Located in the easily accessible eastern reaches of Perthshire, Laura’s House offers an idyllic country escape with the option to dip into city life.

With the scenic Keithick Estate and the River Isla (a tributary of the famous River Tay) on the doorstep, it provides excellent car-free dog-walking, cycling routes, and fishing beats. The small town of Coupar Angus, home to The Red House hotel’s pub and restaurant and a small supermarket, is just a mile and a half away, while Blairgowrie (6 miles) offers a great selection of shops and places to eat.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Cairngorms National Park—with its Munros, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes—lies 30 miles away, offering walking, climbing, cycling, and skiing opportunities. Closer still, the Sidlaw Hills, a mecca for mountain bikers, are only 7 miles away.

Horse riding is available at Pathhead Stables in Kirriemuir (16 miles), which also boasts a good golf course. Other golf options include Blairgowrie Rosemount (5 miles), Alyth (9 miles), and the world-famous St Andrews Old Course (29 miles), host of the 2027 Open Championship.

Although landlocked, Laura’s House is a surprisingly good base for water sports. Beautiful sandy beaches at St Andrews and Broughty Ferry (17 miles) are popular with wild swimmers, while Perth (12 miles) and Blairgowrie have swimming pools. Dundee (16 miles) is home to Wild Shore Dundee, an aqua park offering wakeboarding and paddleboarding in the city’s historic docks. For calmer waters, Forfar Loch (17 miles) is ideal for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the more adventurous can experience white-water rafting with Splash at Aberfeldy (32 miles).

If staying next door to a historic mansion sparks your interest in history, Scone Palace — where Scotland’s kings were once crowned — is only 10 miles away. Perth Museum now houses the ancient Stone of Destiny, and Glamis Castle (12 miles), one of Scotland’s most haunted homes, offers a fascinating visit.

Dundee is rich in history too — step aboard Captain Scott’s RRS Discovery at Discovery Point, learn about the city’s jute trade at Verdant Works, or explore the collections at The McManus, Dundee’s art gallery and museum. The city is also home to the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, showcasing world-class exhibitions in a striking contemporary building on the waterfront.

Dunkeld is a very popular destination for visitors, boasting a great bakery, excellent restaurants, and stunning walks. For a more rugged experience, head to The Angus Glens. The Glen Clova Hotel is a great stop for lunch while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of this area. In Perth, once Scotland’s capital, culture and heritage are celebrated at top venues such as Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall.

No matter what you choose to do or where you explore, enjoy the tranquillity of Laura’s House, a peaceful retreat for just the two of you.