Craigatin House & Courtyard

Surrounded by scenic countryside and wooded grounds, the Craigatin House and Courtyard, ensconced in a 200-year-old stone country house, tastefully blends tradition and modernity. A modern A-frame wooden extension abutting the main building houses the light and airy dining room. Natural light pours in through the large windows, and its blond-wood floors and furnishings lend a Scandinavian look. A lovely sunlit lounge with comfortable armchairs and a log-burning stove occupies the front of the structure, and opens onto an immaculate green lawn. The hotel has a quiet and tranquil atmosphere, likely due in part to its policy of not allowing children younger than 13 years old.

The hotel is located in the small Victorian town of Pitlochry, a quaint area surrounded by scenic countryside, hills, and mountains. Situated on the western end of Atholl Road, Pitlochry’s main street, the property is a short walk to the many restaurants, bars, and shops that line the road, though it's removed enough to offer quiet and partial seclusion. The bus and train stations are an eight-minute walk from the property. The area attracts travelers seeking a dose of nature and countryside, and there are various outdoor activities in the area, such as walking and hiking on the many trails, and golfing at the Pitlochry Golf Course, which is a two-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from the Craigatin. Nearby sights worth visiting include the beautiful Blair Castle (a 10-minute drive) and the Blair Atholl Distillery, about a three-minute drive. Edinburgh is an hour and a half away.

Decor varies from room to room, but all are fresh and contemporary, with stylish modern furnishings, large windows, and lots of natural light. The spacious rooms have tasteful color schemes -- crimson, white, and brown or rich purple and plums pair with slate gray. Some rooms have lovely accent walls of patterned wallpaper, and modern blond-wood furniture. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, plus free bottled water and cookies but no minibars or mini-fridges. Modern bathrooms have walk-in showers, heated towel racks, and high-end toiletries. A Suite with a separate living room includes such additional amenities as an iPod dock, espresso machine, and two flat-screen TVs.

A tasty and extensive breakfast buffet is included in the room rate, served in the airy and sunlit dining room. It includes freshly baked croissants, fruit, cereals, yogurt, and porridge, plus the choice of a hot main course that includes an omelette, apple pancakes, French toast, or a traditional Scottish breakfast. The hotel does not, however, have a full restaurant or a fitness center. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and free parking is available.