Balkello Farm, Auchterhouse, Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom | (541) 362-3741
Secluded, deluxe collection of romantic luxury cottages
Cottages have private saunas,
hot tubs, and large roll-top bathtubs
Cozy touches include wood-burning
stoves and sheep skin rugs
Fully equipped, state-of-the-art
kitchens
Large beds with Egyptian cotton sheets
Outside decking
with double hammocks and barbecues
Free high-speed Wi-Fi
Might feel too
isolated for some
No shops nearby
The Hideaway
Experience is a small collection of high-end mini cottages set in the middle
of the pretty Angus countryside about a 20-minute drive from Dundee. The three deluxe
huts are awash with luxurious touches including private saunas, roll-top baths,
and outdoor hot tubs. The seclusion of these bolt-hole hideaways is part of
their appeal, and is ideal for couples looking for romantic luxury in perfect isolation -- though it might not suit everyone. All of this privacy and indulgence comes at a price, however, so travelers should be prepared for steep rates. For a more traditional hotel stay, the Old Course Hotel is a gorgeous golf resort with a spa, several restaurants, and a pool.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Secluded deluxe mini cottages for romancing couples
Its name -- The
Hideaway Experience -- gives more than a hint as to the nature of this secluded collection of three deluxe mini cottages, which are appropriately dubbed the
Romantics, Honeymooners, and Lovers' Hideaways, leaving no
doubt as to whom these lodges are geared toward. The project began in 2005
when owners Ross and Caroline Miller converted a traditional farm bothy (basic hut
shelter) into a luxury retreat for couples which became "the Romantics' Hideaway." Later
in 2011 the other two were built and in 2012 the first was totally upgraded. Still
mostly comprising the original building, the Romantics' has a more traditional
and rustic feel, while the Lovers' and Honeymooners' Hideaways feature more chic, contemporary architecture. Everything
is finished to a high standard and adheres to eco-friendly practices, and while overwhelmingly occupied by honeymooning and romantic couples, the property gets the occasional family or solo traveler as well.
Location
Secluded location amid fields and farmland, a 20-minute drive to Dundee
Located in the middle of
the Angus countryside north of Dundee on the east coast of Scotland, these
properties feel particularly secluded and isolated. Set at the foot of the
Sidlaw Hills, there's very little in the surroundings besides picturesque
fields and farmland, and a lack of shops means guests should pick up groceries ahead. Dundee city center is about a 20-minute drive and it takes about the same time to reach Dundee Airport.
Rooms
Chic, high-end cottages awash with cozy and luxurious touches
All three hideaways feature chic, modern decor with high-end furnishings, fresh
contemporary styling, and plenty of homey touches such as sheep skin rugs,
log-burning stoves, and wooden floors. The bathroom facilities are particularly
impressive with private saunas, double rainfall showers, and roll-top
baths with plenty of room for two; toiletries are luxury Highland Soap
Company products. Beds are extra large or four-poster with Egyptian cotton
sheets, while lounges have cocktail bars, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks, plus Wi-Fi is free of charge. Kitchens are also top-of-the-range, though the
real stand-outs are the outside hot tubs with views over the countryside, which are specially positioned to allow nudity without being seen. Outside decking and gas-powered barbecues
allow for alfresco cooking and dining, while double hammocks provide the perfect place to swing in the breeze.
Features
On-call masseuse and romantic arrangements
These self-contained secluded units means that there's little else in
the way of facilities. The owners, however, are on hand to help organize
anything that the guests require, including a masseuse that's on call to provide massages
in the comfort of the bedroom. Romantic touches such as rose petals on the bed,
chilled champagne, and even hot air balloon bookings can be arranged. A free
taxi transfer to and from Dundee train station or the airport is also available for
guests who stay for three nights or more.
