Welcome to the World of Luxury Self Catering in Scotland
Luxury self catering in Scotland brings new meaning to holiday rental properties in Scotland, that previously fell into two camps:
- The huge, freezing castle which was long on family portraits but short on mod cons
or - A plain and simple cottage with lovely views but absolutely no home comforts.
In recent years luxury has been introduced to the self catering holidays in Scotland. Modern apartments in cities started the trend and now the beautiful sometimes -exclusive use- country houses in Scotland are updated and modernised to create real havens in stunning locations where remoteness doesn’t mean giving up your little luxuries, that we have now to expect as standard.
Old Town Chambers, Edinburgh
These award winning 5* prestigious apartments in the heart of the Capital’s historic Old Town have spectacular views across the city. Each 5 star serviced apartment is distinct and unique and offer a sumptuous home from home feel and boast beautiful handmade furniture and furnishings. It is luxury at its best with no modern convenience left out….
Situated in the Old Town, the luxury apartments are very close to the city’s shops, bars and restaurants with easy access to many of the city’s tourist attractions.
With a choice of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments or the luxury three bed townhouse there is something to suit everyone
Balbinny, Forfar, Angus
Five outstanding converted barns, decorated to the highest standard with those little luxury finishes; indoor swimming pool; a tennis court and fitness suite: welcome to Balbinny. A new luxury eco sustainable holiday development, using recycled stone and renewable energy, Balbinny describes its ethos as ‘true country living with all the trimmings of luxury’ and it’s hard to disagree.
The location which looks out to the River South Esk over to the Angus Glens, is faultless, while glass fronted heated balconies, fabulous kitchens, wireless sound systems, grass roofs and modern interior style are the hallmarks here. Each barn sleeps four, or rent all of them for a big get together with family and friends.
Eilean Shona, Acharacle, Argyll
Dubbed ‘Neverland Found’ referring to the summer stays of Peter Pan author JM Barrie, this wonderful Victorian hunting luxury lodge on a tiny island (2.5 x 1.5 miles) just off Scotland’s west coast can sleep up to 22 in 11 bedrooms and mixes quirky charm with some welcome lavish touches including feather duvets, a baby grand in the drawing room and library with billiards table.
The country kitchen is big yet cosy and with days spent enjoying the outdoor pursuits (fishing, swimming, den making) the open fires will come into their own as you hunker down in the evening. This is a jewel in the luxury self catering properties in Scotland perfect for the family and friends get together.
The Long House, Isle of Skye
Pioneering the way forward for the Scottish country house, the architect designed this four bedroom luxury self catering property, straight out of World of Interiors.
Boasting one of the finest views on Skye, the floor to ceiling windows at The Long House, ensure there is every opportunity to enjoy the to-die-for sunsets, the intricate attention to detail. makes this property a must to visit. From the hand built elm dining table to the subtle lighting. There is also no shortage of the mod cons, power showers, wood burning stove and a constant supply of pure spring water on tap making this truly luxurious holiday destination.
Gamefield, Crieff
Gamefield is an exquisitely interior designed luxury self-catered or catered for home, sleeping ten, (with room for a further 4 in their uber comfy Indie House adjacent) and offers glorious uninterrupted views of the surrounding Perthshire countryside.
Every aspect of Gamefield inside and out reflects its five star plus status. Families can look forward to evenings gathered around the open fire playing good old-fashioned board games or soaking by candlelight in the award winning hot tub with its very own Log Cabin and Scandinavian log burner.
Duchray Castle, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire
With its turreted pale pink exterior, Duchray Castle is straight out of a fairy tale. A 500 year old tower house with connections to Rob Roy MacGregor, Duchray sits in the midst of ancient forest but the level of luxe inside is far from ‘old’.
Lovingly and extensively overhauled, restored from an almost derelict state just seven years ago, Duchray now sleeps eight guests in real splendour on a luxury self catering basis. The state of the art bathrooms are huge, bedrooms impressive and the setting spectacular; yet both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are just an hour’s drive away.
Alexander House, Auchterarder
Built in the style of a historic laird’s house just 2.5 miles from Gleneagles in Perthshire, Alexander House is the prefect place for a luxury break for a group of friends and family, with 21 sleeping comfortably in nine bedrooms. Luxurious and relaxed, with every creature comfort being catered for, and the best of modern living combined with traditional style despite its relatively recent build.
A heated swimming pool with glass cover and glorious hot tub in an undercover turret make this a very special holiday destination, and even cooking will be a pleasure in the fantastic open plan kitchen with every upto date and modern appliance imaginable.
West Links View, North Berwick, East Lothian
Ideal for a golfing party or family seaside holiday, West Links View is situated in a prime spot in the much-coveted coastal town of North Berwick. Sleeping ten in five bedrooms, the views from the living room through the 8 metre full height sliding glass doors are straight out onto the golf course and Firth of Forth just beyond.
The kitchen has been designed and decorated to the highest standard, the four bathrooms all super shiny and new, and the finish throughout is plush yet welcoming. The luxurious and the traditional meet at West Links View – a lovely house for a memorable luxury self catering holiday, whatever the (ahem) weather.
Abigail Stubbs, Feature’s Editor
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