The Keeper's House has a wonderful position in the high hill country between Dunkeld (7 miles) and Blairgowrie (11 miles), and was formerly the home of the Gamekeeper who tended the wildlife on this large private estate which is just over one hour's drive north of Edinburgh yet really 'away from it all'. It is reached by 3 miles of private road (a few potholes sometimes appear after a winter's frost). There are only two other dwellings (The Hirsel and the caretaker's house) a little way along the track which leads finally to the Big House, and the cottage backs right on to a wooded hillside. It really is a perfect spot for relaxing, for walking out into the wilderness and for children to play (the occasional passing farm vehicle is all they should have to look out for if they wish to stray beyond the grass gardens to front and rear).
Inside the cottage has loads of character and is simply yet comfortably furnished in a traditional style, with an open fire in the cosy sitting room.
If you do feel that something more energetic is called for than a simple chill-out session, the cottage is excellently situated for touring in all directions. On the way into nearby Dunkeld you will pass the RSPB hide at the Loch of the Lowes, where pairs of osprey regularly breed. Dunkeld is a charming wee town with a good range of shops and eating places, a pretty square, and a cathedral, while the nearby Hermitage and Beatrix Potter Experience at Birnam are both well worth a visit. Further up the A9 is Pitlochry, with its Festival Theatre and Fish Ladder. It is the gateway to beautiful Lochs Tummel and Rannoch to the west, and from there too you are borne swiftly up the A9 to Aviemore, the Cairngorms, and Inverness.
If, on the other hand you go east towards Blairgowrie, you will soon come to the Angus glens, which must surely be one of Scotland's best-kept scenic secrets. Or, from Blairgowrie you can also go north to Braemar and famous Royal Deeside with itse superb scenery and historic castles (including Balmoral itself.) To the south, the Fair City of Perth is within a half hour drive, where you will find leisure centres, all manner of sporting activities, excellent shops and restaurants and nearby Scone Palace, ancient crowning place of the Ard Righ, or high kings of Scotland.
Golf, fishing, kayaking and riding are all available locally, so it is unlikely that you will be bored at Keeper's Cottage!
Heating is by oil-CH (£20 INCLUDED), open-fire and electricity. Bed-linen and towels are INCLUDED. Pets are welcome but sorry NO CATS. A refundable damage deposit may be required.
