Crieff sits on the fringes of the Highlands, perched along the slopes of the Grampian foothills, hugging the Knock of Crieff. Commanding panoramic views over the Strathearn Valley, the town gently descends to meet the River Earn in the valley’s southwest quadrant. It was once a popular Victorian health resort known for its healing air and scenery. Today, it’s not that different. Crieff scenery and fresh air still attract weary souls needing a rest. So, would you buy your holiday home here? Let’s find out.
Life in Crieff
It is a quaint market town that supports an array of local, independent shops, art galleries, cafes, pubs, and fine-dining restaurants. Still retaining its charm, its 19th-century wellness retreat still operates as one of Highland’s first-class resorts.
The road network converging upon Perth serves as a pivotal juncture connecting Scotland’s six other major cities. Easily accessible by Crieff, this transport link ensures that Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness are all within convenient reach, making it an ideal location for daily commutes. A bus network interconnects the neighbouring towns, while the nearby Perth and Dunblane train stations seamlessly link you to the broader Scottish and UK transportation networks.
Attractions in Crieff
Drummond Castle Gardens are the most important example of formal terraced gardens in Scotland and some of the finest in Europe. It features the yew hedges and the copper beech trees Queen Victoria planted in 1842 on her visit to the castle.
Glenturret Distillery is the oldest working distillery and the most visited in Scotland. Visitor tours give an up-close look at traditional whisky-making. They have been hand-crafting single-malt whisky since 1763. The distillery is located in the lower glen, overlooking the River Turret.
Lady Mary’s Walk, made famous by Lady Mary Murray, a 19th-century landowner in the area, is nothing short of magic. The picturesque route runs along the banks of the River Earn and takes you through an avenue of mature oak, beech, lime, and sweet chestnut trees. Some of the trees are more than 150 years old. You can spot herons, kingfishers, grey wagtails, oystercatchers, dippers, and the occasional otter that lives on the river.
Activities in Crieff
Crieff Hydro Resort boasts over 60 outdoor and indoor recreational activities, encompassing an adventure park, extreme sports, horseback riding, golfing, tennis, archery, air rifle shooting, woodland combat, zip-lining, watersports, and mountain biking.
Crieff Golf Club ranks among Scotland’s top-rated inland courses. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking countryside and nestled on gently sloping parkland, the club’s two courses offer excellent playing conditions for golfers of all skill levels year-round.
Macrosty Park, adorned with a Victorian bandstand and a network of winding paths, offers a serene escape featuring woodlands, an intricate network of paths, and a charming Victorian bandstand. The woodland area showcases a remarkable array of mature trees, including Douglas fir, noble fir, Lawson cypress, Norway spruce, Corsican pine, and cedar. Turret Burn meanders through this picturesque park.
For a quintessential Scottish village experience, spend a day with the family in Comrie, situated west of Crieff, between Glen Lednock and Glen Artney. Its unique geological position along the Highland Boundary Fault results in a higher frequency of earth tremors than anywhere else in the UK.
If your adventurous spirit craves the thrill of skydiving, head to Skydive Strathallan. As Scotland’s oldest and largest skydiving centre, it offers courses for beginners in both solo and tandem skydiving.
The Crieff Highland Gathering, hosted at the iconic Market Park, showcases traditional Highland games competitions, Highland dancing performances, and stirring bagpipe music.
Venturing on a family hike up the Knock of Crieff promises a rewarding adventure, culminating in spectacular views from the summit.
Holiday properties in Crieff
The town offers a diverse property portfolio. However, it is the new builds in Crieff that are gaining attention. These homes are spacious and elegant. Designed with open-plan layouts, up-to-date amenities, and energy-efficient technologies, they make excellent holiday homes as well as primary homes. Well-placed for convenience, and the high street, town amenities are only a stroll distance away. New homes give you the advantage of energy savings and lower utility bills due to their high environmental standards and modern specifications. Their high-efficiency insulation, heating, lighting, and windows increase comfort while saving energy.
One of the key benefits of having a new build for a holiday home is its low maintenance requirements. These include fixed appliances. You will not be dealing with pesky repairs that inconvenience you or your guests. If you are renting out your home to holidaymakers, a well-functioning house contributes to satisfaction and possibly good reviews. Any disruptions can plummet your good name.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the perfect holiday home in Scotland, Crieff is an irresistible location where nature’s splendour meets a rich tapestry of storied past. From the rolling hills to the tranquil banks of the River Earn, Crieff offers a natural playground for nature lovers, adventurers, and hikers.
But Crieff isn’t just about stunning landscapes; it’s a town for history buffs, too. With historic sites like Drummond Castle Gardens and Macrosty Park, you can stroll through centuries of horticultural and architectural evolution. And when the Crieff Highland Gathering comes to town, you’ll witness the vibrant spirit of Scottish culture and tradition. GS Brown developments in Crieff deliver energy efficiency, contemporary design, chic interiors, and warm ambience. With a heritage spanning over five decades, we have established a legacy of unparalleled craftsmanship and dedication to quality. Where would you like to holiday in Scotland?
