If you’ve never visited the Scottish Highlands your imagination might dream up castles and farmland, dotted with sheep, stretching as far as the eye can see. That is what I pictured Scotland would look like…and I was right. As we drove our rental car from Edinburgh to the highlands, we giggled and pointed at all of the sheep with baby lambs by their wolly sides. Our car turned off the main highway, ready to take in Scottish Highland luxury at Monzie Estate.
It did take a wee bit of driving down country lanes and unmarked roads before we successfully landed at Mill House B&B within Monzie Estate (pronounced Mon-ee) but that’s because we didn’t have the treasure map, aka arrival instructions. Monzie is a 4,000 acre Scottish estate steeped in history – from ancient standing stones to Monzie Castle. The estate offers unique and quirky accommodations such as a secluded cottage with outdoor hot tub and an original gatehouse with turret stairs and octagonal rooms. There is also a working 1950’s hydro electric scheme right on the property!
Alexandra and David Crichton are the gracious owners of Monzie Estate, as well as 200 cows, 1,500 sheep and the parents of two young children. The professional urban couple gave up the fast-paced London city life to retreat to the Highland lifestyle on a living, working estate.
B&B and self catering accommodations
The estate includes a boutique bed and breakfast in the countryside, as well as several self catering luxury cottages. Brae Cottage includes a queen bed (referred to as a king in the UK) and an outdoor hot tub. This cottage is ideal for romantic escapes. East Lodge offers two bedrooms with one king and one queen bed. Gardeners Cottage is two bedrooms and features one king and one queen, while Glowry Cottage sleeps 5 with one king bed and three singles.
Scottish Highland Luxury at Monzie Estate
“We really like our guests to experience living on a Scottish Estate,” says Alexandra Crichton. “Meet a clan chief, have a private tour of a castle. We try and be as hands on as possible. I particularly enjoy hosting Americans, having spent 10 years living in the USA.”
Alexandra’s advice would be to book a longer stay than initially planned. “We live in a stunning part of Scotland that is often overlooked. Most of our guests biggest regret is not staying longer.”
She also points out that the estate is green minded. They work hard to be as environmentally friendly as possible. The couple uses local producers for bath amenities. The entire estate is powered by hydro electric.
Need to know:
Mill House B&B has 5 bedrooms; 3 kings and two queens (called super kings in the UK) room rates range from £85 – £ 160 per night. Brae Cottage £ 175 – £ 225 per night. East Lodge £ 175 – £ 225 per night. Gardeners Cottage £ 150 – £ 225 per night and Glowry Cottage £ 100 – £ 150 per night. As always, check the website for current pricing.
Breakfast is included in the B&B price and is continental, including locally made artisan breads and pastries, homemade granola, cold meats and cheeses, yogurt, fruit, compote, a selection of teas, coffee and fruit juice. Alexandra makes the shortbread cookies and brownies.
Pets are welcome to stay in the estate cottages, however Mill House B&B cannot accept pets. Complimentary internet is included and there is plenty of free parking.
Check in: 2:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.
Insider Tips:
The estate has plenty of walks right out the doorstep. Take advantage of the offer of a castle tour! East Gatehouse Lodge is a wonderful setting for a historic holiday.
Fancy a spa day? Nearby Crief Hydro offers a facial, back massage with warm basalt stones, lunch at Brasserie restaurant and 2 hours in the Victoria Spa for a fantastic price. I’m not including the price because I recommend you e-mail or phone to book your advance reservation. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and Monzie Estate on Instagram.
If You Go:
Mill House Luxury B&B +44 (0) 7815737130
Monzie, Crieff PH7 4HE, United Kingdom
Mill House Bed and Breakfast review at Monzie Estate and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As is typical in the industry, I received a complimentary media stay, however, all opinions are my own.