Much is spoken of Living History both from an educational and enjoyment perspective. Dunvarlich House is, not only a delightfully warm, welcoming and spatially vast holiday home but quite possibly the best preserved and authentic piece of living history I personally, have experienced.
A classic example of Arts and Crafts architecture with wonderfully detailed decorative finishes and intricate craftsmanship, entering the property is akin to visiting a museum; except you can stay and enjoy this one to the max, for as long as you wish!
Possibly the epitome of some stereotypical visions of Scottish hospitality, no visitor, no matter from where they travel, could fail to be impressed by the authenticity of this Scottish home and the traditional ambience which transports visitors to a by-gone era with ease and comfort.
The house plans, which adorn the dining room walls, reflect the age of the building, listing “The Parlour”, “The Smoking Room” and “The Service Pantry”, all of which, still present today and true to their original identity, evident as I walked from room to room, amazed at the finishes and researched attention, to finite detail.
Dunvarlich sleeps 10 comfortably with bathroom accommodation, dining and relaxing space to match – the mature gardens, complete with summerhouse, seating and play areas; for a communal game of croquet perhaps; affords guests to enjoy the property, as the original family most likely did in the late 19th century.
Not to say the property is without modern conveniences however; Dunvarlich accommodates wide screen TVs, WiFi and a surround sound music system; a prerequisite today and a reminder that this is 21st century Scotland!
Traditional games and pastimes are however, still evident at Dunvarlich, with more fitting board games, children’s fancy dress and toys ready to tempt even the most technically minded of today’s youth. The smoking room has been re-invented as a Music Room for post dinner entertainment; more fitting with Dunvarlich’s heyday.
Relaxation is obligatory here and although Aberfeldy town centre is easily walkable, with an array of country shops, modern conveniences, pubs and restaurants; the temptation is to dwell in the past and enjoy a kitchen prepared supper at the large dining table, in front of a roaring log fire and partake of a post dinner dram with open views of The Tay from the front conservatory.
Dunvarlich is a historian’s dream but it is also the idyll of many of Scotland’s visitors; a dream, which I am sure in the minds of many is long gone. But no, it is here, alive in the heart of Scotland’s Perthshire, a complete work of art, a house to be cherished and a lovingly retained Living History.
http://www.dunvarlichhouse.co.uk/
