David Dalziel and his family find a wonderful hidden gem that won’t stay hidden for much longer
Before sitting down to write this review, I made sure I had a thesaurus next to me, as I knew I was going to run out of adjectives to describe our Balbinny experience.
You can take your pick from luxurious, tranquil, secluded, modern, sumptuous, stunning, decadent . . . I could go on.
Balbinny’s website describes it as “one of Scotland’s hidden gems”. If there is any justice in the world, it won’t stay hidden for long.
Situated three miles from the A90 trunk road between Aberdeen and Dundee, Balbinny is a development of luxury self-catering accommodation, set on a family farm.
The complex comprises three two-bedroom properties, built with corrugated roofs and recycled stone from the previous steadings, as well as two grass-roofed brochs – scheduled for completion later this summer – that blend into the surroundings. In the middle of the complex sits a stylish, modern building housing a good-sized swimming pool boasting 180-degree views over the Angus countryside, and a well-equipped gym.
Our weekend of luxury began with the short drive from Aberdeen
to Aberlemno, which is tucked away between Brechin and Forfar, and took only around 45 minutes to reach.
It didn’t take our collective jaws long to hit the floor as we opened the door to find a beautifully finished property which certainly lived up to its luxury billing.
From the comfortable bedrooms and spacious bathrooms on the ground floor, we climbed the wooden staircase to find a first-floor living area that really makes the most of the views over the rolling Angus hills.
From the modern kitchen to the heated balcony, the flat-screen wall-mounted TV to the quality music centre with surround-sound speakers, this was living.
But the comfort of the steading would have to keep, as my children could wait no more to explore the swimming pool. So it was on with the dookers and off to the leisure complex we went.
The pool was absolutely flawless and just the perfect size for my family and me. My five-year-old, Charlie, couldn’t quite touch the bottom of the pool, but he still gained the confidence to complete his first-ever length. After that, there was no stopping him.
The giant floating beanbag was a massive hit as well, and we spent hours over the weekend jumping off the beanbag, swimming under the beanbag, jumping on to the beanbag, and basically just larking around in this beautiful setting that we had all to ourselves – what a treat.
After all that wrinkle-inducing fun, it was home for a quick meal and then time to put the kids to bed. Once that was done and the wine was opened, my wife and I retired to the balcony to drink in the scenery as the sun sank behind the Angus glens. What a blissful way to spend a Friday evening, accompanied by a soundtrack of wild birdcall.
After a peaceful, comfortable night’s sleep, it was time to open the curtains and soak up the views through the bi-folding glass doors before another entertaining session in the pool – with some Jacuzzi relaxation thrown in for good measure.
For our afternoon activity, we had plumped for a visit to the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre. I had read about it previously in these pages, but had never visited, so this was a prime opportunity to do just that, as our accommodation was less than 15 miles away.
I didn’t really know what to expect, but what I found was far more impressive than I could ever have imagined.
The facility is much larger than I had anticipated and houses wartime artefacts, paintings, reconstructions and even full-size planes – two of which my son was able to sit in and pretend he was a crack fighter pilot taking on “the baddies” in airborne battle.
We spent the entire afternoon wandering happily from hangar to hangar, learning about the rich history of the airbase and playing at being soldiers and pilots. It is somewhere that I would heartily recommend you visit, whether young or old.
And if you are looking for other activities to enjoy on your weekend away in the area, you are spoiled for choice. Angus and the surrounding area is home to more than 22 golf courses, two of which are championship standard – St Andrews and Carnoustie. The beach at Lunan Bay offers land yachting and beach kayaking, while ski-ing can be found within an hour at Glenshee in the winter. Furthermore, Balbinny also boasts an outdoor tennis court and a multigames sports pitch. While those looking for a more-sedate experience can indulge in a wide range of beauty and therapeutic treatments in the spa.
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and, after yet another mammoth swimming session on the Sunday morning, it was time for us to bid farewell to Balbinny and make the short journey back up the A90.
Living in Aberdeen, I had never before considered the Angus area as a holiday destination. But with such a fantastic, secluded and luxurious complex so close to home, why choose to travel any farther?
TRAVEL FACTS
Balbinny, Forfar, Angus DD8 3PF
Call: 07990 542776/01307 830226
E-mail: info@balbinny.com
Visit: www.balbinny.com