My Dream Vaca

A few months ago, I discovered Cottages & Castles, a website that displays teeny farmhouses and grand castles for rent in Scotland.  I fell in love and became obsessed! I couldn’t stop look at them and trying to figure out how many pounds it would cost me to pack up today and stay in a castle for a month.

My favorite is Easterhueghs Castle Abedour Fife.  It houses ten people and boasts a rich history:

Easterheughs Castle is situated high above the Firth of Forth and enjoys a dramatic and breathtaking location. The far reaching views incorporate Edinburgh Castle, the Forth bridges and the Pentland Hills. The tower holds many architectural surprises; it is only 70 years old and was caringly rebuilt with timber gathered from many historic sites across Fife including Burntisland Castle where Mary Queen of Scots once stayed. As a result the castle has been given grade A listed status and although only 70 years old the property is immersed in history. To add to the prestige the castle was once the home of the famous Scottish painter Jack Vettriano.

The interior of the castle is immaculate and full of character and the accommodation is excellent and although the bedrooms are small and accessed by traditional atmospheric steep twisty stair cases, they have the most amazing views, and the bathrooms are light and modern. The master bedroom has sole access onto an outside turreted terrace complete with cannons for protection! The grand drawing room has a cleverly hidden false door which leads to a small movie cinema with a projector screen and comfy theatre seats this will enthral young children and is the perfect place to while away a wet afternoon. The timber lined dining room is charming and lends itself nicely to formal dinner parties or even a Scottish ceilidh.

The impressive castle grounds have been beautifully landscaped and boast an area of timber decking which overlooks the Firth making it an ideal spot for a barbeque. The surrounding three acres are composed of mostly well kept lawns and there is a private path which connects with the famous Fife coastal path. The property is perfectly situated for exploring Edinburgh with its internationally renowned historical sites and events such as the famous Edinburgh Festival. The quaint and interesting Fife coastal villages are near by and offer a contrasting experience as do the magnificent glens of Perthshire and Angus.

Easterheughs is beautifully positioned for those wanting to stay somewhere special for the British Open Golf at St Andrews in 2010 as it isonly 30 miles from the course and yet you remain close to Edinburgh – a mere 20 minutes away – to enjoy the best of both worlds!

The only problem with visiting is that I may never come home!

However, if Easterheughs is booked, I would consider staying at Castle on Loch Dunoon Argyll.  It’s about double the cost but sleeps up to 42 people! If I ever get married, we might just have to make it a destination wedding.

Castle on the Loch is a magnificent building with views across the sea, set in it own delightful gardens and perhaps the star of the show – it has its own a magnificent indoor swimming pool. (Please note that the published price does not include the heating and use of the pool for which an additional £500 is charged). This is a house seemingly designed for enjoyment, with the wonderful heated pool, large billiard room, toy room, big conservatory, outdoor play area and plenty of public space so it will easily cope with the large numbers it sleeps.  When you realise that the front hall has space for an open fire, seating area and a grand piano, you begin to understand the scale of this house. Built by James Hunter, Castle on the Loch had the same architect as nearby Dunoon Castle (David Hamilton). This beautiful house can be taken for smaller parties of 30 people. Please enquire for price.

The bedrooms are all very comfortable and modestly rather than luxuriously furnished but all have en suite shower rooms which is a welcome facility in a large house such as this. You will love the magnificent ceilings, carved doors and stunning staircase in this lovely house and children will enjoy exploring the many corridors, stairs and levels throughout the house. The public rooms are spacious and numerous. The large drawing room even has a bar and the double doors to the small drawing room can be opened to provide one very large room, perfect for large gatherings. With its many public areas, Castle on the Loch suits large parties perfectly as there are areas to find peace and quiet as well as places to enjoy gathering.

Outside there are lawns and beautiful trees and delightful views across to the seas as well as a lovely patio area. The area is readily accessible to Glasgow and the airport is only 50 minutes away. Try the ferry across to Dunoon to give yourself a sense of journeying and a chance to enjoy the views or take a daytrip to Wemyss Bay and Bute and Rothesay. The immediate area is rich in Scottish history and beautiful countryside that is a joy to explore. Nearby you can visit the Younger Botanical Gardens with their spectacular trees and planting or for the more active there is golf, swimming, clay pigeon shooting, sailing, fishing and quad biking all within reach.

Sigh. Until I win the lottery or find a sugar daddy, my dream vaca will just have to wait.

What’s your dream vaca?