SEBG News

Revellers Turn to Estates to be King of the Castle for New Year

28th December 2007

Edinburgh may be Scotland’s biggest Hogmanay party but Scotland’s rural estates are now staking a claim as the perfect place to bring in the New Year.

Estates owners are facing unprecedented demand for property to rent over the festive period with the desire to be ‘king of the castle’ top of the list.

Castles, large houses and cottages on estates throughout Scotland are being let to those who wish to combine a traditional Scottish New Year whilst getting away from the crowds of the city and they are proving very popular with groups of friends or families.

Richard Williamson, of the Scottish Estates Business Group, said: “Scotland’s Estates can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you are mountain biking off the Christmas pudding, walking away the mince pies or actually renting a bit of Scotland’s special heritage for your own romantic castle escape or a house party to share with friends, the Festive Period is one of the best times to visit and it seems properties on estates are becoming increasingly popular.”

Several companies, including CKD Galbraith, Goldsmiths and Lloyd Townsend Rose let a wide range of castles and large houses across Scotland

They are all reporting that Scotland’s castles are full this season.

Sue Bourne of CKD Galbraith’s Cottages and Castles letting agency said: “We’re letting 16 castles this year, accommodating around 230 people. Castles such as the stunning Persie House in Perthshire and Dell House near Inverness are prime examples of the properties that have been snapped up this year. Prices range from approximately £3000 to £10 000 per week.

“Another 600 people have booked another 103 properties including houses and cottages and we’re encouraged by the trend of people wishing to spend New Year in rural Scotland.”

George Goldsmith, director of George Goldsmith, exclusive property and sporting lodge specialists, said: “This has been an excellent year for us, with around 350 people choosing to enjoy the festive period in our properties across rural Scotland. These range from lodges and country houses, to castles and sporting estates, so there is accommodation to suit all interests.”

Ken Chernoff, Sales Executive at Lloyd Townsend Rose, has also noticed that more people are choosing to spend the festive period in this way. He said: “More people are beginning to look at renting rural properties as an option for a memorable holiday. Some are initially put off the idea as they think that to do so is expensive, but this is not always the case. For example, a group of about 15 people renting one of our self-catered properties will find that it is a very cost effective way to spend the festive period in a beautiful and tranquil setting with friends and family.”

For further information:
Polly McPherson at SEBG 07810891831
or
Gordon Robertson at Media House on 0131 555 1015/07887 542 124

Notes to editors - Featured Castles

Persie House, Bridge of Cally, Perthshire

Situated in a delightful unspoilt area of rural Perthshire, Persie House is an enchanting large holiday house offering welcoming holiday accommodation. Featuring a charming fairytale turret, the property has been traditionally furnished and decorated to create comfortable family accommodation. The wood panelling found throughout is beautiful and the elegant public rooms are a delight to enjoy in the evenings, crowded around the warm log fire with family or friends.

Persie House sits on a mixed estate. Rough shooting can be organised and there are 2 lochs with brown trout fishing and a rowing boat as well as salmon fishing on the River Blackwater. The property also has a tennis court.

Accommodation:

Ground Floor:
Drawing room; dining room; sun room, study; children's play room; kitchen with large Aga, laundry room, cloakroom with wc; gun/boot room

First Floor
Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom; four twin bedrooms, single bedroom, three bathrooms; separate wc.

Second Floor:
Dormitory; Three twin bedrooms; single bedroom, three bathrooms
Pictures can be viewed at: http://www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk/property/view/accomodation-castles-mansions-bridge-of-cally-persie-house-p030.html

Dell House, Inverness-shire

Dell House near Whitebridge in Inverness-shire is an impressive, large house dating from the Georgian era. Providing accessible accommodation, yet sitting in a private position, the property is encompassed by a walled garden and trees. Guests really will feel that they have escaped the hustle and bustle of modern life with an estate surrounding the holiday accommodation, which creeps from the infamous shores of Loch Ness – home to the elusive monster – right through wooded glens scattered with lochs to the spectacular Monadhliath Mountains.

This property has been elegantly decorated and furnished to create comfortable and traditional accommodation throughout. The large dining room seating up to 14 guests is ideal for evening dinner parties whilst the oil fired central heating and log fire in the drawing room ensures a warm and cosy stay all year round. Families are particularly well provided for with the garden room providing outdoor access to the barbeque and garden furniture.

The area surrounding this beautiful house is home to a variety of wildlife – ranging from roe, sika and red deer to grouse and ptarmigan. You may even be able to spot grebe and divers in the various hill lochs, some of which can be enjoyed for a swim in or fished. One of the largest hill lochs even comes complete with a log cabin. Overall Dell House is a delightful property ideally placed for making full use of all that the outdoors has to offer.
Accommodation:

Ground Floor:
Drawing room with open fire, dining room seating 14, TV & garden room, large kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, separate wc.

First Floor:
Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 1 further double bedroom, 4 twin bedrooms (one with en-suite shower), 2 single bedrooms, cooks bedroom room and sitting room, 5 bathrooms.

Pictures can be viewed at: http://www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk/property/view/accomodation-castles-mansions-whitebridge-nr-inverness-dell-house-p010.html

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