School Holidays 2017 Cottages In Scotland

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Keith Hammersley - Verified booking

  I've just returned from spending a great week with friends at Drumrunie and would have no hesitation at all in recommending it as somewhere to stay in the area.

  We were a party of seven and were easily accommodated in the house, which is bigger than the photos might suggest, and which is very well laid-out - we didn't fully appreciate that until we'd been there for a short while, but it soon became apparent. Our trips to Scotland are an annual event, and we've stayed in some beautiful houses, but in many of them the kitchen has been separated from the lounge areas, sometimes by several other rooms; in Drumrunie the galley kitchen joins the main lounge (which comfortably seated all seven of us) to the conservatory, meaning that those involved in preparing and cooking meals were still part of the group, a big plus and there was a second, equally-comfortable, lounge where those looking for peace and quiet could read undisturbed. The kitchen was extremely well-stocked with utensils, crockery and cutlery, we could easily have eaten a number of meals without using the same items twice - although the two dishwashers meant that wasn't necessary and made it easy to keep up with the chores! The house was not only well-stocked but well-prepared, a good deal of effort had clearly gone into making sure we'd be happy as soon as we walked in the door and the owner, Patrick, even phoned us on our first morning to make sure we'd settled in OK and had everything we needed! Outside, the house is set in beautiful, well-maintained gardens and there are fantastic views in just about every direction. The house is a couple of minutes walk from the centre of Braemar, which boasts a variety of shops, a number of lunch venues and a bistro and a couple of hotels for evening meals (conveniently, a side road halfway down to the village led to an hotel which offered several excellent real ales, the only ones to be had in Braemar, we were told). There was a variety of good walks in the area, ranging from short, relatively flat, strolls to longer, more-demanding hikes. I particularly enjoyed the 'Cairns' walk, on the nearby Balmoral estate (see www.walkhighlands.co.uk) while my Monro-bagging friends had plenty to keep them happy. All in all, a great week in a great place, thanks to all concerned, I'd be very happy to return one day!

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• Anonymous - Verified booking

  Like a dream we didn't want to end

  Our stay at Blossom Mansion was a once in a lifetime opportunity. An honest to god historic home with many of its original details plus all the modern design necessary for a luxury stay. We hosted a family reunion weekend at Blossom Mansion and none of us wanted to leave when it was over. The property owner, who checked us in, was responsive and helpful to our questions. Every room was beautiful and carefully decorated. There were plenty of bathrooms for 24 guests and everyone slept comfortably in the beds made up with quality linens. The sauna/steam/jacuzzi area with complimentary robes and sandals, was beautifully situated in an outdoor space so you had a real spa feeling. Our family enjoyed pick up soccer on the back lawn and yoga lessons on the front lawn. The cozy AGA stove in the kitchen was a new experience for those of us not from Scotland and the extra dishwashers and all the cooking items you might need made for easy cooking and clean up. The property is large and very private with lovely old growth trees and some interesting ruins of former buildings. I cannot recommend this place more. If I ever have the chance to come back I will try to stay at Blossom Mansion again. Thank you!

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• Jude - Verified booking

  A wonderful week

  Thank you for the wonderful joy of a week in your beautiful home. We had a really special time in your fascinating house and loved every moment. We admired the art work and tapestries and were particularly taken with the beautiful stained glass windows in the music room. We did not notice the bad weather as we just so enjoyed a change of scenery and the beautiful walks around Loch Lomond. I would definitely recommend hiking up Conic Hill as it is not too long although fairly steep. It takes about 1,5 hours and the views of the region are spectacular. We enjoyed a few more local walks from just above Hill House and along the Loch which were nice options on rainy days. We spent a day in Glasgow and so enjoyed the vintage shops and botanical gardens and my husband John was thrilled to spend a couple of afternoons fishing in the reservoir up the road. All in all we had a fabulous stay with so much to do and plenty of time for relaxing at home, reading, playing games and eating delicious meals cooked on the Aga. Many thanks for a wonderful week in a home that oozes charm and feels like a castle.

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• Donna - Verified booking

  The house is in a beautiful setting but is also incredibly convenient for being able to walk in to the shops and cafes/restaurants on Braemar.

  You feel very welcome and the house is well equipped, with all the touches of a home from home. A great information pack was provided prior to our visit and we found everything we needed and more! It is close to many Munro walks and a Corbett walk direct from the house. The views over the mountains are stunning and it is a very short walk to the river path which eventually leads to Braemar. The garden is beautiful and very well-kept with a lot of garden furniture in different areas if you want to sit outside. The conservatory was a favourite place of the whole family to gather as we all returned from whatever activity we did in the day. We loved the fact that the garden was deer proof so had no worries about the dog escaping and he had the run of the whole garden. In particular we enjoyed watching the birds and red squirrels flock around the feeders, we even saw a Tree Creeper from the conservatory. The downstairs bedroom with easy access en-suite shower room was a real boon for my mother. Beds were comfortable and rooms spacious. Overall a very enjoyable extended family holiday. Thank you!

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• Jude - Verified booking

  A wonderful week

  Thank you for the wonderful joy of a week in your beautiful home. We had a really special time in your fascinating house and loved every moment. We admired the art work and tapestries and were particularly taken with the beautiful stained glass windows in the music room. We did not notice the bad weather as we just so enjoyed a change of scenery and the beautiful walks around Loch Lomond. I would definitely recommend hiking up Conic Hill as it is not too long although fairly steep. It takes about 1,5 hours and the views of the region are spectacular. We enjoyed a few more local walks from just above Hill House and along the Loch which were nice options on rainy days. We spent a day in Glasgow and so enjoyed the vintage shops and botanical gardens and my husband John was thrilled to spend a couple of afternoons fishing in the reservoir up the road. All in all we had a fabulous stay with so much to do and plenty of time for relaxing at home, reading, playing games and eating delicious meals cooked on the Aga. Many thanks for a wonderful week in a home that oozes charm and feels like a castle.

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