Fancy escaping to a luxurious, even sexy, boutique bolthole deep in wild and wildly beautiful Highland Perthshire? Well, The Old Manse of Blair provides a real sense of sanctuary in these most stressful of times. The gorgeous old stone dame couldn’t be cosier, more welcoming and the food is nigh on spectacular. We’ve just been up and loved it. What are you waiting for?
Why Stay?
The location is Scotland writ large, tucked in a swathe of rugged mountain, tumbling glen and surging river on the fringes of the sprawling Atholl Estates. That means there is a world of things to see and do all around. We enjoyed heading out on e-bikes with Escape Route and also popping into Wasted Degrees, a superb new craft ale operation just down the road in Blair Atholl. In the village of Blair Atholl there are pubs, restaurants and a lovely old watermill, where you can tuck into sandwich with bread from flour that is actually milled here. Wee Adventures are on hand to take families out on all sorts of wild and wildly fun adventures in all that glorious scenery. We paddled out on to Loch Faskally with the legendary ‘Biscuit’ and all had a ball.
There are loads of great places to eat in the area, but we really rated their award-winning restaurant. The whole feel of The Old Manse of Blair is beguilingly romantic and we were not surprised that this is a popular wedding venue too.
What’s it Like?
This old manse is a grand stone edifice dating back to 1828. They’ve added on some newer accommodation options around it with 18 rooms in total, including new options in The Stable Block and Railway Cottage Conversion. We were in the main house.
The vibe is one of relaxed sophistication with plush sofas and a piano in the guest lounge. Owner Anne MacDonald explained, “I’ve travelled a lot around the world and I wanted somewhere that fits what I’m looking for when I’m on the road. Guests get to enjoy the best bits I’ve picked up from my travels”. Her love of nature and quality materials shines through an accommodation whose taste is hard to fault. Siabann products and Nespresso machines grace all bedrooms too.
Their Orangery Restaurant has won many plaudits, well deserved as it takes the best of local produce from Perthshire’s rich culinary larder – think fresh venison and world class soft fruits – and dishes them up with an eye-catching splash of creativity. This is dining as sophisticated as you’ll find in a city, though it’s far more relaxed and cosy here.
Top Tips
We stayed in the Georgian Suite. This proved spot on as it had a large lounge are with a roaring log fire, a private outside patio and direct private access to the outdoor section of the restaurant. If you seek a private, safe feel of self-catering, coupled with handy hotel breakfasts (these were lovely) and a fully fledged restaurant on hand the Georgian Suite works very well. It was handy for our family. Jen and our youngest slept in another room upstairs, but then we all spent most of our time cosied up together in our lounge by that crackling fire.
Bring a pair of hiking boots and a credit card. The House of Bruar is close by, where myriad shopping opportunities away. The walk up to the Falls of Bruar behind the complex is surprisingly steep and rugged, but offers superb views.
Reasons to Book
- Great location in the heart of glorious Highland Perthshire.
- Luxurious rooms with a solid traditional feel that are cosy and have all mod cons too.
- A superb restaurant worth staying in for.
Celebrate Christmas at The Old Manse of Blair
The Old Manse of Blair Christmas Residential Package* rate includes:
- 3 nights’ accommodation arriving on the 24th December
- Arrival Dram**
- Afternoon Tea Each Day
- Champagne** & Canapes on the 24th & 25th December
- Dinner each evening
- Arrival Gift
- Transport to Midnight Service
- Use of the Fire Pit
- Treasure Hunt/Quiz/Guided Walk
*Can only be booked as a 3 night package. **Additional beverages are charged as taken.
Rates are based on a double room for 2 guests. Please call or email for supplements for additional adults or children sharing with adults
The Old Manse of Blair, Blair Atholl, Highland Perthshire , PH18 5TN. Tel: 01796 483 344; e-mail: reservations@theoldmanseofblair.com; web: theoldmanseofblair.com