Luxury Self-catering, holiday cottages, vacation rentals, Perthshire, Scotland: Holiday Cottages

Showing posts with label Holiday Cottages. Show all posts

Monday, 8 July 2013

A List Scottish Hollywood Actor and and other native species captured by Briar Cottages Guests

Deer spotted in the garden by R White

Double rainbow over Briar Cottage from Briar Steading- A Mackenzie

Fraser and I are always humbled by the magnificent photographs and helpful comments that guests take time to send to us and for TripAdvisor and Holiday Lettings review pages. New guests often comment that reviews and pictures help them to match what they desire from a holiday and location. Thank you to everyone who has given me permission to use their pictures on my blog and social media sites. Some guests use professional cameras that can capture the ospreys in flight, for example, however we are delighted to see all photos even if they are taken on a mobile phone.

Briar Steading guests meet Gerard Butler at The Four Seasons Hotel, Loch Earn by Fareshta

Guests have captured deer, ospreys and other birds. Last weeks guests managed to photograph a native species that was very special indeed. Having journeyed from Bahrain for their first family holiday in Scotland, they asked where they should go locally to experience Scottish salmon that was "beautifully cooked with a nice recipe" They had already been wowed by the tasty food at MHOR84 in Balquhidder so I suggested The Four Seasons Hotel at St Fillans overlooking Loch Earn. They were pleased with the recommendation and enjoyed their meal, however there was a bonus surprise. The sons in the family spotted a familiar face in the restaurant. They told their parents that an A list Hollywood actor was in the restaurant. The parents were sure that they must be mistaken, however the waitress confirmed that it was indeed Gerard Butler. He was made aware of their presence and invited them to have a chat after dinner. Even better, he kindly posed with them for the photograph shown. This was their first family holiday in Scotland. They feel very lucky to have met one of Scotland's most successful actors who was approachable and generous with his time in the true spirit of Scottish hospitality.

Some more wonderful guest pics!

Osprey fishing Loch Earn -Merediths

Panoramic View from Briar Steading by S Paton

View from west gable, Briar Steading- Meridiths

Meridith family enjoy Loch Earn from garden

TripAdvisor Comments:



