there are two double beds in the cottage. Wi-Fi is available, subject to provider.
