Notes from the host
Balgedie House
Balgedie House is a beautiful country home, set in wonderful gardens with outstanding views of Loch Leven and the Lomond Hills. It is situated in the small hamlet of Easter Balgedie, near Kinross, just 30 minutes north of Edinburgh and within easy reach of Perth, Stirling and St Andrews too.
Built in 1860, the House has been extensively refurbished and comfortably sleeps 12 in 6 bedrooms (3 double bedrooms with superking beds and 3 twins) however, additional beds and cots are available on request for a small extra charge. All the beds are of superior hotel standard, made up with quality linens and guests often comment on what great sleeps they've had.
There are four bathrooms upstairs and a downstairs loo. The Master ensuite has a freestanding Fired Earth roll top bath, large walk in shower and double vanity unit. The other main bedroom ensuite has a bath with overhead shower. There is also a large shower room and a generous family bathroom with a bath and walk in shower.
The kitchen has been extensively refurbished and includes many mod cons including a double wall mounted oven and a 5 ring gas hob, two dishwashers (so you're never stuck washing up on holiday!), a slow cooker, sandwich maker and a nespresso coffee maker. The quartz topped island has 3 bar stools and there is a large oak dining table that seats 12 (but can be extended for up to 16). There is also a log burning stove which makes the room very cosy and warm, and two large sash windows which both boast incredible views.
The sitting room is a beautiful room with antique furniture, tasteful art work, another log burning stove and yet more great views of the garden and Loch Leven. There's a private study with a large antique Victorian desk and a TV/play/games room with a 50" wall mounted screen, DVD player, Wii and plenty of board games and toys. There’s also free WiFi throughout.
The large boot room has ample space for coats, golf clubs, pushchairs, dog baskets etc! There is also a separate laundry with a washing machine, tumble drier, ironing board and clothes pully.
The large, well maintained garden is fully enclosed with large lawns, pretty beds, trees to climb and in ground trampoline and superb views. There is also a large area which can be used for events and marques but this must be agreed with the owner in advance. There's a long drive with ample parking near the house for around 5 cars.
The house is very family friendly and is the perfect spot for large groups or family gatherings. If the party is very large it can also be rented with Balgedie Lodge which sleep 5, details for which can also be found on this site.
Well behaved pets are welcome at the house too for a charge of 25 GBP each and must be agreed at the time of booking.
There are loads of things to do when you come and stay in the area. Our website has lots of suggestions but with so much to choose from we are very happy to help you plan you stay - just let us know what your interests are and we can guide you as best we can!
For outdoor enthusiasts there's plenty on offer! Golfers are spoilt for choice - there's a local 9 holes, famous championship courses of St Andrews and Gleneagles close by and many in between too including all the Links courses in Fife and the two spectacular Kinross courses. There are also wonderful walks, cycle routes and fishing and if your feeling very adventurous there's gliding too!
Many walks can be accessed from the front door and out the gate. There's a new path/cycle route that runs all round Loch Leven, RSPB Loch Leven is at the south end of the Loch and there are a couple of excellent farm shops to stop at for snacks and meals while your en route.
The neighbouring village, Kinnesswood has frequently won the prize for the Best Small Village in The Keep Scotland Beautiful Awards and holds it this year again. A wander through its old cottages and lanes is a lovely way to spend some time. There's also the Michael Bruce museum in the village, in the old cottage where the famous poet was born, and there is a lovely local pottery shop which is a great place to buy a little memento of your time in the area!
There are lots of restaurants and cafes to go to near the House if you don't want to be preparing meals all the time. Balgedie Toll Tavern, a lovely traditional pub which dserves great food and drinks, is only half a mile from away so takes only 10 minutes to walk to. And Loch Leven's Larder, an award winning deli, restaurant and gift shop, is only a little further along the road in walking distance too.
There's also Castle Island, that you can see from the House. Mary Queen of Scots was famously imprisoned there and there are boat trips out to it in the summer for you to have a look around. To get it it you take a little ferry from Kinross jetty. It really is a must-go-and-see and has a great picnic spot!