25 May 2013	Utterly perfect	5 of 5 stars
18 May 2013	Little Briar Cottage	5 of 5 stars
19-Apr-13	The best cottage view in Scotland	5 of 5 stars
05-Feb-13	Excellent, Cannot Fault It	5 of 5 stars
11 Dec 2012	Great wee cottage in perfect location	5 of 5 stars
10 Dec 2012	5-star accommodation and hosts	5 of 5 stars
19 Nov 2012	Will take your breath away!	5 of 5 stars
27-Oct-12	Cosy cottage, picturesque views and...	5 of 5 stars
05-Sep-12	Beautiful setting, lovely accommodation...	5 of 5 stars
29-Jul-12	Just what the doctor ordered	5 of 5 stars
24-Jul-12	Wonderful holiday at Briar Cottages	5 of 5 stars
20-Jul-12	Marvellous place!	5 of 5 stars
20-Jul-12	What a place!	5 of 5 stars
27 May 2012	Bliss!	5 of 5 stars
21 Mar 2012	Simply the best!	5 of 5 stars
17 Nov 2011	Superb Accommodation, location and Hosts	5 of 5 stars
05-Nov-11	It's the real deal	5 of 5 stars
26-Sep-11	Can't wait to go back	5 of 5 stars
25-Sep-11	Excellent holiday	5 of 5 stars
08-Sep-11	Lovely place high quality accommodation	5 of 5 stars
06-Sep-11	Can't wait to be back!	5 of 5 stars
27 Aug 2011	We wish we were still there.	5 of 5 stars
07-Aug-11	Plan to return!	5 of 5 stars
03-Aug-11	Yet again superb ready to book for the...	5 of 5 stars
11-Jul-11	Absolutely stunning - could not be...	5 of 5 stars
04-Jul-11	A truly wonderful wee break	5 of 5 stars
06-Jun-11	The best	5 of 5 stars
05-Jun-11	I don't want to go home	5 of 5 stars
05-Jun-11	What an amazing place! Kim and Frazer...	5 of 5 stars
04-Jun-11	I don't want to go home	5 of 5 stars
17-Apr-11	Perfect holiday	5 of 5 stars
29 Mar 2011	Perfect weekend away!	5 of 5 stars
27-Feb-11	perfect	5 of 5 stars
05-Jan-11	Fabulous cottage with beautiful...	5 of 5 stars
05-Jan-11	I wish I was there now	5 of 5 stars
13 Nov 2010	Ideal break	5 of 5 stars
19-Oct-10	Everything just right and better	5 of 5 stars
19-Sep-10	An unforgettable experience	5 of 5 stars
30 Aug 2010	Too good to miss	5 of 5 stars
01-Aug-10	So relaxing, can I come again	5 of 5 stars
22-Jul-10	Lovely wee cottage in beautiful location	5 of 5 stars
03-Jul-10	Simply the best cottage, hosts and...	5 of 5 stars
19-Jun-10	Chance travellers	5 of 5 stars
29-Apr-10	An exceptional holiday for the whole...	5 of 5 stars
05-Apr-10	Great break [Again!!!]	5 of 5 stars
03-Mar-10	a wee piece of heaven	5 of 5 stars
25-Oct-09	Great location at any time	5 of 5 stars
02-Sep-09	Best of the best.	5 of 5 stars
05-May-09	THE PERFECT GETAWAY	5 of 5 stars
16 Mar 2009	A wonderful view - the best of hosts too	5 of 5 stars
27-Feb-09	What holidays are meant to be...	5 of 5 stars
22-Feb-09	A perfect retreat in a postcard...	5 of 5 stars
04-Jan-09	Better than advertised	5 of 5 stars
28-Sep-08	A Taste Of Scotland	5 of 5 stars
23-Sep-08	Fantastic accommodation in a stunning...	5 of 5 stars
15-Sep-08	Loved our stay	4 of 5 stars
22-Jun-08	Lovely Cottages On Loch Erin.	5 of 5 stars

“Location, Location, Location!!”

My wife and I and two friends have just returned from a long, bank holiday weekend at Briar Stedding (the larger of the two cottages) under the Briar Cottage banner.

Hosts Kim and Fraser... more

08 May 2013

“Fantastically welcoming and with a view”

This is a brilliant place to stay, the view over the loch, and the comfort of the cottage plus the friendly welcome and help received. A stag was a regular visitor, along with many birds including an... more

Response:
Fraser and I are delighted that you enjoyed the comfort and scenery that Briar Steading offers and it was a pleasure to have you here. We are lucky to offer an all year round scenic destination... more

26 Jan 2013

“If you look up tranquillity in the dictionary you will see a picture of Briar Cottages”

2 couples stayed for the weekend in mid January and loved everything about the place. A modern well equipped cottage that was immaculately clean. What can I say about the views, just loved sitting... more

Response:
Thank you very much. We are delighted that you enjoyed the experience and comforts of Briar Steading on your short break. We loved your dictionary reference. Look forward to welcoming you back to... more

