There are some cottages which can only be described, inelegantly but accurately, as jaw-dropping. Tressait Farmhouse, near Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, is one of them. An 18th century stone farmhouse which has been extended and stunningly renovated with one half of its south-facing frontage of glass, it stands high on the hillside in about three quarters of an acre of its own land, with breathtaking views down the length of Loch Tummel.
At the front, there is a large grass area, with a patio (barbecue, garden furniture). There is parking for 4 or 5 cars, which can be brought right to the door.
Inside, Tressait is scarcely less dramatic. The extensive ground-floor sitting/dining area, with access to the patio, is open plan to make the most of the wonderful windows, and is brightly and comfortably furnished. The kitchen is superbly fitted and equipped. Upstairs, in addition to two double bedrooms, there is a further sitting room - even more of a vantage point for these views - while in one of the two bathrooms, there is a four-seater steam room and jacuzzi!
The attractive town of Pitlochry, (all facilities) with its famous Festival Theatre and fish ladder, is only 7 miles away. There are good opportunities for fishing, cycling, swimming, surfing, walking and wildlife-watching in the nearby Tummel Forest Park, and the Queen's View, famous from innumerable calendars, is also only about 3 miles distant. This is superb hill-walking country. To the west, there is Schiehallion, the Fairy Mountain, to the east Ben Vrackie, to name but two. At the Loch of the Lowes, (11m) there is an RSPB centre and hide, from which you can watch the ospreys and see deer coming down to the water to drink.
At Blair Atholl (12m) there is the spectacular Blair Castle, the seat of the Duke of Atholl, the only man in Britain entitled to have his own private army. On the way, you will pass through the historic Pass of Killiecrankie, site of the Jacobite victory of 1689, with its dramatic Soldier's Leap. There are a number of distilleries in the area, where the local wares can be sampled.
A little further afield, expeditions can be made to the lonely Rannoch Moor. Perth (36m) and Inverness (81m) both have excellent leisure facilities and are within easy driving distance of Tressait.
Tressait is fully double-glazed, well insulated and centrally heated (INCLUDED). Electricity is INCLUDED. Bed linen and towels are INCLUDED. Pets are welcome under strict control. For parties above six, two extra single pull-out beds are available for hire at an extra charge of £50. per person. No smoking within the cottage. A refundable householders deposit of £200 is required for all bookings.
Similar large houses or cottages (sea or loch views)
Loch Tay House (sleeps 10) Killin, Perthshire
Kilmun (sleeps 8/12) Near Dalavich, Loch Awe
