In The Country… Rural escapes for every kind of traveller

IN THE COUNTRY…

Luxe country vibes on your doorstep that everyone will love

FOR DOGS OWNERS

Ailidh Forlan takes her four-legged friend for a weekend treat in the Borders

Of all the nicknames bestowed upon Panko, our lovable eight-month-old cockapoo, none felt more fitting than “Lord Pankington” when staying at the Schloss Roxburghe, a 12th century majestic manor house in Kelso. Indeed, whilst he napped on a luxurious tweed mattress (initially presented with a homemade shortbread bone that didn’t touch the sides), we too felt like royalty awaking in starchy linen bliss, in our four-poster king to sip on coffee and watch as the early morning fog, lit by sunrise, gently lifted over the manicured croquet lawn.

This was our first time staycationing with Panko and it might have just ruined us. From fresh logs intentionally thrown onto the Drawing Room’s grand roaring fire, perfectly timed with the end of our picturesque countryside stroll, to the unnecessarily kind plate of haggis brought to our table at dinner, should Panko be feeling left out whilst we tucked into ours - there was no shortage of considered small touches to make our stay that bit more enjoyable. We ate in the oak panelled, tartan carpeted, totally charming library bar; a cosy and suitably elegant dog-friendly alternative to the main Sunlaws restaurant. The room oozes Scottishness, in a stylish, classy way, and that extended through to the multiple menus peppered with produce from their very own estate.

The evening drew to a close with a romantic night time swing onlooking the lit up turret of the hotel; it felt like something out of a movie (in my head I was Keira Knightly in Atonement), a peaceful moment shared only between us and the deep soft hooting owls. It all now felt like ours; a much needed retreat from city centre life, our own blissful home away from home.

Schloss Roxburghe, Kelso, TD5 8JZ, 01573 450331, schlosshotel-roxburghe.com

FOR COUPLES ONLY

Laura Wood discovers absolute privacy in this picture-perfect couple’s retreat in Angus

Set on a family-run working farm, The Hideaway Experience is a couple’s retreat at the foot of the Sidlaw Hills in Angus, north of Dundee, where you are guaranteed absolute privacy and quality time away together to switch off and reconnect. The intention of owners, Caroline and Ross Millar, was to create modern, luxurious, eco-friendly properties more akin to a city hotel suite, but that would blend naturally into the environment of the farm. And, over the past decade, they have lovingly converted old bothies and designed purpose-built properties into the loveliest of five-star accommodation.

Keeping with the privacy theme, you don’t check in here so my other half and I head straight for The Honeymooners hideaway and immediately feel like we’ve struck gold. The accommodation is open plan with floor to ceiling windows onto a substantial decked area (home to a hammock, barbecue area and the much-anticipated hot tub) offering sweeping views across the barley fields. The attention to detail is second to none. The dining table is set a deux, the kitchen has everything plus a bar with all the right glassware - even a cocktail shaker so I can practise my mixology skills. I do love a good bathroom and practically squeal with excitement at the sight of the indoor sauna and free-standing bath dominating the window space. My partner in crime has the log fire roaring in record time and we immediately hunker down for the rest of the weekend. Here, in The Honeymooners’ hideaway, it’s an absolute pleasure to spend time away from it all.

The Hideaway Experience, Balkello Farm, Auchterhouse, Dundee, DD3 0RA, 01382 320 707. www.thehideawayexperience.co.uk

FOR EVERYONE

Jo Morris discovers the joys of self-catering on a country estate in Clackmannanshire

You know you’re in the countryside when the first things you spot are a selection of wellies waiting for you as you enter the house. Slackbrae on the Brucefield Estate, Alloa, less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, is our holiday home for the weekend. Situated in the historic 700-year estate, this gorgeously renovated forester’s cottage surprises you with its comprehensive approach to luxury. The owner Victoria BruceWinkler has brought her Scandi design influences and vision to the cottage and turned it into a light filled, modern home from home, complete with vaulted ceilings, day-long sunlight and stunning views of the fields and woodlands. With all the mod cons you can think of, everything has been designed with an eye on sustainability and local provenance from the kitchen worktop made form a fallen tree to the composting system which means any scraps of food find their way back to the ground.

We took a tour around the estate with the knowledgeable head forester and discovered a stunning forest walk, through sky high pines with sunlight glinting onto the forest floor. Happily, the plan is to reinstate much of the original Scots pine forests in the estate meaning more beautiful walks.

We visited Slackbrae with our son and dog Coco, and I’m not sure who loved it more. It was a joyful weekend of reconnecting as a family as well as with nature. Indeed, watching Coco enjoy it so much was a handy reminder for us too- because whilst it’s fine to potter politely around a park for an hour, the real joy is in running free and getting lost in the woods.

Slackbrae accommodates up to four adults priced at £300 per night. To book contact Brucefield Estate on 01259 690013. www.brucefieldestate.scot. Woodland eco bothies will be launching on the estate in the spring

FOR FAMILIES

Nicky Howden checks her family in to Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club

There are many things I love about the Dalmahoy. Not least the sheer convenience of it all. You’d never guess that the stunning Baronial manor house is less than 10 miles from Edinburgh city centre. Nestled in 1,000 acres of glorious countryside, it’s my go-to overnight escape and the minute I arrive, I feel the weight of daily life lift from my shoulders. It’s also a perfectly formed family-friendly spot and offers something for everyone with its abundance of amenities and activities.

You can get in your golf practise on one of the two 18-hole golf courses – one a Championship Course - or at the PGA-approved academy, book a swim session at the indoor swimming pool, or relax in the sauna or with a massage. There’s also an on-site gym and tennis courts, pitch & putt, a brilliant forest playpark to explore and a whole load of woodland walks through the grounds. Ask for the nature trail map at reception – the kids will love it.

As they will The Brasserie, a great informal spot for family dining and the menu offers a selection of steak, burgers, pizza and fish that even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy. If you want to step it up a gear and love city views with your dinner, The Pentland restaurant is the place for you. It’s also where you’ll enjoy afternoon tea and a great breakfast menu the morning after your stay.

However you choose to spend your time during your stay at the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, quality family time is guaranteed, which, let’s be honest, is something that’s always needed. The hotel’s new resort day pass can be used across the full estate, so it’s easier than ever to plan a day away for the whole family. The resort pass costs £45 per adult or £120 for a family and includes access to all of Dalmahoy’s fitness, leisure, and resort activities (T&Cs apply). Book today: www.dalmahoy.co.uk/offers/resort-day-pass/

Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club, near Kirknewton, EH27 8EB, 0131 333 1845, www.dalmahoy.co.uk

UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCES

Nestled within 400 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside, on the world-famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. Cameron House Resort is the prestigious home to a collection of 208 bedrooms including 28 suites.

Enriched by an award-winning spa with rooftop infinity pool, 18-hole championship golf course, a range of restaurants and bars, a new state-of-the-art Leisure Club, and a choice of resort activities for everyone.

CAMERONHOUSE.CO.UK

Loch Lomond | West Dunbartonshire | G83 8QZ | Scotland | United Kingdom T 01389 312 210 | reservations@cameronhouse.co.uk