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

New Lochearnhead Circular Bus Journey linking Breadalbane and Strathearn Country

Loch Earn, Lochearnhead on The Ring of Breadalbane Explorer route

A new summer tourist bus "The Ring of Breadalbane Explorer" will offer holiday cottage guests of Briar Cottages self catering in Lochearnhead and holidaymakers in the surrounding regions a fantastic opportunity to be driven around some of the most scenic routes, popular attractions and mountains in this naturally beautiful area. The bus service started by The Breadalbane Co-operative will be operated by Kingshouse Travel of Balquhidder. The hop on and off service links Lochearnhead, Killin, Kenmore, Weem, Aberfeldy, Crieff, Comrie and St Fillans together for the very first time, in one continuous loop. The area will have tremendous appeal to visitors who can leave the car behind and explore, eat and do outdoor sports at their leisure covering a large territory of Perthshire and Stirlingshire for just £9 a day or £15 for a 2 day ticket. Its great news for locals too! Whether you are into sight seeing and exploring, photography, eating, walking, cycling, wildlife watching, munro bagging or fishing, each of the points along the route offers plenty to see and do including; the Rob Roy Way, The Lochearnhead Water Sports centre, fishing points, hotels, Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin, Cycle Route 7, The falls of Dochart, village walks, Killin Golf Club, Ben Lawers and its Hotel, The Crannog centre and oldest Inn in Scotland at Kenmore, Highland Safaris, gold panning and a deer centre near Weem, The Birks of Aberfeldy, A stunning drive through the Small Glen past Amulree, The Glenturrett Whisky Distillery and visitor centre at Crieff, Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre and coffee shop at Comrie, Boat Hire, hotels and a Golf Club at St Fillans - then back to Lochearnhead. These are just a few of the attractions that each area has to offer. I cant wait to try it myself. Launching on 17th July 2012 there will be six circular journeys per day offered 4 days per week and the full circle is estimated to take 3 hours. There will be leaflets in Briar Steading and Little Briar Cottages here for our guests however more details of the timetable can be accessed by facebook users at http://www.facebook.com/breadalbaneexplorer now.

The service will run throughout the summer on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays until 16th September for this year. Dont forget your cameras folks!

Thursday, 21 June 2012

TripAdvisor 2012 Winner and Certificate of Excellence 5 out of 5 for Briar Cottages, Lochearnhead

Fraser and I are delighted to have received a "2012 Winner" Certificate Of Excellence rated 5.0 out of 5.0 for Briar Cottages from TripAdvisor for the second year running. We would like to say a huge thank you to all of our guests who have taken time to give us feedback; verbally, in our guest book and on review sites like TripAdvisor. We are aware of the time that it takes and that your descriptions, suggestions and photographs help other people decide on accommodation that is best suited to their parties number, budget, requirements and taste. TripAdvisor is an excellent forum which we use ourselves and it encourages businesses like ours to keep working at improving our facilities and services.

We received a letter of congratulations from Christine Petersen, The President of TripAdvisor for Business that we would like to share with you as follows: "

Director
Briar Cottages
Lochearnhead
FK19 8PU
United Kingdom

The Certificate of Excellence
A Testament to Your High Standards

TripAdvisor has become the worlds largest travel site by recognising the power of travellers feedback and today, we're proud to recognise Briar Cottages for earning exceptional ratings over the past year.

The certificate of Excellence honours businesses that consistently earn top ratings from TripAdvisor travellers.

With a rating of 5.0, Briar Cottages has earned a place among the very best

This award, which is given only to the most exceptional performers in TripAdvisor's global business community, is a significant achievement deserving recognition, from both travellers and staff. We hope that you will proudly display the enclosed certificate for everyone to see....

Congratulations again and we look forward to working with you to build a successful 2012.

Best wishes

Christine Petersen
President, TripAdvisor for Business "

______________________________________

Our very best wishes

Kim and Fraser
http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/
Twitter @Briarcottages
01567 830 443

..

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Briar Birthday, Summer House, Sloe Gin and Scotland Hour news from Lochearnhead

Set for Dinner in Briar Steading

Christmas Tree, Briar Cottages loch garden

Happy Birthday: Briar Steading is already one as we approach the Christmas Holidays. The luxury cottage's first guests have re booked to celebrate New Year. Both cottages are booked for Hogmanay. Just as well I got everyone tickets for the Lochearnhead village party in the hall as they sold out in 4 hours. There is an excellent prize raffle with gifts donated by local businesses like St Fillans Golf Club, The Lochearnhead Hotel, Lix Toll petrol Station, Glenample Estates Venison and more. I should know as I am the volunteer fund raiser for the event.

Pet Friendly Christmas: We still have pet friendly cottage availability for Christmas week if anyone wants a festive break in Little Briar. Cosy up in our cottage for 2-4. We put a tree and lights into the cottage with some festive wine and smackery.

Summer House in Winter:The garden on the banks of Loch Earn gives a lot of pleasure. We improved the summer house this year with a dining table and chairs new games and pictures on the wall. Guests love the area to; watch wildlife and Loch Earn, listen to iPods using the docking station, read and generally relax.

