Tuesday 21 December 2010

Last Minute Christmas and New Year


We still have a number of lovely cottages available over the Festive season, many of which are free for a short break or week getaway at great rates.

For Christmas: The Doocot near Dunning (sleeps 2), Duchally Lodge near Gleneagles (6) has leisure facilities

For New Year: Aberturret Cottage near Crieff (sleeps 5), Bridgend House near Alyth (7), Guthrie Court at Gleneagles Village (6), The Coach House at Forteviot (4), Woodside of Balhaldie near Dunblane (8) and Tuarach in Comrie (4)Whether you are after somewhere special to get away & relax, or a base to explore, just visit our website or call us anytime for ideas or advice on 01764 684100.

For an early year break suggestion why not book an Abade short break and, during your stay, treat yourself to a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea at The Gleneagles Hotel. Call 0800 704 705 to make a reservation for afternoon tea, and call us 01764 684100 to book your short break.


To find out about the very latest offers, deals and new properties, follow us on our Blog, Facebook and Twitter

Search on-line for your ideal holiday cottage, home or apartment in Perthshire.

Romantic Breaks - Beautiful locations to escape & relax
Cottages for larger groups, family celebrations & birthdays
Cottages where dogs are welcome

Reserve your 2011 holiday online or give us a call on 01764 684100 anytime for advice & ideas.

Friday 26 November 2010

Perth 800 grand finale 26 - 28 November

This weekend is the finale of the Perth 800 celebrations at there's loads of free events to see. Perthshire Past, Present and Future will be portrayed through a dramatised light trail, commencing at the illuminated St. Johns Kirk area through the Skinnergate to Perth Concert Hall and down to the River Tay. Enjoy outdoor concerts, exhibitions, talks, walks, guided tours and treasure hunts, street markets, dance-a–thons, an abundance of endless entertainment for all the family. During Lightnight, Perth Concert Hall will be lit up with sparkling light installations created by secondary school pupils. Follow the lights further inside to the Gannochy Auditorium to find a sparkling Moon, created by leading Chinese artist Wang Yu Yang.........and it's not too late to book an overnight stay in Perth to take full advantage of a fabulous weekend.

Friday 5 November 2010

November World Indoor Bowls Tour

7 to 13 November The Dewar's Centre in Perth is host to the World Bowls Tour , the Scottish International Series. This is a world ranking event which features the top 16 players in the world. Local fans will be able to see indoor bowls of the highest quality, led by three distinguished Scots - Alex Marshall, David Gourlay and Paul Foster. Telephone - 01738 624188 for more information and see our What's On page.

To book a great value autumn break see our Late Availability or call us on 01764 684100

Thursday 28 October 2010

What's On - 31st October Halloween time

If you feel like joining in some local entertainment while enjoying a last minute break at one of our superb holiday homes, check out the Halloween Puppet Show at Scone Palace

Join Janette the Witch, Kevin the Friendly Vampire (and his pet rat), Hamish the Highlander, Eddie the Rat Catcher and Pickles the Bear as they tell spooky tales from Scotland’s history! Performances will take place at 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm. Telephone 01738 552300

A visit to Scone Palace is worthwhile at any time. The arboretum is stunning at this time of year and there's an excellent play area for the children. There are so may reasons to visit Perthshire, and so much to do and see.

Visitors are coming to Perthshire all year round and finding a wealth of interesting things to spend their leisure time. Scotland is blessed with wonderful scenery and the great joy is that there can be dramatic changes in just a short distance. A walk at The Hermitage amongst Perthshire's Big Trees will surely delight, and only a few miles away you can be driving through the rugged mountain tops of the Sma' Glen. Perthshire is a bird watcher's paradise and a visit to the Loch of the Lowes is a must.

While away an hour or two at the Abernyte or Rait Antiques Centres, enjoy wonderful food - try Gloagburn Farm Shop just outside Perth (get there for a brunch one morning - it's scrumptious). Perth offers a diversity of individually owned shops and the usual High Street ones, along with St John's Kirk, The Fergusson Gallery, the Black Watch Museum, the Museum and Art Gallery, and lots of good restaurants with prices to suit all pockets. You'll have no difficulty finding something to do in the evening either, take in a performance at the Horsecross Concert Hall or Theatre, and the fabulous Pitlochry Festival Theatre that is now open all year round.

