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Considering a vacation in the Scottish Highlands? Errichel House offers luxury bed and breakfast accommodations, as well as self catering cottages midway between Edinburgh and Glasgow International Airports in Scotland. The family-owned Errichel Farm and Thyme at Errichel Restaurant are ideal for both families and couples seeking a romantic getaway into the countryside.
We had an idea that the property was close to the city of Edinburgh – thank you Google maps – but we didn’t realize how convenient it would be for us to drive to the highlands as this was our first visit to Scotland.
The guest house is composed of 4 ensuite bedrooms on a B & B basis in Errichel House. Owners Rebecca and Chef/Proprietor Paul Newman run a 4 star establishment that would make James Herriot of All Creatures Great and Small envious. The country views are stunning and the animals, rare and native breed livestock, are fascinating to see up close.
I was captivated by the gorgeous Highland Ponies grazing in the lower pasture, as well as the menagerie of animals and ducks by the pond. Don’t worry if you are not an animal lover, no pets are allowed in Errichel House. However, if you enjoy interacting with animals, be sure to take the farm tour with Rebecca and her Shetland pony to take in the Highland Perthshire views and enjoy a picnic or cup of tea.
Visitors have the choice to stay in 3 luxury self-catering cottages or Errichel House. We opted for the boutique bed & breakfast and were very happy with our choice. The friendly innkeeper on duty showed us to our deluxe double room and pointed out the features of the house. Our room included a super king bed with views of Highland Perthshire. What you can’t see in the photo is the fresh baked Scotch shortbread that was left in our room and the electric tea kettle with instant coffee and numerous high-end tea choices. One of the many perks of traveling in Scotland!
While my husband surveyed the property I took advantage of the offer to book an in-room Swedish massage. Our room included a modern bathroom with tub/shower combination and spa robes. This was a lovely way to create a DIY spa day, and excellent start to our highland holiday.
Thyme restaurant
I mentioned that owner Paul Newman is also the chef of the award-winning Thyme restaurant. After a day of exploring the highlands in a Land Rover with Highland Safaris, we returned to enjoy a romantic dinner for two at Thyme. Situated in the beautiful Roundhouse, our table looked out to the garden and surrounding Tay Valley. Paul is a member of the Slow Food Chefs’ Alliance and avid supporter of the slow food movement. They breed Shetland cattle, Large Black pigs (and I do mean large!) and Shetland Sheep, in addition to ducks, geese and hens. When I ran into Paul on the second day of our stay, he was off to the Farmers Market that had just opened for the season.
Errichel House has a wee shop on property that sells their house cured, air-dried Shetland beef biltong (great for that airplane ride home) as well as preserves, chutney and such. They also feature a small selection of Shetland Sheep Fleece, Shetland jewelry and Frasier Knitwear of Shetland. I travel carry on only, so I allowed myself a Lambswool headband that didn’t take up much space.
Errichel House breakfast
If you are staying in Errichel House, a gourmet Scottish breakfast is included with the price of your room. You’ll be eating farm eggs that don’t get any fresher than this, and the bacon is housemade, as is practically everything on the menu.
If you are in the holiday cottages, breakfast and dinner are available for an additional fee, as the restaurant is open to the general public. You’ll want to make advance reservations at Thyme, as it is a popular place. In sunny weather, Chef Paul, will take advantage of the outdoor dining area with something amazing grilled on the Kadai Firebowl.
Rates start at £89. Book your stay at the property’s website or go through Trip Advisor.
Bed and breakfast review and all photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Nancy D. Brown. Her stay was hosted by Errichel House. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
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