Fishing Loch Earn by Paul Patchett

One fishing guest sticks his rod into a pole on the jetty then reads his paper in the summer house. Not everyone's idea of fishing but it suits him. He dozes off and occasionally stirs to share lunch with the friendly mallards (and their ducklings in spring).

Ducklings eat oats at Briar Cottages

Some of you have met neighbouring villagers in our summer house. When Fraser puts the cocktail flag up it means "visitors welcome" for a glass or two or three or more!

Sloe Gin: Anyone staying here is welcome to pick our berries in different seasons. There are 3 blackcurrant bushes behind Little Briar, a cherry tree, gooseberry bush, brambles lining the boundary fences and sloe berry trees in the rear paddock. Aside from fruit crumbles I have laid down fruit gin, vodka and Bacardi. All you do is add one third spirit, one third sugar and one third berries (prick or squeeze the berries first) in a bottle. Shake the bottle once a day for about a week until the sugar dissolves then let the alcohol turn into berry coloured nectar before your eyes. They make delicious liqueurs if left 3-6 months or more. A great Christmas present idea too. We already tried the blackcurrant gin made early August. Decant the alcohol first and then use any edible berries like blackcurrants to accompany a pudding.

Social Media Have you seen my facebook business page? I also have a presence on Twitter @Briar Cottages if you want to follow what’s on around Briar Cottages and Lochearnhead. If you like our website www.stayatbriar.co.uk please click the +1 button on our homepage as every vote helps us to be found amidst a sea of a million other self catering holiday cottage accommodation sites in the world. Thank you for all the delightful feedback and photos on TripAdvisor which is really useful for us and helpful for new guests. It is never too late to provide feedback. If you use a mobile phone to search for accommodation, our website is adapted for mobile use with an app from lovetoescape and we can easily be found on Google Maps under Holiday Cottages Scotland.

Loch Earn by Briar Cottages guests Alex and Brenda Geddes

#Scotlandhour: If you want to follow Scottish tourism in general, get on to Twitter during #Scotlandhour between 9-10pm on the last Wednesday of every month. How appropriate that it lands on St Andrews Day, 30th November this month. Join Scotland’s travel writers, accommodation providers, outdoor sports businesses, photographers, social media gurus, tourism associations, tour operators, food and drink specialists, Visit Scotland and more. Whether you live and work in Scotland, enjoy travelling, are planning to visit in the near future or just have a burning question relating to Scotland you can ask questions live on Twitter or follow the tweets and images about all things Scottish. I will be on line to promote Lochearnhead and its neighbouring villages around Loch Earn.

It has been raining more than a bit of late, making this the perfect time to come and see The Falls of Dochart, Edinample Falls and the incredible burn (stream) that Fraser has landscaped which runs the length of our garden.

Look out for late availability offers if you want to experience Briar Cottages for a short break in December www.stayatbriar.co.uk and please note that we are offering £50 vouchers for petrol to spend in our local garage Lix Toll when you book a week in Briar Steading for 2012 before the end of 2011 (Does not apply to existing bookings and can not be taken in conjunction with other offers).

Sunday, 10 July 2011

Lochearnhead Photographer's Virtual Cottage Images To Represent Scotland

Looking to luxury cottage Briar Steading via the garden on Loch Earn

Photographer Alistair Barclay of Alba Virtual Tours in Lochearnhead has been selected to represent virtual tour images of self catering holiday accommodation in Scotland by The Virtual Cottage Company on its new website. Alistair has chosen his 360 degree virtual tour of luxury Briar Steading cottage overlooking Loch Earn to showcase his work. Promoting a directory of self catering properties in the UK that uses 360 degree virtual tour technology; The Virtual Cottage Company's new website aims to help holiday makers match properties with their wish list.  Richard and Julie Scutt who are behind the innovative website believe that virtual tours offer everyone an opportunuity to view a property as if they were present. Guests no longer have to be surprised by the layout and setting of their holiday accommodation on arrival.

