Arndean Cottages, Blairingone

Blashie Cottage is situated 2 miles to the east of Dollar and 500 metres to the north of the village of Blairingone in the beautiful Ochil Valley. The Highlands, Loch Lomond, Edinburgh and Glasgow are less than an hour away with Stirling and Perth only 30 minutes by car. The view from the cottage is stunning and it looks down the Ochil Valley to the Trossachs, 40 miles away.

The cottage is located on the private estate of Ardean and visitors can walk on the many routes across the farm and also the two mile Millennium Walk. It is possible to play tennis (with prior agreement), shoot clay pigeons and pheasants (12 months notice) and fish for trout on the River Devon so there is lots to do on the estate itself.

The surrounding area is rich in historic sites and attractions and within 30 minutes are Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, Bannockburn Battlefield, Alloa Tower, Castle Campbell, Kinross House and gardens, Loch Leven with boat trips to the island, Falkland Palace and Scone Palace. For children, there is Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling and Deep Sea World at North Queensferry.

There are 10 golf courses within 15 miles of Arndean. Muckhart is on the edge of the estate and the golf course at Dollar is only 2 miles away. Within an hour's drive there are 6 championship courses including St Andrews, Muirfield, Kingsbarns, Gleneagles, Carnoustie and Loch Lomond. The area is also a paradise for fishermen with many lochs, rivers and fisheries within easy access. The River Devon flows through the estate and trout fishing can be booked through the farm office. There is also excellent trout fishing available on Loch Leven and there is some of Scotland's very best salmon fishing within 30 minutes drive. In season, shooting can be arranged on the estate or in the local area.

For walkers, The Ochil Hills run for 20 miles from Stirling in the West to Muckhart in the east and rise to over 2,300 feet with some stunning views of Central Scotland and the Highlands. Several Munroes are within easy distance and a day spent on the hills can be just ideal to lift the spirits. For skiers, the Glenshee slopes are 2 hours drive and there are two dry ski slopes within easy reach, Tillicoultry and also Hillend in Edinburgh both with instructional classes and ski hire.

For the more adventurous, there is a paragliding centre in Menstrie, 5 miles away, and instruction is available for all ages and levels of abilities. Also, the Scottish Off Road Driving Centre is near Gateside, 15 miles away. Retail therapy is on hand with the nearest shops in Dollar 2 miles away. There is a designer outlet at Tillicoultry (4 miles) with Edinburgh and Perth within easy driving distance. The famous House of Bruar is 45 miles to the north and well worth a day trip. There are two excellent restaurants within 3 miles and six within 10 miles. There are excellent pubs in both Dollar and Muckhart (2 miles) and two take-away restaurants in Dollar - perfect if you don't want to cook on your self-catering holiday!