A “fun” holiday destination is Scotland, and a “cool” place to stay there is the charming Luxury hotel Barcaldine House near Oban in the beautiful Argyll countryside of western Scotland. A wonderful trip is a train ride from Glasgow to Oban.

This 300-year-old country manor is set in a beautiful courtyard and is surrounded by forests and secret gardens that both children and adults will like to explore in this family-friendly atmosphere. Nearby are mountains, glens, beaches, and so much more that makes this a great walking area.

Barcaldine House is a unique hotel which features self-catering accommodation as well as an outstanding restaurant which boasts that its Head Chef Craig Ferguson has been named Scotland’s Rising Star Chef of the Year 2010. The restaurant also received two AA Rosettes for its impressive cuisine. Do try their smoked salmon, whisky tart, and homemade fudge.

Barcaldine House itself has just eight bedrooms, and there are also six self-catering cottages in the gardens. It is a nominee in the 2010 Scottish Hotel Awards. This mansion was opened recently as a hotel in May of 2009. All rooms have free internet, flat TVs, DVDs, and feature a luxurious tea/coffee cabinet.

There are many original features to admire and enjoy such as period decor, a large sitting room with a grand piano, the “Laird’s Room’ with plush armchairs along with an open fire and a whisky bar, a gold-hued dining room with linens and fresh flowers, and so much more. A more modern touch is a popular billiards room. The hospitality is warm and welcoming with a goal to let visitors relax,be happy, and eliminate stress.

The cottages have one or two bedrooms, a modern kitchen, central heat, living area with a 26″ LCD TV and other modern features, internet access, free laundry service, and full use of the hotel facilities.

In July and August the minimum stay is seven nights. In other months the cottages require a minimum of two nights.

The romantic Barcaldine County House Hotel is one of Scotland’s exceptional wedding venues. Up to 40 guests can be accommodated for a fairy tale wedding in the outdoor gorgeous courtyard or indoor elegant drawing room. The wedding planner, hair dressers, photographers, and everyone else needed for the perfect wedding can be provided so that every detail can be beautifully executed. The ceremony and reception can be planned in whatever theme the bride desires. Music can vary from a solo piper to jazz bands or disco. A romantic choice for the new bride and groom is the king size suite with a four poster bed.

Surrounding area activities include fishing, golfing, cycling, water sports, and more. There is the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary with its spectacular aquarium and rehabilitation facility, Tralee Rally Karting, McCaigs Tower, the Oban Chocolate Company, art galleries, museums, and castles. The Atlantis Leisure Centre has a gym, pool, and sauna.

Staying at the Barcaldine House Hotel or its cottages will create a truly memorable holiday for a honeymoon couple or for a family.

www.barcaldinehouse.co.uk