Briar Steading owner Kim Proven says "I have taken many photographs of the holiday cottages and the grounds around Loch Earn They are available to view on various websites including Flickr, Picasa, Google Maps and Facebook. Guests are very complimentary about my amateur snaps however I would love to stitch them all together to show the bigger picture.  Alba Virtual Tours 360 degree images are the answer for me. A virtual tour may not allow you to smell the fresh air and hear the birds or the sea plane landing in front of the garden but it does concentrate your mind on the important detail in your list of essential and desirable features and benefits when booking self catering accommodation. It's a great idea to search a directory of virtual tour accommodation in one spot. I am delighted with Alistair Barclays work and I also wish The Virtual Cottage Company all the best with its new website."

Alistair Barclay of Alba Virtual Tours offers a range of standard and specialist photography services within the tourism industry. Services include virtual tours, panoramic and ariel photography and floor plans for  hotels, self catering holiday cottages, bed and breakfasts and other accommodation businesses in Scotland.

Sunday, 19 June 2011

Golf crazy or Crazy Golf? There is something for everyone around Loch Earn

Do you play golf on holiday or are you a fun putter? Self catering at Briar Cottages may be just the ticket. There is something for everyone here whether you are in training for the Ryder Cup 2014 or looking for ways to entertain family and friends on holiday. If you are easily pleased then putting on our loch side lawn might satisfy your needs. We put 4 flags into the grass and supply putters and balls. You will see them on our new 360 degree virtual tour of Briar Steading our luxury Perthshire cottage. Hit the ball nearest to the flag. What could be easier. Of course the lie of the land depends on the angle that Fraser has cut and rolled the grass. A lot depends on visiting ducks too as they tend to nod off on the green once fed. I make it sound more like an obstacle course or worse an assault course..."look out daffy!" Oh and watch out for that other course hazard...its called Loch Earn.

There is a set of boule and toy croquet in the summer house if you fancy a change. If you are rained off, shelter in the summer house and have a game of Jenga or extra large connect 4. If that is not mad enough for you then try the crazy golf course at Achingarrich wildlife park near Comrie, 14 miles East on the A85. Not only an innovative park full of interesting animals and birds but a childrens playground and picnic spot too with a restaurant on site. Neighbouring village Killin has a fun putting green near the bowling green in the main park in the centre. For the discerning golfer, Killin Golf club is a beautiful 9 hole golf course at the other end of the village. The clubhouse is run by a charming couple that will pander to your every needs with a smile. St Fillans golf club is at the east end of Loch Earn. A very pretty course and said to be local Masters champion Sandy Lyle's favourite inland course...according to a quote that he gave to Golf World magazine recently. According to the St Fillans GC website it is also said to be popular with Sir Ian Botham. Like Killin, St Fillans is a very welcoming course thanks to those that run it and the regulars who welcome visitors and holiday makers with open arms. The clubhouse food is excellent value too. If you are keen to play a few courses in this area look up the Perthshire Green Card offering discounts for 5 rounds and 3 rounds at selected 18 hole courses in the area. The Perthshire Highland Ticket is great value too and can be used at 12 of the 9 hole courses in the area, including St Fillans, Comrie, Crieff, Killin and Kenmore. Play 5 days of golf at £65 or 3 days at £40! Check individual club terms as some may not agree to the ticket being used at weekends. Well if thats not enough then Gleneagles is only 29 miles away, Loch Lomond 45 minutes and only 60 miles to the Old Course at St Andrews or courses in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Merely a day trip away in any direction. Loch Earn is so central that it makes an excellent base for touring places and attractions in Scotland in an easy day trip. If you are on holiday with a golfer but its not your thing you might consider water sports, quad biking, zorbing, horse riding, forest walks, cycling or Munro climbing. You night prefer to hire a Ferarri or Aston Martin locally or a jeep safari in the hidden glen at Balquhidder. It is also perfectly okay just to relax and read or take in the stunning views around our 3 acre grounds. Ask for a shot of our hot tub if you want the ultimate in relaxation...zzzzzzzzzzzz!

Monday, 16 May 2011

Luxury Self Catering Experience - 3 nights at Briar Steading for just £25 per head!

