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.

A simply outstanding country house close to Fraserburgh in the heart of Abderdeenshire. Period property. Extensive. Private location. Woodburning stoves. Lonmay 1.6 miles; Fraserburgh 5.1 miles; Peterhead 12.5 miles; Portsoy 34.7 miles.

An impressive, Victorian detached holiday home resting on the outskirts of Dunkeld, Perthshire. Games room. Expansive grounds. Off-road parking. Blairgowrie 9.9 miles; Perth 14.4 miles; Pitlochry 15.8 miles.

Originally a retreat, this semi-detached shorefront property offers spacious accommodation. It has a hot tub for six, enjoys fantastic views over the Firth of Clyde and offers the perfect venue for special occasions or large parties.

Situated on the Ayrshire coast only a short walk from the shore, it lies close to the bustling town of Largs with its shops, restaurants and promenade. It is ideally located to explore the islands of Cumbrae, Arran and the Isle of Bute. Ferries also run to Dunoon and the Cowal Peninsula, giving access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Ayrshire offers a varying coastline with villages, beaches and rocky coves to explore, and is a perfect location for cyclists and walkers - Skelmorlie heralds the start of the Ayrshire Coastal Path, a 100-mile long coastal walk. Inland, there is walking, cycling, gardens and castles to visit, riding, fishing, racing and a choice of golf courses, including the world famous Turnberry. Culzean Castle Country Park, extending over 550 acres, has a network of wooded trails passing along the beach. Glasgow and Edinburgh are easily reached for a day trip, with rail links available from the town. Beach 100 yards. Shop 500 yards, pub 600 yards and restaurant 6 miles.
The Wee Nunnery can be booked together with The Old Nunnery (UK5250).

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 traditional lodge house in rural location near Dornie and the Kyle of Lochalsh on the beautiful west coast of Scotland. Close to the sea. Open fires. Pet-friendly. Spacious. Letterfearn 0.4 miles; Kintail 8.1 miles; Dornie 13 miles; Kyle of Lochalsh 18.3 miles.

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.

A fascinating fusion unfurls inside an Edwardian Castle in the form of this apartment. Hidden down a private drive in deep Scottish countryside, at first glance, the apartment is grandly presented inside a 19th-century castle, but a closer inspection reveals contemporary features dovetailed into the original design, cleverly expanding the space and light to create a luxury, self-catering homestay that’s bespoke down to the last detail. Please be sure to request the right number of bedrooms by reserving for the correct number of guests. Four bedrooms have kingsize beds, and two bedrooms have single beds. Three bathrooms contain bath and shower, and three bathrooms contain shower only.
Traditional vintage charm combines with boutique flair inside, with many secret spots to sit and absorb the tranquil grounds. Every effort has been made to preserve original features of the castle, including the stripped-back blond hardwood floor, and the art deco spiral stairs case from a Glaswegian company at the height of its industrial heyday. History buffs will particularly delight at the original furniture, art works and artifacts dotted throughout the space. With its double-floor loft style, the apartment will appeal to those with passion for architecture and history. Persian rugs cover the gorgeous reclaimed wood floor, original to the castle. An arcadia mural stands prominently in the living room and family space. Mid-century leather sofa and gold coffee table, alongside leather rocking chairs and an upcycled wood burner will make sure you lounge in true Mad-Men style. A modern kitchen with muted jade colours and breakfast bar will encourage lengthy lingerings alongside poached eggs. With a nod to mid-century inspiration, ghost chairs around the dining area opens up the space to connect the kitchen and the living area. Six bedrooms make slumberous havens. Plush wall-to-wall carpets are throughout the top floor, alongside four bathrooms. The collection of beds in the apartment is definitely something to write home about: Italianate canopy bed, 18th-century antique mahogany single beds, linen-upholstered and brass-studded rococo bed, and the grand colonial style reclaimed wood bed will ensure the sweetest sleeps.
The historic Edwardian castle estate lies in the heart of picturesque Portpatrick. 2000 acres of glen walks, forests, beaches, lochs, gardens and waterfalls to explore. The Castle Apartment is completely self-contained with its own private courtyard and entrance. The walled garden with its glass house is a romantic and peaceful retreat on the estate. Two lochs nestle into the hills and rhododendron banks. Wander along the glen walk past a rushing waterfall, and a babbling brook, to the two beaches to spot dolphins and seals. Dunskey Golf Course and the picturesque Portpatrick Harbour is two minutes away. Fishing expeditions from the beaches or on our two lochs are available. We will be available to assist in any way we can throughout your stay. Portpatrick Village has a public tennis court, putting green, golf course, beaches, and many restaurants. It is a very family-friendly destination. Parking is available throughout the estate. A car is highly recommended for the area. Wellies are highly recommended for the walks around the ground.
The Royal Castle Apartment can be booked together with Rose Blair Lodge (ref UK31045), Wild Geese Lodge (ref UK31046) and Fern Forest House (ref UK31047) and Fawn’s Velvet (ref UK7261) to accommodate up to 30 guests.

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.