Birchwood Hotel

Birchwood is a fine, Victorian family home superbly set in 2 acres of natural woodland, garden and lawn elevated over the town of Pitlochry and retaining much of its original character. The grounds provide seclusion only minutes walk from the town centre. On entering the hall with its darkwood panelling, vibrantly rich wall colour, gleaming brasses and lighting carefully crafted to evoke the Victorian origins of the house, even the new visitor experiences a reaction of reassuring familiarity. For regular guests, it's a homecoming.

The comfortably furnished, high-ceilinged lounge displays original features, including glowing pine-wood panelling, tall, pine-framed windows and elaborate cornices. On cooler evenings an open fire welcomes you back from your day's activity and warms your pre-dinner aperitif. Birchwood is entirely NON-SMOKING. There is a small, but well-stocked bar for the exclusive use of guests enjoying a refreshment or sampling our serious selection of malts and liqueurs.

You will spend some of your most rewarding hours in the restaurant sampling Viv's acclaimed cooking. During the long summer evenings the garden provides a soothing, colourful backdrop, occasionally enlivened by a visit from a deer or red squirrel. Naturally there is a selection of wines to complement every dish.

Opportunities for outdoor activities abound in Highland Perthshire. You may want to try sightseeing by car or by foot, bike, horseback, canoe, raft, or most other means you can think of, hill walking or climbing, water sports, cycling off and on road, paragliding, wildlife viewing - independently or on an organised safari, angling, stalking and – new for 2011 – bungee jumping, to name but a few.

Golfers are superbly catered for with around 30 courses in Perthshire. The Pitlochry club, recognised as one of the best in the area, combines hill walking with the challenge of a serious game while enjoying breathtaking scenery overlooking the Tummel valley.