Fir Tree Lodge

With seven ensuite bedrooms, three dining spaces, a large lounge, a sunroom, a playroom, a sauna, a massage chair and a hot tub, Fir Tree Lodge is a brilliant choice for a group getaway. Guests can easily enjoy time together – gathered around the enormous dining table or in the hot tub – or break away for a moment of quiet. In particular, the outdoor seating in the sunny south-facing garden, the sunroom and the lodge’s self-contained two-bed annexe provide opportunities for quieter moments.

Fir Tree Lodge is a Victorian building, built as Crieff’s star was rising as a hydropathic holiday destination. Visitors travelled from far and wide to “take the waters” at nearby Crieff Hydro Hotel, which is still open to this day – happily now with spa facilities fit for the 21st century. The house feels grand, spacious, and full of period character, with high ceilings, cornicing, stone walls, decorative stained-glass window details and fireplaces. Upgrades made over the years, like central heating, fluffy carpets and double glazing, now make it as comfortable as it is beautiful.

Kitchen and dining

For many years, Fir Tree Lodge was a B&B, so the kitchen is planned around meal prep for many people. There’s a Range cooker, a separate oven, a huge amount of fridge space and enough cooking utensils and crockery for the most elaborate of meals. There’s even an overflow kitchen with yet more storage and appliances. A hatch through to the breakfast table makes serving and tidying up a breeze. The lodge’s separate dining room, which has a woodburning stove, is ideal for dinners. Guests have enjoyed private dining experiences in here, spilling into the comfortable adjoining lounge afterwards.

Bedrooms and bathrooms

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms, all with an en-suite shower room or bathroom and a TV, and a delightful playroom. Within the main house, there’s a fifth bedroom and a shower room on the lower downstairs floor, near the infrared sauna.

The final two bedrooms are in Fir Tree Lodge’s annexe, which sleeps four. Originally set up for independent self-catering stays, the annexe has a twin and a double bedroom, both ensuite, a well equipped kitchen with a dining area, and its own outdoor access.

Amenities

The lower area of the house is an ideal suite for those who value quiet or privacy. Alternatively, with its tea and coffee station and location as the link between the indoor sauna and outdoor hot tub, this zone could be used as a private spa.

Outdoors

Fir Tree Lodge’s hedge-lined back garden and several of its rooms offer views across Perthshire’s rolling fields to the Ochil hills. As well as a lawn and outdoor seating, there’s parking for several cars. It could be useful to have one here for day tripping: Scone Palace, Gleneagles and Stirling Castle are just some of the nearby attractions. Other popular local activities include golf, horse riding and mountain biking. And spa days, of course.

Location

There’s plenty to do on foot, though, as Fir Tree Lodge is a five-minute walk from the centre of this market town with its wealth of excellent cafes, restaurants and bars. Crieff has a wonderful playpark too, with lots of space and equipment for little and big kids.

Important information

Licence Number PK13446F

EPC Rating D