Golf and Perthshire go hand in hand, or "club in hand" with more than 40 courses to choose from and a course to suit every level of ability, golf in some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland.

We think once you have discovered Perthshire, you'll become one of the many who visit again and again.

Monday 25 October 2010

Perthshire Amber: The Douggie Maclean Festival

From 29 October to 7 November at different venues throughout Perthshire, Perthshire Amber is an established autumn folk festival celebrating Scottish music.

Dougie MacLean is "Scotland's pre-eminent singer-songwriter and a national musical treasure" (Performing Songwriter USA) who has developed a unique festival which shares with visitors from Scotland and abroad his native and very beautiful scenery, as well as his music and musical friends. This 10 day festival features international and Scottish musicians of the highest calibre. The concerts are staged in a variety of wonderful venues from an iron age crannog on Loch Tay, to historic Blair Castle and Castle Menzies and atmospheric Dunkeld Cathedral to the Festival Theatre in Pitlochry. Yet the Festival is so much more than the music concerts. There are workshops, walks, talks, open mic sessions and a Young Songwriter’s Showcase as well as Cabaret Amber (free early evening music). It's also a celebration of the history and culture of this unique county in the heart of Scotland, at a time of the year when Perthshire is ablaze with rich autumnal colour

Visit our website to see details of where to stay and last minute discounts.

Wednesday 20 October 2010

Perthshire's Enchanted Forest


From 22 October to 7 November you can visit The Enchanted Forest in Faskally Wood by Pitlochry It's a fabulous evening with Scotland's magical sound and light experience. Perthshire Big Tree Country's The Enchanted Forest is a feast for your senses. Explore the autumnal Faskally Wood and set your senses buzzing with dazzling visuals, sumptuous sounds and interactive displays. You will have to book via Telephone - 0871 288 7655


Visit our What's On Page for details of this and other events, and check out availability and prices for short breaks in our Perthshire Holiday Homes, or call us on telephone: 01764 684100

Monday 18 October 2010

Last minute availability for week 23rd October

23rd to 30th October Abade Perthshire Holidays has vacancies with many excellent discounts. Sleeping 2/4: Moulinalmond £293.25. Sleeping 4: Tuarach £360, Miller's Cottage £400,
Coach House £400, Clocktower £485, Mill House £486, Glenmhor £490,
Craigrossie at Guthrie Court £490. Sleeps 5: Wayside Cottage £439, Braemhor £476. Sleeps 5/6: Guthrie Court £550. Sleeps 8: West Blairmore £720, Woodside of Balhaldie £790.

Contact us directly or phone to book 01764 684100.

Thursday 7 October 2010

Perthshire's Crann-apple Festival 14th October


Looking for something different to do next week? Take a short break and go along to Kenmore and the Scottish Crannog Centre (with or without your own apples to press). Sample a wide range of flavours, and enjoy home baking and local produce.

Telephone 01887 830583 for details.

Visit our What's On page. We have short breaks available in October starting at £195 for 2 persons, 2 nights to 3 nights for up to 6 people at £385 and up to 8 people at £560. Book now or ask us for details of dates available. Telephone 01764 684100














Tuesday 5 October 2010

Perthshire in Autumn - the Drovers Tryst

9 to 17 October - The Crieff and Strathearn Drovers Tryst
Crieff and Strathearn Drovers Tryst celebrates the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff the crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s. This festival recreates the atmosphere of the droving days - without the inconvenience of 30,000 cattle! Now in its 9th year today’s walk festival offers a great choice of Perthshire walks led by local experts. The guided walks range from challenging mountain routes to easier walks with themes as diverse as General Wade, photography, bush craft and even bats.

The events programme isn’t all about walking (and it isn’t even totally about the outdoors!). There is a ghost story night, Comrie Cinema is showing a mountain film and there will be plenty of traditional music, dancing and even pipes and drums to entertain festival goers: these are just a selection of activities available during the week.

On the final Sunday of the Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival the Hairy Coo Mountain Bike Race offers riders of all abilities a chance to have fun on Comrie Croft’s network of handmade trails.

See more of What's On in Perthshire in Autumn, select your dates for a short break and ask us for the late deals list.

Monday 6 September 2010

Late availability in September

Here are some of the great holiday opportunities offered at Abade for September. Contact us for any information you need to help plan your September getaway in Perthshire.

