Gatehouse, Bridge of Balgie, Glenlyon

This must be one of the most special holiday homes I've ever stayed in. Fortunately, I didn't look in so much detail at the photos when booking, so that the impact of arrival was maximised: it was just breathtaking to go through the main gate and suddenly see that the gatehouse is perched above a set of rapids. It took a little time to figure out how to access the secret door onto the rooftop terrace, but sitting there in the sun with a glass of wine after a day's walking was perfection. Character like this completely overcomes any tiny niggles, such as the need to go (carefully) down steep stairs to reach the toilet. Going to sleep every night to the sound of the river was bliss. And Glen Lyon is such a great setting: incredibly quiet and off the beaten track. You can walk from the Ben Lawers car park and see lots of people if you choose, but if you go up the glen to Loch an Daimh, you can climb fine Munros and hardly see anyone. The Meggernie estate has done a good job establishing paths with waymarks near to the gatehouse, so there are less demanding options if energy or poor weather dictate a shorter walk. And did I mention seeing red squirrels playing every day? The place is just a paradise, and we felt lucky to be there.

I wish I'd booked for longer.

Location, views, very comfortable home from home

Cold draft through the front door.

The location was really inspiring, situated high above the river, we were able to watch the birds and red squirrels through a large picture window.

The amazing views and abundant wildlife

Nothing

Warm and comfortable. Well placed for our needs

It was a bit cold on arrival - after a long journey.

The property is in a great location for walking straight from the door in picturesque glen lyon. The property accommodation is very comfortable with a homely lounge and large kitchen. Bedrooms and beds very comfortable. Very quiet. Property well equipped with utensils in kitchen and wood burner. The viewing window in lounge is fantastic and offers a great view

The bathroom location is a fair few steps away from the bedroom for night time. Need to be careful on steps. This is a quirk of being an old building.

The location and the look of the gate house

Four little points that can easily be changed The beds bedding Not having a door draft in place to stop the down stairs from being freezing Not enough cupboards to place food in We had to charm a weeks worth of cupboard food in one small cupboard

Location Views Glenlyon Tearoom

Stay not long enough

Very beautiful house, really the best location if you need a place away from everything, just to spend time in nature. Just note that you have to go grocery shopping before or after you arrive, since the nearest supermarket is half an hour away. One can spend a wonderful time here. Loved the big window in the living room and the big, well-equipped kitchen.