Where do I begin?! Glenturret Mill is one of the most beautiful properties I've ever stayed at. I was there for a week at the end of May (2008) and there were baby bunnies and baby squirrels everywhere! Hares were hopping by the windows and the occasional deer went strolling by. The Mill has huge floor to ceiling windows, which means you can sit on the sofa and watch the wildlife outside! There are also three sets of big glass and wooden doors which you can open to let the breezes in--not to mention the lovely sound of chirping birds. The neighboring farmland is home to sheep and highland cattle (the big, furry ones), so along with the bird sounds, the only other sound you'll hear will be the occasional baaa-aaa-aaa or moo.

The owner and the caretaker of the Mill are a dream come true and are unbelievably friendly and helpful. When I arrived, the caretaker, Kathleen, actually drove me to the supermarket and back (as I didn't have a car when I arrived), just so I wouldn't be without groceries! Also, there will be tea, coffee and wine set out to greet you when you arrive. These little touches were a delightful surprise and really made me feel welcome.

There is a large fireplace (with the fire set when you arrive) and also, extra wood. After you run out of firewood, there's a store just down the road in Crieff where you can buy kindling and lovely, crispy wood that snaps and crackles as it burns and it smells lovely!

The decor inside the Mill is intriguing and unique, with antiques and hand-carved wooden doors, tables and chairs and really interesting art objects, baskets, etc. This house was lovingly designed and painstakingly crafted and you can feel that in the atmosphere. Although it is, in a way, majestic, it is also homey and comforting. The under-floor heating is very cozy and compliments the snuggly ambience in this amazing house. I didn't measure the stone walls (which go up to an amazing height, to meet the beamed, cathedral ceiling), but they must be nearly three feet thick! There are a million light switches (!) which I really loved because it allows for so many different combinations of how the space can look, just by the lighting alone--or all the living room lights can be turned off, leaving just the glorious glow of the fire. Ahhh, paradise!

The kitchen is a dream for those of us who like to cook, with a really great (very large) gas stove and electric oven, both recessed into an impressive alcove with it's own lighting. There's more counter space than you'll ever need and all the appliances that usually stand out (refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher) are cleverly hidden behind wooden facades, which allows the kitchen to retain a warm, rustic feel, to match the rest of the house.

As if that's not enough, there's the upstairs. Up the wrought iron, spiral staircase is a charming study/sitting area with a comfy sofa, desk and chair. The lovely double bedroom is right off that room, along with an enormous bathroom (and the biggest bath tub I've ever seen!), all with gleaming hardwood flooring (with underheating, of course)!

I would strongly advise having a car because although Crieff is only two or three miles away, if you want to buy groceries or wood, you probably won't feel like hiking all the way back, carrying all that weight. Besides, you can take the car and just drive around the area to see endless miles of postcard-perfect scenery. It's a pleasure getting lost in Scotland!

But back to the Mill--I cannot say enough about this wonderful little jewel. As you can see, I was quite taken with it, as I'm sure anyone would be. I will definitely return to this unique, fairytale house, which now holds a very special place in my heart.

Recommended: Yes