Sleeps 2: Take a 2 night break in Perth for only £187.50. The very popular Doocot near Dunning has 4 nights from the 27th at £320. The romantic Tower House has 2-night breaks from the 27th at £276.

Sleeps 4:Chapel House has 2 weeks from 11th for special rate £420 per week, Miller’s Cottage at reduced rate £477 p.w., Moulinalmond at £414

Sleeps 5: The delightful Wayside Cottage from 27th at £550. Guthrie Court, Gleneagles Village 3-night breaks at £420

Sleeps 6:
Duchally Lodge (including full leisure facilities) at £375 for up to 4 nights, £750 per week, from 12th. Cambushinnie Croft from 26th at £670

Sleeps 8: Woodside of Balhaldie at £900 p.w. or 3-night breaks at £630
Sleeps 10: Dall Mill, fabulous situation on Loch Rannoch, 9th to 16th @ £840, or from 27th. Short breaks possible on request.

Tuesday 13 July 2010

Abade's New Holiday Lodge with Leisure facilities

A visit to Duchally Lodge is sure to be memorable, what a beautiful setting this luxurious lodge enjoys on the edge of Glen Devon! We particularly liked its secluded setting on the edge of the perfectly maintained 27 acres of Duchally Country Estate, close to the “Lang Toon” of Auchterarder in West Perthshire, and only a few miles from The Gleneagles Hotel Golf Courses. Duchally Lodge is the only privately owned lodge offered on this estate and it offers the huge bonus of on site leisure facilities included in the rental price. There's a Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna and Gym, and for keeping in touch, there’s an Internet Café. Hire bikes for the day, walk from the door, or relax in 5-star luxury of your holiday home. Edinburgh and Glasgow aiports around an hour by car.


Duchally Lodge is a luxurious holiday home sleeping 6 in a private corner of the Duchally Country Estate with full dining and leisure facilities. Abade Self Catering Holidays has this and more to choose from. Visit our website or call us on 01764 684100

Thursday 24 June 2010

New holiday home online today

The Mill House at Balhaldie lies between Braco and Dunblane. It sleeps 4 and is available for self catering holidays for the first time from today.

Dating back over 300 years, there's nothing historic about the interior as the designer ower has applied all her skills, using top quality materials and her skills to make an interior that's unique, modern and packed with character.

Granite worktops, solid wood flooring with underfloor heating, comfy sofas, wood burner for the winter evenings, imaginative interior decoration, this is a sensitive restoration of a historic building. Book it now!
Larger family groups will want to know that in the same location, though quite separate, is Woodside of Balhaldie Farmhouse that sleeps 8.


The Mill House is one of a number of new properties joining Abade in Perthshire.
















Friday 11 June 2010

last minute availability in June

Abade self catering holiday homes in Perthshire have late availability in a number of properties, not least because we have new properties coming on board who have never let before. Ask us for a full list, but here are a few examples.

Week 19th to 26th June
The Penthouse at St Ninian's, sleeps 6, at £724.50 (£825) in Crieff. Enjoy spectacular views over Strathearn from this magnificent Crieff apartment in a former church where the standard of accommodation is outstanding. A real treat.

The Glen Apartment, sleeps 4, in Dollar at £476 for 3 nights, £595 for 7 nights. A spacious apartment with a "view to die for". Castle Campbell nearby. Sleeps additional 2 on sofa bed. Special Residents Golfing rate £10 day ticket, £30 weekly ticket [per person].

Week 26th June to 3rd July
Aberturret Cottage, sleeps 5, at £513 (£570) Near Crieff, this is a lovely traditional cottage in former Dower House grounds, close to the River Turret. Instant access to beautiful country walks. Loch Turret nearby provides spectacular views and walking.

Moulinalmond sleeps 2/4, at £373.50. Near Perth, this delightful cottage with log fire in wing of a large 19th century country house is set in superb grounds and walled garden. Close to the village of Almondbank and a few minutes drive from Perth.

Friday 4 June 2010

Our visitors were delighted

One group of visitors this week hit the jackpot! They are keen birdwatchers and, during their stay at one of our holiday homes, they managed to see a female Osprey in flight from their car, sitting at the side of a local country road and watching her wheel around feeding her young.

To cap their week, whilst walking on Kinnoull Hill on the edge of Perth, a Peregrine Falcon flew up in front of them.

Happy bird watchers, happy holidays!

There's some late availablity in June in Abade Holiday Homes, why not pack your bags and take advantage of our offers. Contact us for details. The Perthshire countryside is looking stunning!

