The Kinnaird Estate (by Dunkeld, Perthshire PH8 0LB, Scotland) is a true hide-away and the ideal location for anyone looking for a breath of fresh air. Kinnaird Hotel & Estate is an opulent 18th century mansion, with charming estate cottages, nestled in 700 acres of Perthshire heartland. Guests can experience a range of sporting activities on the moors, or indulge in some ‘me time’ with a treatment at The Retreat, before sitting down to enjoy some of Scotland’s finest local produce and fine wines.

Kinnaird has welcomed distinguished guests to family house parties since the 1920s and owners Mrs Constance Ward, and her daughters, continue that tradition, opening their home as a hotel in 1990. Ensuring the smooth running of the Estate, Husband and wife duo Anne and Max Schaeflein, previously of Gleneagles, draw upon their years of hosting experience to guarantee every guests needs are catered for.

Sleeping
With all the traditional comfort and warmth of a family home, guests can feel at ease in one of the eight individually designed and generously sized bedrooms, each named after a location on the estate. Kick back with one of the handpicked CDs or books on offer, glass of ‘Highland Heater’ in hand (a spiced whisky made to an old family recipe), whilst the butler warms your towels and draws you a bath. To really get a taste for the Laird of the Manor lifestyle opt for the Kinnaird suite.

Alternatively two courtyard cottages, ranging in size from one to two bedrooms, are ideal for families with smaller children (under 7) and also welcome dogs.

Sporting Estate
Fishing in the River Tay is second to none, and for anyone feeling out of practice a lesson under the watchful eye of Kinnaird’s resident Ghillies will soon make anyone feel like a pro. Whether you are a beginner or expert, for those fancying a spot of shooting the Kinnaird Estate can organise experiences for up to teams of eight. Or for something less energetic a stroll around the grounds will prove an unforgettable experience as a network of walks lead guests through farmland, river banks and high moorland. Closer to the house, the walled Victorian Kitchen Garden or the apple orchard are ideal places to relax.

Dining
To relieve a well earned appetite, head to the Dining Room for a taste of Scotland’s best locally sauced produce. Voted ‘Chef of the Year’ at the 2009 Scottish hotel awards Jean-Baptiste Bady invites diners to choose from the season Table D’Hote Menu and six-course tasting menu, with dishes such as Pan Fried Foie Gras with Rhubarb Chutney, Monkfish with Wild Garlic Risotto and Guinea Fowl with Truffle Potato. Guests can also dine from the unique ‘Smoked Tasting Menu’ produced by Kinnaird’s own smokehouse, which also smokes the Estate’s own nuts, cheese and salmon. Not to be outshone by the cuisine, select a world class accompanying wine from the international list compiled by Sommelier and Food & Beverage Manager, Max Schaeflein, who can recommend the perfect food and wine pairing.

Events
Throughout the year Kinnaird offers various events, from ‘Whisky Nosings’ in May, to a tutored photography course in June and a White Picnic in August illustrating that there is plenty to capture the essence of the Estate’s surroundings. For a full list of events and dates please visit www.kinnairdestate.com/newsevents