Approaching Dunkeld from the gently rolling countryside of the south, and seeing how the wooded and craggy hills start to tower around the road (these are the very Birnam woods of Shakespeare's Macbeth), you realise that it is precisely here that Highlands and Lowlands meet. Continue through the pretty little town (all facilities and now happily by-passed by the A9 ), turn right towards Blairgowrie, and you will come, first to the little village of Butterstone, then, turning left up a 3 mile single track private road into the hills, to Riemore Lodge, a fine traditional shooting lodge surrounded by neat lawns and trees.
Offering accommodation for up to 10 people, the house is full of character, extremely well appointed and comfortably furnished in true Scottish country house style. The master bedroom has a 4-poster bed, another double has an en suite bathroom, and there are three more bathrooms. In one of the single bedrooms, there is a real campaign bed - certainly not regular holiday cottage issue! Downstairs, the drawing room has an open fire and piano, perfect for relaxing after a day in the hills or exploring the surrounding area; there is a dining-room, and the erstwhile nursery is now converted to the TV room, while the kitchen has an Aga - in short, there is everything you would expect for gracious country living. Children will love the upstairs playroom, equipped with table tennis table, piano and TV; their parents will love the peace it buys them!
As for what to do while you are there, well, where to start? There are many walks into the hills and around the lochs in the immediate neighbourhood of the lodge. You can fish for brown trout in the Buckney Burn, the "children's loch" nearby, or in one of the larger lochs further into the hills. Dogs are welcome, by arrangement, provided they are kept carefully under control - this is a working farm, and sheep are everywhere! The wild life is remarkable. Amongst the species you may see are fallow, roe and red deer, ospreys, eagles, hen harriers, curlew, plovers, and an amazing variety of small birds. The house also has its own tennis court which, while due for renovation, is still playable.
Dunkeld itself, four miles away, has a lovely cathedral and a picturesque square. Just down the road at Inver there is the National Trust site of the Hermitage, where the river Braan tumbles down in spectacular falls and the salmon leap in season. Close by too, is the Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve at the Loch of the Lowes, where ospreys have bred now for a number of years, and visitors can watch from a hide as they fish the loch and feed their young.There are more shops in Blairgowrie, eight miles away.
Visitors are spoiled for places to walk , whether it is a woodland stroll in the Tay Forest Park or a more challenging ascent of the surrounding mountains - the nearest is probably Ben Vrackie. Those who prefer to hit a wee white ball as they walk are equally well catered for. Dunkeld has an 18 hole course, while the famous Rosemount courses at Blairgowrie are just over the hill. (Visit the Queen Mother's family home at Glamis Castle while you are in that area.) Gleneagles itself is less than an hour's drive away.
To the north, Pitlochry (all facilities) with its Festival Theatre and fish ladder, is well worth a visit. A few miles further will bring you to the historic Pass of Killiecrankie, where the Jacobites routed Government forces in 1689, and Blair Atholl, with Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl.
To the south, the Fair City of Perth (20m) offers excellent shopping, restaurants, cinemas, a leisure pool, cinemas and theatre. Just outside the city is Scone Palace, where in ancient times the Kings of Scotland were crowned and where there is also a thriving racecourse.
Heating is by oil fired central heating (INCLUDED) downstairs, electric heaters upstairs, and open fire (fuel INCLUDED). Electricity is INCLUDED. Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. There is a telephone in the house with honesty box (mobile reception is patchy). Well behaved pets are welcome by arrangement. No smoking in the house, please.
Good housekeeping deposit £250. Reduced rates may be available for smaller parties.
