Eat, Sleep, Drink.. The Reviews
Traditional four-star Perthshire countryside retreat
Profiling Scotland’s best hotels and restaurants
IF somewhere to relax with beautiful surroundings and delightful food is your kind of thing, Ballathie House Hotel should be next on your list. Down a picturesque drive with what feels like miles of stunning flowers and trees, Ballathie House stands in its own estate near Kinclaven on the west bank of the Tay.
Given its beautiful, location, the hotel isn’t somewhere you just stumble upon by chance. It is rather somewhere to hide away and unwind or to switch off from the outside world.
However, for those who are looking for a little more action on their break, Ballathie has a lot to offer. The helpful staff are on hand to tell you all about the available activities, which include golf and fishing. The hotel is also pet friendly, with dogs even allowed in the dining area.
After a stroll around the magnificent grounds, which we were lucky to do as the weather stayed dry for us, we were welcomed with a piping hot pot of tea and biscuits in the drawing room.
This room is beautifully decorated with an extravagant ceiling, traditional yet elegant furniture and an open fireplace.
Next, we were shown to our room which provided a homely feel and exuded the traditional Scottish theme of the property. As well as a luxuriously comfortable bed and plentiful tea and coffee, we had a stunning view across the river.
And, as we later found out, the room becomes pretty toasty at night, ideal for those cold winter nights.
With a selection of rooms on offer, including 25 bedrooms in the main house, 16 riverside annexe rooms as well as a sporting lodge, Ballathie House has accommodation to suit everyone’s tastes.
Plus, you’ll never go hungry as food is always available. Whether you indulge yourself with a five-course meal at the award-winning restaurant, enjoy an afternoon tea in the drawing room or soup and a sandwich in their relaxed bar/lounge, there is something to satisfy all appetites.
The hotel can even offer a packed lunch for your travels, at only £9.50 per person. And, while I can’t vouch for the packed lunches – I took full advantage of relaxing and taking in the tranquil view from a comfortable spot rather than venturing into the great outdoors – the dinner served in their restaurant was the star of the show on our stay.
We were seated with an unforgettable view of the grounds and our
servers were incredibly knowledgeable about each individual item on the menu.
The meal was a very relaxed experience and we didn’t feel rushed at all which was important, considering it consisted of five wonderful courses.
It was so good, varying from mushroom veloute to strawberries and cream, via roast lamb and Scotch sirloin.
Breakfast was another unforgettable choice between continental and full Scottish.
There’s nothing like escaping to the Scottish countryside, and a stay at Ballathie House Hotel is truly a memorable experience.
Apparently, the Queen Mother loved to party here when she was young – and now we know why!
Prices range from the Sportsman’s Double at £79 per night and the Master Double for £199, with deals available for dinner, bed and breakfast. www.ballathiehousehotel.com