Loch Tummel is justly famous as one of the loveliest of Scottish locations, having, as it does, the incomparable Queen's View at one end and Schiehallion at the other. Yet the views from the Steading at Mains of Kynachan, across and down the loch to the mountains beyond, are scarcely less appealing.
These two delightful conversions of an old steading have a fabulous situation at the end of half a mile of Forestry Commission road, right on the lochside, with only the owner's house, a little way up the hill, for unobtrusive company. There is a large, enclosed space to the front with ample parking, and a tennis court for tenants' use. Each has a beautifully designed and secluded private terrace (furniture), and there are splendid lochside, forest and hill walks to be enjoyed right from the house.
In the summer, you will, as often as not, be lucky enough to see osprey hunting the loch, so do keep the binoculars handy. You will probably find that they (the binoculars, that is), take up residence on window sill on arrival and remain there indefinitely until you leave for there is usually something of interest to see. Tummel Bridge (shop) is just 2 miles from the house. From there you can go left up to Loch Rannoch for more glorious walks, cycling, etc. (You can take the train to Fort William from Britain's second most remote station at the head of the loch!). Turning right, you will head down Loch Tummel (the nearest pub is the Tummel Inn, half way down the loch) to the Queen's View and the bustling town of Pitlochry (15m, all facilities) with its theatre and famous fish ladder. From there you can head north on the fast A9 to Aviemore and Inverness, or south to Perth, Fife and Edinburgh. An alternative route, if you are heading north, is the scenic drive over the top from the Tummel-Loch Rannoch road via Trinafour. (Those guarding the family credit card may be glad to know that this will bring you out on the A9 just to the north of the seductive House of Bruar!)
Aberfeldy (14 miles) has a swimming pool and white water rafting facilities. Fishing permits are available locally, and there are a number of good golf courses within a half hour drive.
Inside, there is a communal games room with a small snooker/pool table, piano and TV and each has a dedicated utility room on the ground floor, before a staircase takes you up to the two apartments. (Because of the rake of the hill, they are on ground floor level on the south side of the house.)
Heating in both is by open fire and night store and convector heaters. Bed linen, towels, electricity and a complimentary basket of logs are INCLUDED at both properties. Sorry, no pets and smoking is not allowed within the bedrooms.
The cottages can be hired separately or together, to form a great venue for larger groups and family get-togethers.
No 1 The Steading, Kynachan
The larger of the two properties, this light and charming apartment has a spacious open plan living area, with an open fire and a truly stupendous view of the loch from the large picture windows. The view from the double bedroom is equally impressive, and there are two further twin bedrooms. The terrace seating area is to the back of the house, ideal for long, leisurely summer evenings and sheltered enough to be a pleasant place to sit even in cooler seasons.
