ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BREAKS
Ardtorna B&B, Barcaldine, by Oban Reviewed by Gordon Gelsthorpe and
Katherine Russell from Alloa We arrived at Ardtorna to what could only be described as the very warmest of welcomes by our host Karen. Once shown to our room we relaxed and enjoyed a warm homemade fruit scone with rhubarb jam (my favourite) and clotted cream. Facilities included complimentary use of the Nespresso coffee machine and unlimited Baileys or whisky. We also had tea and coffee in our room and a fridge full of nibbles. I was keen to talk to Sean and Karen about their environmentally friendly approach to the purpose built, 5-star luxury B&B. Sean explained that the heating used was an eco friendly ground source heat pump. Two 60metre coils, two metres under the front lawn heat the house by means of the pump. Due to the constant ambient temperature costs are low and the heat is evenly distributed. The main walls are thickly insulated further maximising the effect of the heating. The temperature throughout was perfect. If you did feel the cold, each room has its own thermostat which can be
FIELD FACTS
3 2 4
adjusted. LED lighting throughout also reduces their environmental impact; for example the hall only uses 4 watts of electricity. Breakfast used locally sourced ingredients, all of the preserves are homemade and Sean’s soda bread and fruit loaves were to die for. Not content with this, Karen and Sean are
constantly looking at other ways that they can improve and are currently looking into converting the heat created from their laundry room back into the B&B, so watch this space. Price from £75 per night B&B
Garden Cottage, Torrisdale Estate Reviewed by Neil and Sandra Thomson
from Arbroath
Scotland was looking at its autumn best as we travelled from Angus to Kintyre, but the rain began to fall when we stopped in Lochgilphead for a late lunch – and didn’t stop for a day and a half. The sun shone again on the morning we were leaving, showing how beautiful the area around Torrisdale is – indeed there are many beautiful walks within the estate.
St Andrews Country Cabins, Balmullo Reviewed by Brian, Hazel and Neave
Cameron from Dunfermline The cabins are perched on top of a hill overlooking the little village of Balmullo near St Andrews. The two hilltop lodges are actually very close to civilisation, but once you drive up the bumpy farm track you feel miles away from everybody. It is a perfect peaceful retreat, unless like us you have friends and small children in tow. Our turf roofed eco lodge was, in a word, stunning.
The fi rst thing that hits you is the feeling of space. The living area included a comfortable lounge, a relatively large kitchen area and a large dining area. The lodge also had a double en suite, two ample twin rooms and another large bathroom. The interior design was absolutely impeccable.
The show stopper was the fl oor to ceiling windows, which slid open onto a very large veranda, commanding breathtaking views towards St Andrews. There was also plenty of outside space for the kids to run about, as well as a fantastic little climbing frame and swing. We normally don’t spend a lot of time in our holiday accommodation but this proved to be an exception. The cabins were so self-contained, attractive and warm that we languished there much more than we normally would on a break. We cooked a tasty birthday meal and watched the sun setting over St Andrews – it was lovely. Wonderful, peaceful, truly luxurious accommodation
– we will be back. Prices from £214 for 2 nights
The last 20 miles or so of the road is single track with passing places but as the road was so quiet this wasn’t a problem. The last half-mile is up a bumpy track but worth the effort – the surroundings are magnifi cent. The hot tub was fi red up for us and was piping hot on arrival – a real treat on a rainy day. We planted a tree as part of the Torrisdale eco policy – every rental includes a £10 charge for the planting of a tree and you can pay extra to have more than one planted. Garden Cottage was warm and it was nice to light the woodburning stove, close the shutters and forget the miserable rain. We took some groceries with us but the welcome pack left for us was especially appreciated on the Sunday when none of the eateries in Carradale, two miles away, could offer Sunday lunch. The bed was comfy, the bedroom warm and the atmosphere peaceful. It was lovely to waken to the sound of the rushing burn and the early morning call of the pheasants. Prices from £300 per week
5 1 6
1) The Howard Tel: 0131 557 3500 www.
theedinburghcollection.com 2) Crathie Opportunity Holidays Tel: 01339 742100
www.crathieholidays.org.uk 3) Dornoch Castle Hotel Tel: 01862 810216
www.dornochcastlehotel. com 4) Ardtorna B&B Tel: 01631 720125
www.ardtorna.co.uk 5) St Andrews Country Cabins Tel: 01334 870225
www.standrews
countrycabins.co.uk 6) Garden Cottage Tel: 01583 431233
www.torrisdalecastle.com
FANCY
YOURSELF AS A
REVIEWER? If you are a subscriber and would like to spend a free night away in one of our chosen establishments and send us your review, please get in touch and include your subscriber number. Email: editor@ scottishfi
eld.co.uk or write to: Scottish Field Subscriber Reviews Fettes Park, 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH5 2DL For terms and conditions go to www. scottishfi eld.
co.uk and click on ‘hotel review’ on the left-hand menu.
WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK 125
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179