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Special Escapes: Self-catering in the UK

Panholes Cottages

Panholes Cottages, Mains of Panholes, Blackford, Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland

Be transported to the timeless beauty of the Ochil Hills, where deer roam and buzzards soar - and a unique barn whose walls have withstood winter's storms for 200 years. The stone exterior gives little away, but the pristine windows, south-facing and winking in the sun, are clues to the luxury within. In the old days a horse would have been harnessed to walk the periphery of the round house, turning the stones that ground the grain… now the loft door upstairs has become the master bedroom's window, overlooking a walled garden with espalliered apples. Bedroom floors are carpeted, pale oak beds are dressed with woollen throws and white linen, and bathrooms have space for multiple sponge bags, spoiling bathrobes and velux windows with magnificent views. Downstairs is the heart of the house: the kitchen - with a heavy connecting door to the as-desirable cottage. Wine, flowers, fruit and Green & Black chocs await on the chunky table, china is simple and white, it's all fabulously equipped, and even chopsticks are provided. As for the round sitting room, 18m in diameter, it fits five immaculate leather sofas with space in between, its neutral décor brought to life with warm throws and simple (unbreakable!) wooden ornaments, books, games and a wonderful basket of toys. A new golf course lies over the single-track road and Ruth, John and three friendly labs live in the farmhouse (adjacent but facing the other way). You couldn't fail to love this place as much as they do.

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Details

Panholes Cottages

Contact: Ruth Hamilton

  • Tel: 01764 682351
  • Sleeps: 4-8 per cottage (12 in total).
  • Rooms: Roundhouse (sleeps 8): 2 doubles (1 with shower), 1 twin, 1 single with bunks for 2, bath & shower room.Barn Cottage (sleeps 4): 1 double with bath & shower, 1 twin with bath & shower.
  • Price: £480 – £1,005. 
  • Closed: Rarely.
  • Changeover: Saturday. Flexible in low season.
Credit cards accepted; most commonly Visa and Mastercard. Children are positively welcomed, with no age restrictions, but cots, high chairs etc are not necessarily available. Within 10 miles of a bus/coach/train station and owner can arrange collection. No smoking anywhere in the house. Well-trained pets are accepted and may sleep in your room (not on the bed). Check when booking. Wireless internet access available for guests.

Checklist

  • Dishwasher
  • Electricity included
  • Washing machine
  • Microwave oven
  • Central heating
  • Mobile reception
  • Television
  • BBQ
  • Beach within 3 miles
  • Cooked meals available
  • Restaurant nearby
  • Short breaks possible
  • Extra bed/cot available
  • Shop within 3 miles

Points of interest

  • Walk or drive to local wild bird breeding lochs and watch a huge variety of wildlife including swans, geese, otters and Roe deer.
  • Spend a day at Stirling, 20 minutes away, visiting the Castle, the Wallace Monument and the site of the Battle of Bannockburn. Children will love the Safari Park at Blair Drummond.
  • Within an hour's drive of Scotland's main cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh both packed with history and shops.
  • Golfers' paradise -10 minutes from Gleneagles and close to many championship and local courses.
  • Experience exquisite food at Andrew Fairlie's restaurant at the Gleneagles Hotel, just 10 minutes away and sample Scottish produce in many fine local restaurants.
  • Numerous outdoor activities nearby including fishing, walking, cycling and a 40 minute drive to Aberfeldy for white water rafting,kayaking, zorbing and Highland safaris.

This information is provided by owners and is not endorsed by ASP. If you have questions about it, please contact the owners.

Panholes Cottages Front view of cottages featuring the roundel.

Front view of cottages featuring the roundel.

Panholes Cottages Open plan dining kitchen with solid oak floor.

Open plan dining kitchen with solid oak floor.

Panholes Cottages The Hayloft bedroom with oak furniture and original watercolours.

The Hayloft bedroom with oak furniture and original watercolours.

Panholes Cottages Looking from the dining room into the vaulted round lounge.

Looking from the dining room into the vaulted round lounge.

Photo captions have been written by the owner or management of Panholes Cottages and are not verified or endorsed by ASP.

Help

Children welcome but cots, high chairs, etc. are not necessarily available.
Guests’ pets can sleep in the bedroom (not on the bed).
Working farm.
Wireless internet access available for guests.
No smoking anywhere in the house.
Full and approved wheelchair facilities.
Tennis court on premises; use may be by arrangement.
Credit cards accepted; most commonly Visa and Mastercard.
Bikes on the premises to hire or borrow.
Swimming pool on the premises; use may be by arrangement.
Within 10 miles of a bus/coach/train station and owner can arrange collection.
At least one bedroom and bathroom accessible without steps.

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