Dog-friendly Scotland

Alexander House is striking. It’s a large property set in a prominent position overlooking Gleneagles and the Perthshire Hills. The house is split into two wings for self-catering holidays. The East Wing is the larger of the two halves of the house and offers a very high standard of accommodation. It’s luxurious throughout and presents a truly special holiday opportunity. It is very comfortable for eight people but caters for up to thirteen. The East Wing is split over three floors, with six bedrooms and five bathrooms.
You enter the East Wing on the ground floor and arrive at the magnificent dining hall which hosts a beautiful circular table ideal for special occasions. The staircase to the first floor leads up from the dining hall, but first, you’re drawn through to more of the ground floor. The inviting drawing room lures you in with its muted reds and green velvets. It’s a spacious room with a large open fire. It also has a cards table and a games cupboard. It’s a space you will want to spend a lot of time in.
Beyond the drawing room is another fantastic space, a huge double-aspect open-plan kitchen, living and dining room. For more relaxed meals it’s here you’ll want to eat because there’s a huge scrubbed pine table. The living space is very comfortable and where the 50” TV is found. The kitchen has everything you’ll want to cook up a storm for relaxed fare or special suppers. The truly special element of this room though is the light coming in from the south-facing courtyard on one side and the expansive views to the north on the other. The design of the room is sublime.
Back to the staircase and up to the first floor you go. This floor is dedicated to sleeping quarters. There are four en-suite bedrooms. A huge kingsize master suite with a lovely large bathroom hosting a freestanding bath. Another kingsize double room with a sleigh bed. And two zip-and-link twin/double rooms. Up again to the second floor and there are two further bedrooms. A twin room and a triple room. There’s also a family bathroom as well as an extra seating area on the landing with a TV. Back down to the ground floor, access to the courtyard from the drawing room and open-plan kitchen, living and dining room. The courtyard is a special space because it’s very sheltered, surprisingly warm and has a heated swimming pool and a hot tub. The rest of the grounds are shared with those in the West Wing which makes up the other half of the spectacular Alexander House.
It’s a spectacular property albeit with a slightly characterful layout. It offers luxury throughout and would make an ideal base for a family exploring this historic part of Scotland. It will also be a fine choice for those looking to golf at nearby Gleneagles and other quality courses in the area. There are also several estates in the area that offer field sports. And for those that simply like to go for a walk or ride their bicycles, you’ll be spoilt for choice of routes.
Located close to the popular town of Aucterarder, minutes from the world-famous Gleneagles, and the charming town of Crieff all nestled in the heart of Scotland’s stunning countryside, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and luxurious amenities. Aucterarder, often affectionately called "Auchter," is a picturesque town brimming with character. Its historic high street is lined with quaint shops, cafes, and traditional Scottish architecture.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 28 guests.

Newly renovated in December 2022 to a luxury standard with a large kitchen boasting top end appliances, stunning new bathrooms with under floor heating, comfortable new bedrooms with lots of storage and an updated living/dining area with three huge sofas and coffee table, a snug with a desk, bean bags and games, and a large dining table with plenty of seating to suit everyone’s needs.
This stunning, detached, lodge property enjoys a peaceful and private location approximately a mile outside the forest village of Nethy Bridge, and makes the perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the northern Highlands. Sitting on the edge of the ancient Scottish Caledonian Forest, the lodge overlooks moorland and mountains with abundant wildlife which includes red squirrels, mountain hares, red and roe deer, and many species of song birds can often be heard in this secluded setting.
Mountain Bear Lodge is 12 miles from Aviemore which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and at the head of the Speyside Way. The whole area boasts a super range of shops, restaurants and bars along with a wide range of outdoor activities including skiing and snowboarding, (Cairngorm Mountains are within an hour’s drive. Glencoe and Glenshee are around 2½ hours’ drive) There is also mountain and quad biking, climbing and hill walking with a variety of water sports available on Loch Insh, Loch Morlich and the River Spey. Take a trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway or visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, the Highland Wildlife Park at nearby Kingussie, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park or the RSPB Reserve at nearby Loch Garten, which are all within easy reach of the lodge.
Visit the testing Spey Valley golf course and the Dalfaber Resort with its wonderful array of leisure activities, or a day trip to the Moray coastline peppered with little fishing villages and beautiful beaches. For the less energetic, sit back in the hot tub set in peaceful garden grounds, relax and unwind. There’s a farm shop, pub and restaurant within 1 mile.

