THE SWEET ESCAPE
Staycationing Scots will soon be free to explore again, so our writers have road-tested four self-catering escapes to help plan your next getaway
Hope for staycationing Scots is on the horizon, so here are four self-catering spots to have on the radar
REVIEWED BY EDITOR RICHARD BATH
Woodmill Arches is barely an hour from Edinburgh, and is hidden away in lovely rolling Fife countryside. The position is very handy – near St Andrews, the East Neuk, Dundee, Falkland Palace, the whisky distillery at Lindores Abbey and a short drive from some amazing ice creams at Luvians in Cupar – and the building pushes all the right buttons.
A traditional old stone barn whose painstaking renovation was completed last year, it’s pristine and absolutely perfect for a lazy long weekend.
With just one bedroom, from the time you enter the front door into a large hallway before climbing the stairs to the living area, there’s an overwhelming sense of space and light (co-owner Clare Wade runs a lighting company, while her husband Stephen has a game business and can show guests how to make pheasant and venison sausages, pluck a pheasant, or take part in his deer butchery classes).
Most of the top floor is open plan, with a huge window taking up most of one gable end and lettingthe light flood in, while also giving views across the countryside.
As well as a bedroom with a wonderfully comfortable bed and mod-cons such as blinds you can operate from the bed, there’s a big bathroom and a table set for two, plus a big sitting room area featuring a massive television with Netflix etc. There is a small kitchen with a slow cooker and microwave, and the Wades can supply lovely casseroles.
This is the perfect weekend bolt-hole.
REVIEWED BY OFFICE MANAGER RACHEL MORRELL Having been cooped up for the past year working from home, we were incredibly excited to explore Pirleyhill Pods, and were not disappointed. Driving through stunning countryside, we arrived to be greeted by an array of cute sheep, pheasants and even Highland cows in the fields.
Stuart Andrew, the owner, gave us a cheerful welcome, leading us to our pod and answering our questions. The Turnberry Pod was exactly what we needed, with new modern appliances, a very comfy bed and everything you could want on a self-catering holiday close to hand. Our room was exceptionally clean, with soft gowns, tea and coffee, and plenty of tips on places to go awaiting us.
At night we used the state of the art kitchen to cook our favourite meals, and enjoyed them on the patio. The outside area has fantastic views of the coast for al fresco dining and to our delight, every pod has its own hot tub. After months of pining for a spa day, this was the ultimate treat, and we sipped Prosecco, leaving everyday life behind.
The high standards throughout these stylish pods also gave us peace of mind that we were completely safe to savour our holiday uninterrupted. The next day we made our way to the local attractions in Girvan, finding coastal walks, the lush Culzean Castle and one of the most famous golf courses in the world minutes away. Pirleyhill Pods was the ideal way to find some tranquility, and we left feeling completely refreshed. We would certainly be eager to return.
REVIEWED BY GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRANT DICKIE
Peace, tranquility and the unwavering essence of the rugged Highlands are the first offerings as you approach Polbain and The Brochs. Our hearts are definitely in the Highlands and visiting here felt like returning home.
Built snugly into the hillside, these eco-friendly self-catering lodges provide the perfect setting for a relaxing and detoxing stay. We were contactlessly welcomed to our broch to find local eggs and chocolate along with a couple of drams waiting to be enjoyed in front of the fire. There is no TV, but with that view why would you need one? I for one spent a good amount of time sat on the giant floor cushions in front of the panoramic window eating breakfast, drinking a copious volume of tea and reading while watching small boats go by in the bay. The broch also boasts a fully fitted kitchen, ample sized wood burner, spacious bathroom with a small sauna ideal for two. We made full use of the sauna in the evening after a day exploring the countryside.
Waking to nothing but the noise of birds chirping, the charm of staying in a small community is enveloping, from the welcoming waves to the fresh chicken or duck eggs available just down the road with an honesty box.
We definitely could get used to sitting in front of that view sipping a fresh cuppa or cool glass of wine.
Make sure to plan your fuel and supplies around the opening times of local shops, the nearest being in Achiltibuie. If I was an author this would be top of my list for a retreat.
REVIEWED BY STAFF WRITER STEPHANIE ABBOT
It’s only in the past couple of years I have discovered the beauty that lies in the Borders. Arriving at Kersmains Farm, Kelso, we heard the gentle neighing of horses in the fields. With hand sanitiser at the door and a secure lockbox, check-in was completely contactless. Along with contact info and instructions for the log burner, a delicious tomato, olive and pesto sourdough loaf awaited us. We also found local biscuits, tea and coffee, orange juice, milk and butter.
Decorated in beautiful midnight blue, the living room is a wonderfully cosy spot. There is a huge selection of books, DVDs and even a few puzzles. The large conservatory with kitchen and dining table is bright and warm. From here we could look out on the outdoor area which included a hot tub.
We popped the fizz open and thanks to owner Ashley’s recommendation organised a delicious three-course meal to be delivered from local bar & bistro The White Swan. After time by the fire, it felt right to indulge in a little hot tub disco. We played music through the Bluetooth hot tub speakers and with the colour-changing lights, it felt like the closest thing to a nightclub I’ve experienced in a long time.
Just a 10-minute drive from the farm is Kelso’s town centre which is a lovely for a wander. You can even pack The Bothy’s adorable picnic basket and enjoy an alfresco lunch in the countryside. This was the perfect bolthole for two and owners Ashley and Simon could not have been better or friendlier hosts. I’d love to return when restrictions ease.