Friday 28 May 2010

Perthshire Arts, Archeology and Gardens

The annual Perth festival of the Arts has been running from 19th to 30th May and what treats we've enjoyed. From an audience with Will Self, to the Russian State Orchestra, Art on the River and the grand finale of the Halle Orchestra with Alison Balsom on 30th May. Perth Museum and Art Gallery has hosted exhibitions from Andy Warhol and Stella Steyn. Make the last 10 days in May a date for your diary each year.

Perth Archaeology Month runs until 30th June. This year the theme is taken from Perth 800 with many events running throughout the whole year.

Perth Visual Arts Forum & Artists Residencies 5th and 6th June - a group of local professional artists who run a series of events in Birnam Arts Institute.

Late May and June are the best months to visit Perthshire's glorious gardens. For £16 you can visit all 11 of the gardens in The Perthshire Gardens Collection.

Contact us for these and other details or visit our website.

Monday 8 February 2010

Our Top Tips to help you choose a holiday cottage



Over the next few weeks, we'll share with you some of our top tips to help you choose the holiday cottage for you.





But first of all, why choose a self-catering holiday?



  • It's great value for money break down the weekly rate to per head per day and you'll find a very competitive priced holiday.

  • It offers you the flexibility and the ability to take each day of your precious time at your own pace, going out for the day or relaxing in your chosen holiday home as you please.

  • Freedom to come and go as you wish, to eat in or out; try out the nearby restaurants or good food pubs, buy produce at local Farmers' Markets and eat in, or perhaps use a local catering service, and all a a time to suit you.

    At Abade we offer a carefully selected collection of Scottish self catering cottages, apartments, lodges and holiday homes that aim to provide excellent quality self catering accommodation in beautiful locations, and attention to detail that ensures your comfort and a really memorable holiday. Whether you select a 3 Star, 4 Star or 5 Star holiday home, the welcome will be the same, and you can be assured of our personal service.

Saturday 30 January 2010

Cottage of the Month

The Doocot is a delightfully secluded cottage for 2, set in woodland beside an 18th Century doocot. Once part of the Rollo family’s Duncrub Estate, and now with a 9-hole local golf course at the end of the garden, there are stunning views of fields and the Ochil Hills from every angle whether you are enjoying an evening glass of wine in the conservatory or breakfasting on the deck.

The log burning stove makes this a perfect all-year-round hideaway. The cottage's clever modern design provides everything that a couple on holiday could need, exceptionally well thought out for visitors' needs. All the rooms are spotlessly clean and decorated to a high standard. You can feast on home grown fruit and vegetables in the summer or try the home produced free range eggs.


The village of Dunning is only a short walk away and boasts a fine pub (or two!) golf, tennis and the site of the last burning of a witch in Scotland! There is plenty to do and see in the area from fishing to skydiving. Check out The Outdoor Saver pass for discounts up to 10th May.

Only an hour by car from both Edinburgh and Glasgow and 15 minutes from Perth, The Doocot is centrally placed for day trips to the Highlands or for forays over to the west. The East Neuk of Fife and St Andrews are an hour away - so you could spend one day on the beach and the next hill walking in the Highlands.

The Doocot is an ideal base for any length or type of stay, holiday or business, a long weekend or a fortnight you can be assured of a very warm welcome. Prices range from £320 to £480 per week, or £23 to £34.50 per head per night when fully occupied for 7 nights. See availability and book online now.

Thursday 14 January 2010

February Half Term holiday ideas

Check out the Outdoor Saver Pass on our What’s On page, along with a selection of things to do and see in the area in the current months of January and February (updates regularly).

The Outdoor Saver pass is valid until 31st May 2010 and you can see individual offers that can be downloaded for use at the attractions. Local tourism providers have joined forces with VisitScotland to encourage families to get out and about, by offering special offers and money off deals. The following attractions included:
· Blair Castle Trekking Centre
· Cairnwell Mountain Sports · Highland Off Road
· Highland Safaris · Knockhill Racing Circuit
· Land Rover Experience Scotland
· Nae Limits
· Perthshire Off Road Driving Centre
There are offers throughout Scotland covering everything from paintball to paragliding with something for everyone.

Just select your offers and book one of our Perthshire holiday homes. See availability, prices and book online now. Or call us on 01764 684100 A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at your Abade holiday home.