Notes from the host
2/1 Cottage with Outdoor Space
Delightful cottage in Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Barn Cottage is to be found tucked down a secluded private farm estate road, just metres from the centre of the bustling highland village of Killin at the south end of Loch Tay. The property couldn't be better located surrounded by beautiful woodland scenery and against the dramatic backdrop of the Falls of Dochart and the mountains beyond. As the name suggests, the property was originally a 200 year old stone barn but has been converted to provide a modern, very well equipped self catering base. It's the perfect get away for those who love the great outdoors or an idyllic place to relax and enjoy the unique and wonderful riverside gorge setting. Killin is close to being at the very geographical centre of Scotland so the location gives you access to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling and Perth as well as fantastic countryside.
Inside, this holiday cottage has been modernised to create a relaxed homely atmosphere with everything you need for a happy self-catering holiday. The property has been sympathetically converted to provide quirky upside down accommodation with the bright and airy living quarters on the first floor thoughtfully making best use of the amazing views of the white water rapids and pools. Indeed otters have been spotted fishing in the pools from the window. The original 'hayloft' now forms a contemporary open-plan kitchen/dining/lounge with every convenience and once where the hay was pitched, there's now a little juliet balcony catching the morning sun with views onto the much admired burn.
Downstairs there are two cosy bedrooms (one double, one twin with additional trundle bed), a shower room with WC and underfloor heating. All rooms have electric panel heaters. The heated porch offers a place to dry off wet coats, ski gear, wellies and dogs. Wifi, several smart tvs with dvd player, and loads of great films are provided, as well as a great range of books and information. Board games and a Wii with games are to be found in the toy boxes.
There are two private garden areas and plenty of parking with only one other holiday cottage as neighbour and a working farm at the end of the lane. To the front, the garden is gravelled and is spacious enough for kids and dog to run around. The other smaller pretty patio garden area makes a perfect place to sit and enjoy the view and the squirrels. A burn tumbles through the garden plunging down into the river beyond and the sound of the water is mesmerising (it can be noisy too after heavy rains and care should be taken with children when the river is in spate). Both areas have patio furniture for alfresco dining options or bbq.
Step out of the door and enjoy lovely walks along the adjacent wooded river bank or follow the path past the ancient standing stone circle through breathtaking scenery steeped in history and heritage. There are sheep and horses grazing and an abundance of other wildlife. You can also stroll to beautiful Loch Tay with its crannogs and picnic on the sandy banks. The pretty Victorian town of Killin itself is charming, blessed with the famed scenic Falls of Dochart at its centre, and with period stone villas and cottages lining the main street and spread out beyond. Killin's setting with the Falls rushing into the loch and people kitted out in hiking gear for a day on the hills gives the village an almost alpine flavour. In summer, visitors spill out from the local inn, beer in hand, admiring the Falls and children are thrilled at being able to clamber over the rocks. There are a range of eateries, gift shops, local Coop supermarket, many pubs, tennis and golf courses, moorings, riding - all great resort amenities. The lively village community host regular events, the pubs have live music and special mention should be given to the Killin Highland Games, Music Festival and Hogmanay Festivities.
The outdoor centre offers canoe and bike hire but many people come for the fine walks around the mighty mountains and glens. Ben Lawyers rises above Loch Tay and many other munros or less taxing strolls abound. Killin is also a destination on the N7 Sustrans Glasgow to Inverness route via the impressive Glen Ogle.
Scotland's original iconic Glencoe ski centre is less than 45 mins drive with all facilities there. It is also possible to visit the capital, Edinburgh, Oban and Loch Ness or even a west coast island for the day.