Stunning views south over Loch Earn from Briar Steading open lounge

Late availability. Briar Steading is available this Saturday 21st May for 3 nights only. This is the perfect opportunity to try the new build luxury cottage for just £300 instead of the list price of £560. That's only £25 per person per night if 2 couples or a family of 4 share. Both bedrooms offer en suite bathrooms separated by a 26ft open living area. Check in 4pm on the 21st May and check out 11am on the 24th. Sorry no pets. Only 60 miles from Edinburgh and Glasgow. 30 miles on M9 to Junction 10 and then the A84 All the way to Lochearnhead.

Integrated kitchen and dining area

Wall for sitting aound the fire pit looking to patio furniture

Self catering cottage guests can fish from the garden, launch a small boat and pick up a mooring. There are 2 hotels and 2 water sports centres within 200m. See Briar Cottages on Trip Advisor for latest reveiws. Phone Kim: 01567 830 443 now to book or with any other queries.

Tuesday, 25 January 2011

My Funny Valentine Days

Crazy path to the jetty in the loch garden

Patio doors in lounge and both bedrooms

With Valentines Day looming I got to thinking about one of my favourite songs. My Funny Valentine has been performed by many a star; Frank Sinatra, Elvis Costello, Judy Garland, Miles Davis and Chet Baker spring to mind. I have performed it myself on many an occasion in my song performing days with easy listening band Diminished Fifth. Valentines Day is the nations official celebration of romance however I have to share that my funny valentine husband Fraser is romantic most of the year. Its the way he makes me laugh and those little things when you least expect it that do it for me. For example, any time that we are away from each other overnight I find lovely wee messages in my suitcase if I am away and under my pillow if he is away. I am not giving away all of our secrets but it is fair to say that we are romantic 364 days of the year. Yes, we have a day off on Valentines Day. Both cottages in Perthshire are available for anyone who wants to treat a loved one around February 14th. Cuddle up in front of the woodburning stove in our luxury new build cottage Briar Steading, with a bottle of Champagne and chocolates that we will provide for your arrival. There is an Ipod docking station so you can bring your own idea of mood music with you. Or choose Little Briar cottage and accept a complimentary bottle of Prosecco. Both cottages face south over Loch Earn and there is nothing like the view on a moonlit or starry night. Remember we will be on our romantic day off so my funny valentine and yours truly will be more than happy to prepare the hot tub for your romantic break. 01567 830 443 to book or enquire.

Tuesday, 11 January 2011

Happy New Year from Briar Cottages Scotland - for stargazers, wildlife watchers, romantics and those who like a wee dram at Hogmanay followed by a BBQ on the 1st January!

Happy New year from Kim and Fraser in bonnie Lochearnhead, Scotland. A big thank you to everyone who stayed in Little Briar cottage in 2010 and to our first guests in our luxury holiday cottage, Briar Steading over the festive period. The Hogmanay village party was a sell out. A good laugh and a few wee drams were had by all. We are delighted that our guests have secured a booking for this years event. Both couples can testify that we really do have a barbecue on 1st January outside in the loch garden. We had fireworks this year too. Anyone who enjoyed BBC Two Stargazing live will appreciate the location we are in. There are no street lights polluting the natural light in our section of the road. It means that you see everything on a clear night and can enjoy the moon rising and setting. You need the cottage torch on dark nights as it is pitch black without the moon, though temporary search lights do come on around the cottages. Fireworks are a spectacular contrast to the night skies over Loch Earn. A friend bought multiple fireworks from Lidl this year. You only light them once and they pop off about 30 fireworks. I have to say that they were first class, excellent value and we would use them again. For those of you who are aware that we have a 17th century thatched cottage on the grounds; I promise we were careful! Briar Steading is booked however Little Briar cottage is there for the booking if you like a weeks holiday for 2-4 with a party atmosphere around New Year. Any dogs would have to stay indoors for the fireworks bit of course.