A romantic ‘castle’ in the heart of the Cairngorms; grandeur and cosy are hard to find together but Craigendarroch House combines the two with ease. In truth, a traditional Scottish baronial Villa modelled on Balmoral Castle, Craigandarroch House with turrets and tower was designed by the architect William Smith who also designed Balmoral, a short drive up along Royal Deeside. You’ll find Craigendarroch House traditionally and stylishly decorated with all the convenience of contemporary living for a comfortable family holiday. Every attention to detail has been made, with comfortable seating and dining in the delightful garden, luxury bed linen and towels and even indoor and outdoor bars. From the moment you come through the gates up the sweeping driveway you’ll appreciate the traditional Scottish architecture with the stunning backdrop of Craigendarroch Hill behind the house. Any sprightly visitors must make the effort to walk up and admire the views from the top – a strenuous but short (30-minute) climb.
Whilst the house has all the convenience of being central to the delightful and busy town of Ballater, it also provides total privacy inside and out. Ballater and the surrounding area has a wealth of restaurants and coffee shops, some within easy walking distance, with the benefit of having the Highlands right on your doorstop for exploring further.
The house is exceptionally well maintained, with six large bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms and three further family bathrooms, all with modern fittings and tastefully decorated. Full central heating throughout is extremely efficient – you will be lovely and cosy in winter and there is an open fire in drawing room. The home benefits from large rooms for all the family, but there are smaller rooms for a quiet game of chess or reading in the snug or conservatory. Overlooking the front garden, the drawing room is large and sunny with seating for whole family, ideal for relaxed entertaining with its large fireplace. There is also a formal oak panelled dining room with wall-to-wall books. There is an indoor bar with TV and wine/beer fridges, perfect for having a wee dram while watching Scotland win the rugby!
There is certainly plenty to explore in the stunning surrounding countryside with the glorious river and mountain landscape of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, leisurely walks can be enjoyed along the banks of the river while the adventurous can tackle the region’s famous mountains. There are good opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee Centres during the winter months. Golf is available in Ballater itself, as well as Braemar and Banchory. There are castles and gardens at Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar which are all well worth a visit.
Slightly further afield, the coastal and whisky trails offer the chance to explore the area’s heritage through stunning scenery. In August and September, Highland games are prevalent in all the towns and villages throughout the region. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

This spacious home is ideal for family and friends wishing to share a wonderful holiday or special occasion. Relax in the hot tub or try an invigorating swim in the Rapid River spa, also enjoy the large enclosed garden with swings, a sunken patio, fountain and waterfall. Have fun using the barbecue and lunch alfresco, and make use of the wine fridge in the kitchen. Play the grand piano in the living room with its open fire or take a walk in the 90-acre community woodland. Visit the village park with facilities for all ages. Experience the excellent local activities, golf, salmon and trout fishing, horse racing, riding and ice skating. The Southern Upland Way and St Cuthbert’s Way provide wonderful walking/riding, or explore the spectacular Berwickshire and Northumberland coast. Nearby, Kelso has cobbled streets and interesting local shops, restaurants and pubs. The ancient abbey, gracious town square and beautiful views along the River Tweed may be explored by following the town trail. Ideal for visiting the historic towns of Melrose, Jedburgh and Coldstream, while Edinburgh is only an hour by car. Home made meals, celebration dinners and housekeeping by arrangement. Shop ½ mile, pub 3 miles.

