As glamping goes, it’s hard to think of anything more romantic than the yurt stays at Alexander House in Perthshire. Here, in the hills overlooking Gleneagles, you and your significant other will arrive to find a double yurt with a level of luxury rarely seen in tents. We’re not just talking about a wood-fired hot tub on the deck (though there is one of those). We’re talking a roll top bath in the tent. In fact, there’s a whole bathroom suite in a connected mini yurt. In addition, the king-sized bed won’t just be made ready for your arrival but it’ll be warmed by an electric blanket that an unseen hand has switched on. And yes, there’s a log burning stove: you won’t miss it because it’s already lit.
This is the kind of place you could come to on honeymoon – and if you’re not yet planning a wedding? No problem: you can elope and get married right here. Elopement stays are a genuine (and popular) option at this hillside hideaway. But let’s assume you’re here for a regular stay. The site is home to two double yurts, each with a quarter acre of space, in a hilltop location that affords magnificent views all the way to Ben Vorlich in the Highlands. There are also two glamping horse lorries that are suitable for families.
All accommodation is self-contained and instructions are provided to help you find your way. You don’t need to see anyone during your stay if you don’t want to – though red squirrels and pine martens might make an appearance. And perhaps you and your partner would like to head over the hills to meet with Ian from Do It Outdoors. He can take you foraging or teach you skills in bushcraft or archery. You could also hike in the Ochils, go and play golf at Gleneagles or perhaps relax at the spa. Auchterarder is within walking distance, Crieff is a short drive away. And at the end of each day, if the sky is clear, you can finish with a campfire under a dome of stars. As we said, glamping doesn't get more romantic than this.
Heather is a perfect romantic retreat for two with a king size bed, wood burner and ensuite 12 foot yurt bathroom. Fancy some star gazing? Step outside onto your private deck and dip into your very own wood-fired hot tub - total bliss! Located on a hill top overlooking Gleneagles, you are in easy reach of distilleries, castles and sensational walks over hills and across rivers. A feast for all your senses. Our cosy yurts are wind and waterproof, but they are definitely not sound proof - so do remember that you will be able to hear the wind, rain and animals around and about at night. We love the sound of the owls hooting and the wind rustling the trees, but if you are a light sleeper - do remember those ear plugs!Alexander House Glamping sits atop a hill overlooking Gleneagles. There’s a wee loch about 100 metres from the yurts and you can head straight out on walks into the Ochils from here. About a mile’s walk away over the hill behind your yurt is the base of Do It Outdoors, an outdoor pursuits and bushcraft company offering a range of different courses and activities including archery and foraging (three miles if you go by road). You can also walk to the little town of Auchterarder (two miles) where there are lots of places to eat and drink and plenty of independent shops. On the edge of town is the Gleneagles Hotel with its famous golf course (one of many in the area) and luxury spa. The market town of Crieff is 12 miles away where there’s another spa, the Crieff Hydro Resort. The town is well known for food and drink and the Glenturret Whisky Distillery is on the outskirts. There’s another, Tullibardine, five miles from the site. There’s walking, mountain biking and a nature reserve at Loch Leven, half an hour’s drive away. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is about an hour from here as are both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
There is plenty of good food on offer in the area and you can even get some of it delivered to your yurt. Book in advance for breakfast or supper hampers. There are also afternoon teas and grazing boxes available for delivery from Cafe Mimis which you can visit, if you prefer, in nearby Auchterarder. There you will also find the recommended Simon Howie, The Scottish Butcher, and Alexa Hunter for fruit and veg as well as some general grocery stores. There are plenty of places to eat out including Delvinos for pizza but for a special meal out, book well in advance at Gleneagles. The top spot is Andrew Fairlie’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant. If that’s full, there are a number of other fine-dining options in the area including the one Michelin Star restaurant Lalique at the Glenturret Distillery (12 miles). For a more casual dining experience at Gleneagles, head for The Dormy which has a clubhouse atmosphere and windows overlooking the golf courses with Alexander House also in view!
