When Ginny Stacy-Marks first viewed a plot of land in Highland Perthshire, she felt it was the perfect spot to create a holiday home.
The location, Mid Balchandy, appealed to her as it enjoys fantastic views to the south and panoramic views up the glen towards Strathtummel and Pitlochry.
In 2014, Ginny, a former art dealer and farmer, bought the land and buildings which formed part of a small hill farm, and along the way converted an old cart shed and hayloft, which has been partially converted into a studio, into an award-winning holiday home.
The home was built from local stone and with a slate roof, and in 2016 Ginny began an extensive project to extend and upgrade what is now known as The Bothy. The result is a modern, cosy and inviting holiday retreat specifically designed for a couple.
It opened to guests as a holiday home two years ago and has many interesting design features, such as a cathedral ceiling in the main living area, while artichoke lights, designed by Denmark’s Poul Henningsen in 1958, are dotted around the property.
The accommodation is single storey and includes an entrance lobby, bedroom, bathroom and integrated sitting/dining room/kitchen.
There is underfloor heating in the bathroom as well as a recently installed wood-burner set in a Caithness slate hearth, which makes a nice focal point.
The Bothy has a beautiful kitchen area with integrated appliances and solid wood worktops, while the bathroom with power shower and fitted, luxury units, is a lovely place to relax.
High-end fixtures and fittings, along with original paintings and drawings by well-known artists, make this a perfect little home from home.
Guests speak highly of their experience there, yet Ginny is said to have been “delighted and completely surprised” to be named a finalist in the European Holiday Home Awards.
The Bothy has been shortlisted as one of the most outstanding holiday accommodations in Europe in the Best Romantic Escape category of the European Holiday Home Awards.
Janet Thomson, business development manager for Perthshire at cottages.com, said: “To be shortlisted and recognised amongst the very best holiday rentals, not just in the UK, but in Europe, is an incredible achievement.
“We’d like to congratulate Ginny on her success, which is very well deserved.”
Anyone considering a holiday let or reviewing how to make a better return on investment out of a current holiday let, can get in touch with www.cottages.com