6 bedroom, 5 bath, Vast Sociable Kitchen, Dining, Living Room, Open Fire
Sleeps up to 14
Private Covered Heated Swimming Pool (available 9am to 9pm), Hot Tub
Private Courtyard, with Gas BBQ and outdoor seating
Further Terrace and Lawns with Children's Play area and Spectacular Views
2 dogs welcome (gbp25 per dog cleaning charge)
Self Catering or Catered options apply

Situated on the most accessible of the west coast islands and straddling the Highland Line, this spacious, detached, country house with large deck and its own hot tub, boasts stunning views over the open water and lies in a rural location, just a few yards from the shoreline. Most rooms enjoy sea views, the 6 bedrooms each have a TV, and some have a DVD player. Chandlers is full of elegance and charm and enjoys a cosy snug area with comfy sofas and a bar, which can be stocked to your requirements. The music room has a grand piano, guitars and amps for budding musicians, while the impressive dining room can easily seat 20.
A popular destination for fishing, the inland lochs are popular with anglers for coarse and game fishing. Loch Fad offers the opportunity to fish for rainbow trout, and is only 3 miles away. Relax as you explore the gently, undulating hills, catch glimpses of the wildlife and marvel at the vistas. For such a compact island, Bute offers varied landscapes from the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island’s heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline. A haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, Bute has a wealth of wildlife to spot including feral goats, buzzards and roe deer. Scalpsie Bay which is set against the magnificent backdrop of Arran, is the home of a large colony of seals.
There are many historical sites to visit including the standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St Blane, and the vitrified Iron Age Fort at Dunagoil. Visit the Victorian Gothic mansion of Mount Stuart, the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute, and is open to the public along with its beautiful gardens, Bute Museum, Rothesay Castle and the fabulous gardens of Ascog Hall and Ardencraig.
There are many events throughout the year, including the famous annual Jazz Festival, the spectacular Highland Games, traditional agricultural shows, concerts and art festivals; whatever your interest it can be found on the Isle of Bute.
Catch the ferry for the 5-minute trip to Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula and explore Argyll’s Secret Coast where you have easy access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, or head north to Inverary and beyond. Take the ferry from Portavadie over to Jura and Islay, and Tarbert where you can explore Kintyre. The house is licensed for weddings and many extras can be arranged such as catering, prior to arrival direct with the owner. Beach 40 yards. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles.There is also a loch/sea just 40 yards from the property.

This spacious, detached farmhouse is situated in the village of Tarbolton and has a fabulous external games room. The property is decorated with a Christmas theme during the festive season. Set on a working sheep farm, it lies close to the pretty coastal towns of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick with their numerous shops, eateries and historical places of interest. The property also features a wood-fired pizza oven and a wood pellet BBQ/smoker. For walkers, the Ayrshire Coastal Path is easily accessed and has a fantastic panoramic coastline with views over the sea to the mountains of Arran. The River Ayr Way, a 40 mile ’Source to Sea’ walk is also easily accessed, making this an ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast.

The Galloway Forest Park is a short drive away and is Britain’s largest forest park with three hundred square miles of wild beauty waiting to be explored. The park boasts tranquil valleys, rugged rock faces, forest, moorland, lochs and ancient woodland, as well as a huge diversity of wildlife including red and roe deer, wild goats and many birds of prey. The park has also been awarded the status of one of only four Dark Sky Parks in the western world, and when the sun sets, enthusiasts come to wonder at the universe revealed above.

Dalmellington is home to the Scottish Dark Observatory, which is only a short drive from the property. Ayrshire offers many gardens and castles to visit, and activities such as riding, racing and golf, including the world famous Royal Troon and Turnberry courses which are both close to hand. Fishing can also be found nearby and there are plenty of opportunities for a round of golf. Culzean Castle and Dumfries House are both spectacular and it is well worth booking a tour.

The islands of Cumbrae, Arran and Bute are all easily reached for a day out, while day trips to Ireland can be taken from Cairnryan. There are very good rail links from Ayr for a trip to the cosmopolitan city of Glasgow and also historic Edinburgh. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is an hour’s drive and is well worth a visit. Beach 8 miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1 mile.

