Littleton Of Airlie Farm Cottages
Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland
"Discover the last hidden holiday area North of the Border: Kirriemuir, Angus, ghostly Glamis Castle; "the other side of Scotland"."
Things You'll Love
Settle down in front of a glowing log fire. Steaming tea and just-out-of-the-oven home-made biscuits await your arrival. Immerse yourself in peace and tranquillity, leaving the 21st century far behind.
By day stroll along the miles of white sands, frothy waves and azure sky of Lunan Bay, or amble on crisp frosty paths under a canopy of Scotland's famous big trees, and miles of hedgerows. Experience leisurely visits where shopkeepers are happy to pass the time of day, and relaxed driving with a few farm tractors on otherwise empty roads. No two days will feel the same.
In the evenings, view the ever-changing sunsets from a snug interior. Even in deepest winter, the remarkable garden outside throws up many surprises. Early bulbs, sparkling dew covered webs or icy seedheads, with birds enjoying a deep winter feast.
Candlelit dinners, whispering branches outside, occasional clear moonlit evenings and the best of warm, comfortable beds and soft bedding.
Location
Nestling amid the ancient Vale of Strathmore, which divides the Grampian Mountains from the Sidlaw Hills, the cottages sit amid a sensational walled cottage garden, created by the owner who is a noted garden designer.
Keen gardeners can learn from her encyclopaedic knowledge and creative garden design expertise which has led to several TV appearances.
She is also a doyenne of flower-filled weddings and other celebrations, and is more than happy to chat, or supply a cutting or seedling as a souvenir of the holiday.
Keen cooks can harvest surplus garden produce and barbecue right there in the garden. Others can cast a lazy eye on the action from garden seats strategically positioned for maximum enjoyment.
Everyone can relax, as the garden is welcoming and secure for both playful children and dogs.
Golfers can tee off from any of the five renowned 18 hole golf courses, all within a 10 mile radius: Rosemount, Alyth, Strathmore, Glenisla and Kirriemuir.
Owner's Description
Discover the last hidden holiday area North of the Border: Kirriemuir, Angus, ghostly Glamis Castle; "the other side of Scotland".
Self catering, highly recommended accommodation within the traditional red sandstone row of Littleton of Airlie cottages, approached through a quiet, working farmyard; a lost 19th century agricultural idyll.
COTTAGE 1
· Sleeps two with double or twin bedroom.
· Sitting/dining room has large comfy sofa & two armchairs.
· Bathroom with free standing roll-top bath & overhead shower.
· Kitchen with electric hob & oven, microwave, fridge & washer/dryer.
· Heating by electric storage heaters (white meter) & wood burning stove.
· Bed linen, towels & initial supply of fuel for stove included in the rent.
· Colour TV, Freeview, video, radio, hairdryer, use of mobile phone, barbecue.
· Shared walled garden with garden furniture for each cottage.
· Baby & dog sitting services available.
· Internet access available.
· Parking for four cars.
COTTAGE 2
· Sleeps two with double or twin bedroom.
· Bathroom with overhead shower.
· Sitting room with comfy sofa & armchair.
· Dining room.
· Kitchen with electric hob & oven, microwave, fridge & washer/dryer.
· Heating by electric storage heaters (white meter) & wood burning stove.
· Bed linen, towels & initial supply of fuel for stove included in the rent.
· Colour TV, Freeview, video, radio, hairdryer, use of mobile phone, barbecue.
· Shared walled garden with garden furniture for each cottage.
· Baby & dog sitting services available.
· Internet access available.
· Parking for four cars.
Things You Need To Know
With ne'er a clogged road in sight, in half an hour you can be beach combing along sweeps of white sand, shopping, castle gazing, walking or just absorbing the clean, clear air and nearby mountains.
An easy drive away is fishing, hill walking in the Angus Glens and skiing at nearby Glenshee. Theatres, art galleries, tall ships, ancient, mystical Pictish stones, busy harbours are half an hour away at Dundee, Perth or Pitlochry. Edinburgh, Balmoral and the Trossachs are easily accessible for a day trip.
Almost visible on tiptoes from the cottages are the fairytale turrets of Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late Queen Mother, with its resident ghosts and close association with Macbeth, just four miles away. Experience the pre-war shopping feel in the 'Peter Pan' little market town of Kirriemuir, birthplace of J.M. Barrie. Stroll over cobbled streets to visit the local butcher, ironmonger, fishmonger, baker, a real sweetie shop and a barber who still asks "Anything for the weekend, sir?" (Ask when you arrive!)
Further afield, the owner can direct you straight to a renowned tartan shop (not a tourist in sight), bric-�-brac, markets for antiques, farm shops and indeed will give you a quick short cut into the swing of local life.
Strathmore is justly famous for its lush farmland growing, raspberries, strawberries, cereals and home to Aberdeen Angus cattle. A few miles to the north are a trio of spectacular Angus glens, evocatively named Glen Isla, Glen Prosen and Glen Clova, all wonderful walking country.
Yvonne has a store of anecdotes about local characters, inside knowledge of little known local history, off-the-beaten-track places to visit and the enticing places to eat which might have taken far too long to find without local information.
Both cottages have been decorated with style and panache. Two cottages, both sleeping two, are available to rent on a self catering basis. All mod cons are included, but the feel is cottagey, cosy and appealing. Her guest books are full of folk very reluctant to leave. Many return. Don't say you have not been warned.
Directions
View MapDirections from Kirriemuir:
Take the A926 to Alyth & Blairgowrie. About 3 miles from Kirriemuir you come to a series of bad bends and where the road straightens out you will see a farmhouse and a farm on your right, with a signpost saying "Littleton of Airlie Farm Cottages". Turn in here to the right and go right across the farmyard where you will see a large blue arrow painted on the far wall. Go to the arrow and turn right - you have arrived.
Directions from Blairgowrie:
Take the A926 to Alyth & Kirriemuir. At the 5 ways roundabout at Alyth take the road to Kirriemuir (A926), through Airlie village, the Craigton of Airlie. About � mile further on you will see a signpost on the left saying "Littleton of Airlie Farm Cottages". Turn in here to the left and go right across the farmyard where you will see a large blue arrow painted on the far wall. Go to the arrow and turn right - you have arrived.
Other Information
Prices:
Low season £225 per week. Mid season £265 per week. High season £305 per week. Peak season (July, August, Christmas and New Year) £330 per week.
Short Breaks
Short breaks can be arranged at any time in advance except for periods of school holidays, Bank Holidays, or in July and August. These dates can only be booked the week prior to the start date. Short breaks are always subject to availability.
3 nights or less = 60% of weekly rent;
4 or 5 nights = add 10% per night;
6 nights = 100% of weekly rent.
Extras
Excluding babies in cots, the number of people sleeping in the property and its grounds must never exceed the number shown as the maximum in the price list. Extra persons where space will allow can only be accommodated by requesting a put-u-up bed and bedding which will be provided for the additional amount of £25.
Dogs: £15 per week.
