Craighead Howfs

• Sleeps: Varies
• Bedrooms: Varies
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Craighead Howfs are found in the sensational Perthshire countryside, just moments from Dunblane.  It’s here that you’ll discover five charming, unique and oh-so-welcoming howfs for an unforgettable Scottish retreat.

Whether you’re staying in the large, luxurious Muckle Howf, or succumbing to the romantic allure of Wee Howf, Summer Howf or Tree Howf  (Whisky Howf is the newest addition and perfect for hunkering down in winter), you can look forward to a warm family welcome.  Not to mention sensational views of the quiet countryside, and an array of wonderful four-legged neighbours – including a pair of Highland cows and two cheeky resident alpacas!

Muckle Howf
Pure indulgence awaits at Muckle Howf – Craighead’s spectacularly converted, stone-built steading. With room enough for six, as well as a 5* award from the Scottish Tourist Board, it’s the perfect place to reconnect in this beautiful corner of Scotland. Muckle Howf blends traditional architecture with awe-inspiring additions, including a glazed gable end offering unmatched views from the ‘Whisky Lounge’ and Master bedroom.

You can’t help but relax at Muckle Howf. As well as three peaceful, en-suite double bedrooms, you’ll find a cosy downstairs sitting room with its own library, a secluded infra-red sauna, and a totally indulgent outdoor hot tub! And then of course, you’ll find every necessity in the fully fitted kitchen and useful utility room for superb self-catering.

Wee Tree Howf
For a secluded escape with no distractions, whisk your loved one away to the Wee Tree Howf. A handcrafted two-storey log cabin on stilts with a babbling burn underneath, Wee Howf bursts with character, and has every ingredient for a truly unforgettable retreat. Without electricity, indulge in the simple pleasures of candlelight and a warming log-burning stove, while a stargazing window over the double bed guarantees ultimate romance every evening.  But if that still isn’t quite enough, there’s a roll-top bath tub inside for lazy bubble soaks, and a wood-fired hot tub outside for supreme stargazing.

From your deck, bask in glorious views of Craighead’s lochan, glorious two-acre garden, and the surrounding countryside, as you winch up a cool one from the ‘beer fridge’, chilled to perfection in the burn below! The outdoor BBQ pit is perfect for anything from local sausages to marshmallows, while the adjacent Wee Wee Howf has its own gas camping cooker. You’ll also find a private shower, compost loo and basin here, so no creature comfort is left behind.

Summer Howf
The Summer Howf is a beautiful former summer house, set among trees at the top of the garden. Fully converted to provide a wonderfully welcoming romantic retreat for two, there’s no better way to make the very most of Craighead’s gorgeous country garden, thanks to charming windows on each side and a perfectly private patio outside.

At a glance

• Five unique howfs on a family farm near Dunblane, Perthshire
• Choose from:
  • Muckle Howf – luxurious steading for 6, with sauna and hot tub (3 en-suite double bedrooms)
  • Wee Tree Howf – secluded glamping cabin for 2 built over a burn (hot tub available at an extra cost)
  • Summer Howf – converted summer house for 2 in country garden (hot tub available at an extra cost)
  • Ash Tree Howf – hand-built treetop dwelling for 2
  • Whisky Howf – authentic dwelling with an original Scottish Oak Cruck frame, sleeps 2
• Sensational views of Craighead and surrounding countryside
• Explore the lochan, meet the animals, and enjoy walking, cycling and golfing beyond
• 15-min drive from Dunblane; Edinburgh and Glasgow in easy reach

Features

• Family Friendly
• Hot Tubs

More information

With electricity, a wood-burning stove and a camping gas cooker, you have everything you need for a cosy escape together, while a hot shower, toilet and washing-up facilities are found in the Wash Howf, just 50 metres away. There’s a wood-fired hot tub to relax in, before you curl up in the truly unique bed balcony below a stargazing window – the perfect recipe for sweet dreams.

Ash Tree Howf
Take your relationship to the next level with a romantic escape to the treetops! Ash Tree Howf is a beautifully crafted masterpiece in the branches of an ancient ash tree, offering 360-degree views over the Ochil Hills and beyond. Despite its lofty position, you’ll find all you need for a self-sufficient stay, including a wood-burning stove, an integral shower and downstairs compost loo, and a fire pit and BBQ on your private grassy area.

Romantic touches feature throughout, including a heart-shaped table, a magnificent hand-made kingsize bed, and a huge stargazing window above. And nothing is more perfect than sharing a sunset with your special someone from the stunning viewing platform, with just the sounds of nature surrounding you.

Whisky Howf
The newest addition, Whisky Howf is an exquisite squint-roofed haven with an authentic Scottish Oak Cruck frame, for a timeless feel that’s wonderfully cosy… particularly in winter, when you can light the log-burning stove and cradle a wee dram.

Off-grid and furnished with lovingly homemade elements, there’s a roll-top slipper bath to unwind in, a rustic bed handcrafted from oak, and a country kitchen area with bespoke handmade worktops.  Outside, maybe you’ll catch sight of a swooping Red Kite as you stoke the barbecue for supper, or a swallow searching for breakfast in the shimmering lochan as you sip your morning coffee.

Whichever howf you choose, owners Ian and Heather are on hand to offer tips to make the very best of your stay. Meet Craighead’s menagerie, including sheep, ponies, donkeys and pygmy goats, and look out for local wildlife that also visit from time to time. You can even enjoy free-range eggs from the honesty box, courtesy of the resident hens!

You’ll also find yourself in easy reach of many of Scotland’s finest cities and attractions, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. Whether you enjoy walking, cycling or golfing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for each nearby, while a visit to Cromlix House – recently renovated by tennis champ Andy Murray and offering a restaurant overseen by the Roux brothers – comes highly recommended.

After one visit to Craighead Howf, you’ll understand why so many guests return time and again. And with four beautiful and truly unique howfs to experience, you’ll be planning your way back in no time.

Things to note

No pets permitted, strictly no smoking, check-in from 3pm. Minimum booking period is two nights for the Ash Tree/Summer/Wee Tree Howf and full weeks for the Muckle Howf.  Whisky Howf is available for winter stays, including over Christmas and new year.