Winter has been glorious here. Lochearnhead is stunning when the snow falls. Fraser and I could not resist trying out the sledge from the top of the garden. I would encourage any age group to have a go. We have had regular visits from a herd of deer and a stag this winter. They come down in search of food and water when it gets colder. I am a great fan of BBC Springwatch and Autumnwatch however they sometimes go off on a mission hoping for a glimpse of something. Our first guests sat looking out of the full length windows of Briar Steading and the deer came down most nights almost performing in front of them. I wish I had a better camera, photogaphy skills and a webcam here. Summer watch and winter watch are just as entertaining at Briar Cottages. We can get close to the malard ducklings in spring. They literally eat out of your hand as does the robin in winter. The robin gets very close to Fraser, usually because he is digging up insects and worms as he weeds. It did fly into our bedroom in the spring which is maybe a bit too familiar. A brave attempt but it failed to mark its territoy in our boudoir as we politely showed it the door... or was it the window. An otter has been digging a shelter under our jetty stairs and ospreys catch fish in front of us on the loch all summer. Eagles, owls, red kites, cranes, red squirrels and other creatures can be spotted all year round. This is a great venue for wildlife and bird watching throughout the picturesque seasons. Now that Briar Steading is up and running we can concentrate on landscaping around it. We have plans to put in some trees shrubs and flowers however we better double check that they are not in a deers top 10 favourite things to eat or it will be an annual event.

If you are interested in booking either or both cottages please check our website and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions briarinfo@btinternet.com, Tel Kim or Fraser: 44 (0)1567 830 443, Mob: 07876 122 505, http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/

Thursday, 25 November 2010

Luxury cottage launched in time for Christmas and New Year in Scotland

Luxury Briar Steading reflecting Loch Earn

At last we can announce Briar Steading our luxury holiday cottage with the best views south over Loch Earn in the village of Lochearnhead. You have to experience it to believe it. The interior furnishings are based around mixed shades of blonde to dark wood with soft furnishings in a range of cream, taupe, tan, brown and black. These complement the warm tan hues of the seam of rock that we uncovered behind the house. They also work well with the local stone that has been used in the hearth around the wood burning stove. The same stone was used for the garden walls and front of the house as it was to renovate Briar and Little Briar Cottages within the three acre gardens. The rock face behind the house is made more impressive by water cascading down it from the hills. In fact a geologist will probably be able to read time lines into the layers of slate and stone with intermittent calcite and quartz. A visiting Cree Indian once told us that volcanic rock and quartz is usually in evidence around gold. We know that gold has been found around this region for centuries but alas not in our garden so far!

Stunning views of Loch Earn from the lounge

We have organised the last of the stone walls in the garden to be finished within 2 weeks. This means that we can take bookings for Christmas and New Year. I would not mind staying over the festive period myself come to think. The views are second to none thanks to the full glass patio doors in the lounge and the bedrooms and Loch Earn is just 70 metres away. Guests will be able to wake up to an ever changing picture looking out to the loch from the bedrooms. Both bedrooms have their own en-suite facilities so couples, friends and families will be able to have their own space. The King bedroom is at the East gable and the twin room at the West with the open living space separating them. The master room has an ensuite with a Mira shower over the steel bath and the twin room has a large walk in wet room area both with gloss marble effect wall and floor tiles.

Fully Fitted Linear Cream Kitchen

The kitchen is fully fitted with a 70/30 fridge freezer, a washer dryer and a dishwasher. The open plan living area is spacious and warm as it faces south and is well insulated. The wood burning stove is a bonus feature for winter. The living area measures 26ft from the patio doors to the kitchen at the back. In fact the whole cottage is c110sq.m. Prices will range from £500 in the low season to £950 for a week in the high season. Briar Steading is available for 4 people during Christmas ( you could be the first to book!) with a Christmas tree and a food hamper at £800 for 7 nights and around New Year including free tickets to the village Hogmanay party with a live band also at £800 for 7 nights. Please call Kim or Fraser Tel 01567 830 443 OR 07876 122 505 and see more information and photos on our website http://www.stayatbriar.co.uk/ .