With spectacular views over Loch Tay to the surrounding Perthshire countryside, Chapelburn is in a superb location for a family or a group of friends who want to spend time together. Originally a chapel, the building dates back to the 1900s and is located next to the stream and pool where villagers were baptised. Chapelburn is a detached cottage which has undergone a unique and innovative conversion transforming it into a very spacious holiday home. It is the perfect property for guests wanting top quality accommodation, amenities, furnishings and linen in a fabulous location. The hot tub on the elevated decking outside adds to the experience, and taking a plunge in the waterfall fed plunge pool before getting toasty in the sauna will create holiday memories that last. To take full advantage of the south facing location, the decking with clear balustrades is along the full length of the front of the cottage and the ground floor rooms all have doors leading onto the decking with dining table for al fresco dining. The focal point of the cottage is the large open plan living area, furnished to a high standard and a great place for everyone to be together, with an island unit for casual dining or a dining table that can seat eighteen. There is a large TV, extensive DVD collection or bring your own movie collection to stream from your own devices on the 56" TV. Families will also enjoy the added bonus of a 7ft pool table. The well-equipped kitchen area boasts high quality fixtures and fittings and the second living room has a cosy double sided wood burner and comfortable sofas to relax and enjoy the spectacular views. There are also three well-presented bedrooms with patio doors leading onto the decking area. On the first floor, the two further super kingsize bedrooms benefit from balcony windows providing great views. Guests will find plenty of outdoor space with ample garden furniture and a footpath down to the loch side.
There is lots to do in the area and the conservation village of Kenmore at the east end of Loch Tay has a shingle beach and great views down the loch where guests can enjoy water sports, loch cruises or maybe a spot of fishing. There is a local shop, a post office, deli, the oldest inn in Scotland, restaurants and the Cranog, a reconstruction of an Iron Age stilt dwelling built over the water. Kenmore hosts a traditional ceremony each January to mark the opening of the salmon season on the loch. This area is well known for outdoor activities with lots of walking and climbing opportunities available. Fearnan is at one end of the Tay Forest Park and leads to the hamlet of Fortingall, home of the Fortingall Yew, the oldest tree in Europe. At the far end of the loch is Killin and the Falls of Dochart, and a superb drive from here to the Bridge of Balgie leads to the top of Glen Lyon, the longest in Scotland. Golf is widely available throughout the region as well as horse riding, fishing, quad biking, bird-watching and cycling. Guests can take a Highland safari exploring the mountains, spot local wildlife including deer, visit whisky distilleries, historic castles and gardens. Whatever you choose to do during your stay you can rest assured that the luxury of Chapelburn awaits your return. The owners are as proud of the cottage as they are the beautiful countryside it sits in, and will always be pleased to share their extensive knowledge of the endless cycling, mountain biking, hiking and water sports that are all around Chapelburn. Shop 4 miles, pub and restaurant 2 miles.

This spacious detached house, with large enclosed gardens, is situated in the popular traditional market town of Castle Douglas, known as Scotland’s Food Town, only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. This unspoilt area of south west Scotland offers magnificent scenery, some of the finest beaches and golf courses in Scotland, riding, fishing and water sports.
An excellent area for walkers and cyclists with Dalbeattie 7Stanes a mere 10 minutes away. The Galloway Forest Park offers fantastic scenery and wildlife and the Galloway Hills are within easy reach. For those with young children there are also a number of great days out on the doorstep including Cream o’ Galloway, an amusement park on a working dairy farm, 15 miles, and The Cocobean Company, with childrens play area and chocolate workshop, 9 miles away.
If arts and culture are a passion, a quick glance at the surroundings will see exactly why the region has inspired so many artists, writers and craftsmen, from the artist’s town of Kirkcudbright, the region’s infamous Spring Fling, Eden Festival, Electric Fields Festival and Knockengorroch Festival are amongst many other events that take place all year round. The Solway coast has many extensive sandy beaches and rocky coves to explore, with many traditional fishing villages and harbour ports. Kirkcudbright, the artists’ town, has art galleries, antique shops, museums and shops while Castle Douglas has many artisan food shops, galleries and independent shops. Beach 12 miles. Shop 250 yards, pub and restaurant 400 yards.
Just when you think this property can’t get any better, it will undergo impressive renovation from January - March 2023, including a new fitted kitchen; new bifold doors from the kitchen, a raised patio area, a brand new WC room downstairs and the removal of the current sitting area to create a large open plan living space, perfect for all of your family and friends.