Cuil-an-Duin Country House

Exceptional Hospitality in Tranquil, Elegant Home on Beautiful Grounds. My family and I stayed at Cuil an Duin Country House at the beginning of June this year. We booked a rather last minute trip, and I struggled to find accommodation, eventually stumbling across Cuil an Duin in a rather roundabout way on Google Maps of all places - and I am so, so glad that I did! We had a magnificent stay in this beautiful home. We stayed in the house itself, in which there are three elegantly furnished large en-suite double bedrooms. From the moment we entered through the gates of Cuil an Duin the entire experience was blissful. The impressive driveway is lined with rhododendrons and mature trees which envelop you in a sense of tranquil, natural calm. The driveway opens up into the courtyard of the house, where we parked and were greeted by a cheerful David, who brought us into the elegant sitting room where he and Sally served us afternoon tea/coffee with the most delicious Victoria sponge cake, freshly made by David that same day. We had been on the road all afternoon so this was an absolute delight for us - it was literally the best Victoria sponge I've ever tasted! The bedrooms are spacious, quiet and incredibly comfortable. They are also extremely aesthetically pleasing, with every little detail carefully thought out and in tune with the ambiance of this stately older home. There were fresh flowers in all of our rooms. The beds are luxurious and again, incredibly comfortable. We all slept very well. Two out of the three bedrooms have baths in their attached bathrooms, which added to the rest and relaxation. From the windows you can see many birds and squirrels at various feeders, as well as looking out over the beautiful mature garden. We enjoyed many walks around the grounds, which are teaming with wildlife - from the resident chickens to pine martins, woodpeckers, badgers, foxes and deer. It is like something out of a fairytale! Breakfast was a work of art, and a testament to great hospitality. A generous buffet of fruit, cereals, yoghurt and muffins etc. meets you in the dining room, and David or Sally take your orders for tea and coffee and juice. But it doesn't end there - there is an entire breakfast menu with omelettes, bacon, eggs, porridge, smoked mackerel and much more, from which David takes your order and prepares it fresh. Everything was delicious, and again the setting in the dining room is just perfect. David and Sally really did go above and beyond to ensure we had a good stay - they are brilliant and welcoming hosts. They provided us with lots of information and recommendations on where to visit both nearby and further afield, for sightseeing and also for dinner reservations. Cuil an Duin was a great base for exploring the nearby towns of Pitlochry, Aberfeldy and Dunkeld; and is also relatively close to Edinburgh and the Cairngorms National Park. Overall we had an extremely restful and restorative stay, in this unspoilt home with natural charm. This is a place that is authentic and has personality, and so too do the lovely David and Sally. I highly recommend all those considering booking to go ahead and book immediately!

LauraF

Perthshire Perfection! We stayed for two nights in Room 3 and were delighted with our accommodation. Our private bathroom with fabulous power shower was just along the landing which also houses Room 2 but as this room was unoccupied we had the whole wing to ourselves. Breakfast was cooked by David in the mornings with a great offering of local treats including Dunkeld smoked salmon and eggs from the hens in the garden. Red squirrels run around outside gathering nuts and David has footage of the local pine martens, deer and badgers who also share the extensive grounds. We were greeted with tea and homemade cake on arrival and lots of good conversation with David and Sally. This is a special place. We highly recommend and will look forward to a return visit.

MoneypennyF

Simply Magical! We feel very lucky to have stayed at Cuil an Duin; it was a real treat! Sally & David welcomed us warmly on arrival, with a pot of tea and homemade cakes! Our spacious, comfortable room overlooked the garden, where red squirrels and deer can be spotted! The house itself is absolutely gorgeous; in a quiet, magical setting amongst trees, it is a perfect place to rest and relax. Breakfasts are outstanding! Our vegetarian diet was not a problem for our kind and generous hosts. Our fellow guests were lovely and we really enjoyed the lively conversations with them. We cannot thank Sally & David enough for their hospitality and for our amazing stay in their fabulous home. We definitely plan to return when we are next in the area.

CabotF

WOW! Just pulling up to the house sets the tone for a great visit. This house looks very posh country and continues inside. We stayed in the bed and breakfast rooms 1 & 2. Very spacious and beautifully appointed. Extra sitting areas upstairs and down. Clean clean and comfy cozy!! Will stay there again if possible!! David is a fabulous cook and breakfast a huge treat. We lingered so long each morning we missed some of our day’s activities. But never mind it was about the stay, loved it!! A great find!!!

DebbieF

Stunning Setting, Gorgeous Grounds, Exceptional Accommodation - So Peaceful and Tranquil - would definitely recommend! Sally and David are the most fabulous hosts . Such a memorable trip with great friends. Breakfast was outstanding the bedrooms were sumptuous with the most amazing soft furnishings and luxurious toiletries. A real hidden treasure. Relax relax relax !

MorvenF