THE heartbreakingly beautiful backdrop of the lush Perthshire countryside is a fitting setting for the grandeur of the Ballathie House Hotel.
The four-star baronial house is one of the region’s top country house retreats, and a perfect starting place for exploring one of the most gorgeous parts of Scotland.
The hotel is also an inspired, romantic setting for a wedding – a fact that has not escaped the many savvy couples who have taken advantage of its wedding package.
The house itself was converted into a hotel more than 30 years ago and comprises of 41 rooms, including three suites. The house is a soaring confection of a building – turrets and gables reaching up towards the clear Perthshire skies.
The dining experience is one of the most spectacular treats at the hotel, and one that is taken very seriously. The attire is expected to suit the atmosphere. No jeans here.
The sumptuous, decadent and accomplished menu is changed every day to offer a new choice to guests. Much of the produce used in the meals is local.
The six-course meal is a luscious experience and deserves to have a lot of time taken over it. A lengthy and expansive wine list complements the meal well.
All of the effort of a very attentive team of staff is not confined to the evening meal, however, and as much attention is paid over breakfast or afternoon tea.
The country house retreat itself is beautifully maintained and has a traditional decor filled with elegant period furniture, such as could be expected from such a hotel.
Stepping into the hotel to a roaring fire and matching antique furniture is a satisfying way to end a day spent outdoors exploring the countryside or taking part in the rural activities on offer.
The rooms are generous and each is uniquely decorated to combine comfort with the element of grandeur that sweeps through the whole hotel.
Nestled in the heart of the Perthshire countryside, the hotel is in a key spot for many picturesque tourist destinations.
A few minutes on the main A9 brings you into Perth, and only a short drive further will take you to Dunkeld, Blairgowrie or, slightly further still, Stirling or Dundee.
The historic Scone Palace is only 12 miles from the country house.
The Perthshire countryside is teeming with ancient monuments and buildings which are key spots on the sightseeing trail.
Once the crowning place of Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce, the sprawling palace attracts visitors from across the world.
Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen’s mother, is less than 20 miles away.
The stately castle is the venue for the Strathmore Highland Games in June and also hosts many other events throughout the year.
For those with an interest in the whisky industry, the smallest distillery in Scotland sits close to Ballathie.
The charming and magical Edradour Distillery produces only 12 casks per week and is hidden away in the hills above Pitlochry. The equipment at the distillery has remained unchanged since it opened, more than 150 years ago.
For a more fast-paced day out, the Perth Race Course is open over the summer.
Closer to home, its countryside setting is the perfect venue for the more traditional sports which can be sampled at Ballathie.
Situated on the banks of the River Tay and close to major lochs and fisheries, it is the perfect place for a spot of fishing.
The area is particularly known for offering some of the best salmon fishing in the country.
The hotel lets the first eight weeks of the salmon fishing season, which began on January 15, on the Ballathie beat and will book fishing trips for guests.
The estate also offers a choice of shooting, stalking, golfing and hunting for people keen to get out into the countryside.
World-renowned shooting estates like Scone Palace, Atholl and Glamis lie in proximity to the Ballathie hotel.
The three-star Sportsman’s Lodge, also on the Ballathie estate, offers accommodation for fishing and shooting enthusiasts at slightly lower rates than the main hotel.
The country house is clearly very proud of its heritage and samples of the wildlife can be seen around the hotel, including the largest grouse I have ever seen preserved in a glass case and greeting visitors as they walk to their rooms.
The luxury four-star venue has been recognised by the AA as among the top 200 hotels in Britain.
The quality of the major house has also been affirmed by a top travel guide which describes it as “probably the best place to stay” around Perth and “a true country-house hotel that you fall in love with”.
The 2010 edition of Peter Irvine’s Scotland the Best praises the hotel’s food and “superb location” on the River Tay near Stanley.
“It’s a true country-house hotel on the Tay that you fall in love with,” the book summarises. “Good dining, great fishing, good for a weekend away. Love the approach: red squirrels, copper beeches, golden corn.”
The best-selling travel guide’s latest edition, published in December 2009, adds: “It’s handy for Perth and probably the best place to stay near the town.”
Ballathie House Manager Christopher Longden commented: “We are proud to have been given such warm tributes by a highly regarded publication which commends the best there is in hotels, hospitality and food throughout Scotland.”
Ballathie House Hotel, Kinclaven, Stanley, Perthshire. Phone 01250 883268 or email@ballathie househotel.com
Until April 2, Ballathie is offering two nights for the price of one between Sundays and Thursdays inclusive. This means bed and breakfast for a couple is from £95 per night.
At weekends between the same dates it is offering dinner, bed and breakfast for £109 per person per night (minimum two-night stay, based on two people sharing).
The hotel warmly welcomes non-residents for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.
Until Easter, full afternoon tea is just £14.50, a three-course lunch is available from £14.95, and a three-course dinner with coffee costs £41.50 per person.
Advance booking for all the above is strongly recommended.