Wood-burning Stove in Briar Steading Holiday Lounge

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

Phenomonal Loch Earn offers seiching tides, boat races and other unique events

Loch Earn has a seiching tide. Not a tide that moves with the sun and moon and it does not cause the loch to rise and fall either. The seiching phenomenon has something to do with the prevailing wind. Seiching happens in other lakes like Garda, Baikal, Eirie and has also been reported in Scotlands, Loch Treig. As a guest, you can fish for trout free from our loch garden at Briar Cottages in Perthshire. You may experience the seiching as your float moves subtly right and then left over a 16 hour period. The water often looks calm like the photo above taken last week at the end of April; especially early in the morning and later in the evening. At other times the pseudo waves can be quite choppy. The beauty of the location is that the loch state, colours, weather and seasons are ever changing and no two days seem alike. The setting sun had Glen Ample glowing behind Edinample Castle the other night yet there is still a bit of snow high on the hill tops. Before long, the glen and surrounding hills will start to turn green as the grassy hues become richer. Whatever the weather, the loch and its backdop make a unique and magical venue for scheduled events like the Great Loch Earn Boat race, The Loch Earn 6.5 mile and 1 mile open water swim competitions, the SAA water plane splash in and Wake Scot water ski and wakeboarding contests.

The Great Loch Earn boat race was held on Loch Earn on 25th April, organised by the Crieff round table. 13 boats with teams of 4 set out from the Lochearnhead Cafe, rowing six and a half miles to St Fillans in aid of charity. The loch was kind to them however the weather was misty and cool. Contestants gathered at the recently refurbished Achray House Hotel in St Fillans afterwords for some well earned sustenance and the prize giving ceremony. How wonderful it is to be able to view these unique loch events from our front garden.

Saturday, 17 October 2009

Video around Little Briar, a self catering holiday cottage with a view in Lochearnhead, Scotland

Previous guests of Little Briar Cottage in Scotland will appreciate that a video may not represent the true smells, sounds and sights that you experience when you arrive for your first self catering holiday here. We are delighted that many of you keep coming back to Loch Earn and the surrounding scenery in Lochearnhead and Perthshire, which rarely looks the same two days in a row. Whether it is the various hues of the seasons or the texture and wind direction of the water, snow, sunlight or mist; each day holds its own surprises. The photo above was taken from the Loch garden on October 16th when the water was calm and the sky was textured.

October has been gloriously sunny with temperatures reaching 18 degrees though it was frosty this morning. We woke up to the sun shining down on mist that was rising mysteriously from the Loch and a pair of swans swimming near our jetty. The trees are changing every day showing off their red, russet and gold leaves amongst the evergreens. Even visiting Canadians were impressed with the beauty of Perthshires Autumn trees.

I have taken a video on my faithful Kodak Easyshare from the holiday cottage terrace to give you a glimpse of the magnificence of the setting but you have to come and breath the air, hear the birds and feel your blood pressure drop to really appreciate what the surroundings have to offer.

Click on the image below.

Wednesday, 29 April 2009

Little Briar Holiday Cottage view of Briar Cottage being re-thatched in Lochearnhead, Scotland

Little Briar Holiday cottage guests are delighted this week to have the best view of our 17th century cottage in Lochearnhead which is having part of its roof re-thatched over the original byre(now our lounge)that boasts a single cruck timber framed ceiling on the inside. Master Thatcher Peter Brugge and his team, Stan and Mr W, have done the stripping and are now rebuilding the new reed layer by layer. It really is a work of art. Little Briar holiday cottage is elevated behind our 17th century thatched cottage boasting the best views over Loch Earn to Edinample castle and Glen Ample, the best view of local pilot Neil taking off and landing his sea plane dodging the waterskiers at weekends and for the next 3 weeks a novelty extra while the master Thatcher's weave their magic. The original inhabitants of Briar Cottage were McGregors who lived under the pseudonym Murray because using the name McGregor was a capital offence at the time. We know from Parish records that they had a baby in 1727. Later it belonged to the Duke of Breadalbane(descended from Campbells)followed by two centuries of McLarens. Isobella McLaren changed the name to Briar Cottage around 1900 from its original name Easter Achraw. I am sure that these ancient families would be proud of the restoration work to improve the thatched roof and to know that the original rings that tied up their byre animals are still secure in the wall. Little Briar cottage guests will always be welcome to view the cruck ceiling room in Briar Cottage(see www.stayatbriar.co.uk). It is amazing to think that the cruck timbers were around when Rob Roy McGregor was in his prime.

Luxury Self-catering, holiday cottages, vacation rentals, Perthshire, Scotland