And there’s no more perfect place to escape the stress of everyday life than Craighead Howf – a collection of magical holiday homes just a short drive from Edinburgh.
Tucked away between sprawling hills north of Dunblane, Craighead Howf offers visitors the chance to stay in a range of properties – from tree-top houses to Hobbit holes with brightly coloured doors. Here is a look inside the magical site, which is like something taken straight from a Tolkien novel.
5. Wee Tree Howf
The Wee Tree Howf is built high on stilts and sits on the side of a lochan, meaning it is surrounded by all sorts of wildlife. The bedroom is at the top of a narrow staircase, which leads down to a comfy living area with a wood burner. There is also a fire pit area outside. Photo: Craighead Howf
6. Whisky Howf
The Whisky Howf is a squinty-roofed cottage which stands alone on the edge of the lochan at Craighead Farm. While inside has kitchen and bathroom facilities as well as a cosy wood burner, there is also an outdoor seating area complete with a barbecue and fire pit. Photo: Craighead Howf
7. Inside the Green Burrow
Entering through the Green Burrow's circular door will transport any guest to a magical world just like that in Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings novels. The unique space contains a wood burning stove, slipper bath and a star gazing window above the double bed. Photo: Craighead Howf
8. Red Burrow
Built into the hillside with a signature red door, the eye-catching Red Burrow sits beside the other Hobbit hole and boasts views of sprawling countryside and horses in the paddock. A short walk from the car park, visitors will be given a Hobbit barrow to transport their luggage to their accommodation. Photo: Craighead Howf