Review of Kinloch House Hotel, Perthshire

To be part of the Relais & Chateaux group a hotel has to demonstrate not only a commitment to luxury and the highest quality of food, it also has to show something a little bit more. And in the case of Kinloch House Hotel that little bit more comes in the form of a genuine country house atmosphere. Guests feel like exactly that, guests. Of course they have to pay the bill on departure, but for the duration of the stay reality is rather successfully suspended within the gorgeous public rooms and bedchambers of this privately owned paradise.

Peace and quiet at every turn.

This part of rural Perthshire between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie does not compete with the Highlands for jaw-dropping landscape, but the beauty is still there in the form of rolling hills, tiny lochs, and countless stands of deciduous woodland. And the hotel sits grandly, at the end of a long drive, on one of those rolling hills overlooking the loch below and the sweeping lands to the south.

With roaring fires in the stylish reception rooms and a reassuringly peaceful atmosphere it’s easy to relax and feel at home immediately on arrival. Owners Graeme and Anne Allen used to run the well-known Airds Hotel near Oban on the west coast, but relocated to Perthshire to be nearer to schools for their children. Graeme is an accomplished Michelin starred chef and keen shooting man so it’s no surprise to discover the food is sensational and there is ample storage for your guns, cartridges and dogs.

Shooting parties are easily accommodated in the private dining room at Kinloch House Hotel.

With 15 bedrooms the sitting rooms downstairs will never be over-crowded and there is a magnificent private dining room for shoot parties if you need it. Otherwise the main restaurant will cater for your needs. Beautifully prepared, locally sourced food is accompanied by an excellent wine list, and breakfast will set you up perfectly for a day’s shooting.

Cost of a double room at Kinloch House Hotel: £145 per person for dinner, room and breakfast.

Shoots close to Kinloch House Hotel: Bandirran & Cardney.

Kinloch House Hotel contact: kinlochhouse.com or tel. 01250 884237.

Shooting Gazette scores for Kinloch House Hotel

Catering: Exceptional local produce beautifully cooked at dinner and breakfast. Plus a good wine list. 9/10

Accommodation: There are 15 bedrooms and those in the main building are extremely grand with plenty of space, if a little old-fashioned. 8/10

Atmosphere: Peaceful country house. You won’t really want to leave. 8/10

Service: Unobtrusive, attentive and expert. 9/10

Suitability for shooters: Gun room where dogs can sleep too. Private dining room. Plenty of shoots on the doorstep. 9/10

Total: 43/50

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