Self catering has always been a tempting option for a holiday with the freedom it allows, not to mention the privacy. There have not always been a glut of luxury self catering options in Scotland, though mercifully that has all started to change especially north of the Highland Boundary Fault. Here are some properties that tick all the boxes when it comes to luxury self catering in the Scottish Highlands.
Hazel Cottage
Many people just scoot by Loch Awe on the drive to Oban, but pause and you can uncover Hazel Cottage, a great self-catering hideaway that comfortably sleeps eight. It offers views down towards the loch and also out across to the might of Ben Cruachan, the massive mountain that dominates the area from its lofty 1,126m high perch. Handily for families the two-storey cottage is laden with all sorts of toys and games. There is also an expansive decking area that has a fun Finnish BBQ/Sauna.
Perthshire
Perthshire is supremely well stocked with luxury self catering escapes, particularly in Highland Perthshire. Comrie, which sits prettily perched on the Highland Boundary Fault, has the Highland Heather Lodges. These stylish luxury wooden lodges boast interior design touches by Philippe Starck, which combine with outdoor hot tubs (in the two bedroom lodges) to create a luxury boutique feel.
Also in Comrie is the old world Melville House apartment adjacent to the Royal Hotel. This cosy retreat is a self-catering hideaway with two bedrooms spread across three floors. It is perfect for a family weekend away and the Royal Hotel itself is a characterful place too. Its brasserie works well for an informal meal, while the cosier restaurant also makes for a romantic venue.
Perthshire Resorts
Further north is the seriously impressive Mains of Taymouth development. This visionary 160-acre private estate boasts a choice of luxurious holiday cottages, the stylish Courtyard Bar and Restaurant and The Courtyard Delicatessen, a classy foodie heaven with goodies from all over the world, as well as plenty of local produce. The Mains of Taymouth people can also organise pony trekking and book a round at the Kenmore Golf Club. The spec of the cottages is truly top notch too.
Another Highland Perthshire gem is Moness Resort in Aberfeldy. Set amidst a 35-acre estate are luxury one, two and three bedroom self-catering cottages, many with views overlooking the magnificent Aberfeldy Hills. The beauty of Moness is that you get to enjoy the dining and leisure facilities of the resort too, including the heated swimming pool. The new spa therapy rooms provide even more reason to come.
The Blair Atholl Estate
Heading still further north are the five new wooden lodges at the massive 145,000 acre Blair Atholl Estate. They lie right in the heart of the forest, set back from the caravan site in a web of tall trees that teem with birds and squirrels. It may only be five minutes from the A9, but it feels miles away from anywhere in the cosy lodges with their large living area, outdoor decked patio and comfy bedrooms.
MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort
Pushing into the Highland Region proper most people know the MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort only as a hotel. It spreads across a massive site and within those facility packed grounds are their three bedroom lodges. These relatively recent arrivals have really bedded down into the forest and are a great base, especially for families, looking to enjoy the new soft play centre and the swimming pool. The pool is set-up with kids in mind with a baby pool, gently sloping main pool, free toys and a flume.
Dairy at Daviot
Just to the south of Inverness is the Dairy at Daviot. As it sounds this is an atmospheric old dairy dating back to the 19th-century. Today there are six luxurious apartments as well as a café that serves up bright and hearty cooking. There apartments boast two light and cosy en suite bedrooms upstairs with the highlight the open plan living area downstairs, which comes complete with leather sofas, a well-equipped kitchen and a dining table and chairs with great views.
Grand Country House Living at Cortes House
Heading east Cortes House is one of the finest luxury self catering options for large groups. Staying at this grand country house (available for exclusive use only) is by no means cheap, but for a very special family get together with 11 bedrooms there are few finer venues in Scotland. This four level oasis boasts a ground floor with a grand living room and dining room, two floors of luxurious bedrooms, each individually themed, and even a basement with a cinema room and table tennis room.
Stay in a Lighthouse
The idea of staying in a lighthouse tends to set imaginations racing. The National Trust for Scotland, in conjunction with the Northern Lighthouse Board, offer the chance to be a lighthouse keeper for a week. Of their sprinkling of properties Stoer Head Lighthouse lies in one of the most dramatic and scenic corners of Scotland. It has beamed out across the Minch from the mainland towards the Outer Hebrides since 1870. It is a classic lighthouse, a whitewashed beauty that takes the breath away and provides a cosily luxurious venue to really escape to.
Stay in a Distillery on Jura!
Out on the isles one of the coolest luxury self catering retreats, the Lodge, is part of the Isle of Jura Distillery. It manages to tastefully walk the fine line of being neither too tartan traditional or too modern and trendy. Rooms boast great big beds, luxurious stand-alone bathtubs and the windows open up views of the famous Paps of Jura and the Atlantic Ocean.
Rather than surfing through a raft of self catering options there are also excellent companies like Wilderness Cottages, who can steer you in the right direction. They cater for everything from couples looking a romantically remote honeymoon cottage for two, though to large abodes that sleep a dozen adults and even luxury apartments in a converted Benedictine Abbey.
