Suggestions for venue for 40th birthday party?

[JoceAndChris]

Not mine, yet - Chris', in February, he's trying to organise it for 10 or so friends.

He wants a lovely period property with roaring fires, howling gales round the battlements, crashing waves not far off, fine whisky flowing plentifully.

Anyone recommend anywhere? He's hankering after Scotland.

 

[skier-hughes]

Now what's that guys website with all the recommendations ?????? :?

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Joce - it's not top of the period property list, but old nevertheless.

The Dunalastair in Kinloch Rannoch ticks a number of those boxes. It's in a delightful area, and there are plenty of outdoorsy-adverntures for the not-quite-as-old-as-40 in the party. It's in the heart of Perthshire whisky country too! More modern just up the road is a very nice MacDonald hotel.

http://www.dunalastair.co.uk/the-experience/photo-gallery/hotel.htm

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Now what's that guys website with all the recommendations ?????? :?

Something about Knights in the Past?? :wink:

 

[JoceAndChris]

The Dunalastair does look very nice indeed, and in a beautiful region.

And thanks for the reminder about the nights in the past website, which I'd forgotten about. We're spoilt for choice, but perhaps should consider the guests, who may not want to drag howling toddlers all the way to Scotland. Highly inconsiderate of everyone to have had children, when we haven't.

Maybe we should just go by ourselves, and then we really could go to the Highlands, or the Outer Hebrides, which we've always wanted to visit.

 

[masochists-r-us]

Hi Joce,

This Grade 2 listed hotel just outside Oswestry would be my suggestion for its breathtaking views, fabulous cuisine, lovely rooms, excellent service and great walks. We stayed there recently for and found it to be the perfect therapy for tired and stressed out restorers like us. Check out Trip Advisor for opinions of others.

http://www.johansens.com/england/shropshire/pen-y-dyffryn-country-hotel

Regards
Angela

 

[christianb]

Never one to pass up an opportunity for impromptu PR!

http://www.nightsinthepast.com/northscotland.html

 

[Flyfisher]

Portmeirion is an interesting out-of-the-way place, ideal for a gathering of friends or just selfish indulgence - albeit not Scotland.
http://www.portmeirion-village.com/content.php?nID=23;lID=1

If you do decide on keeping the event to yourselves then an island-hopping tour of the west coast of Scotland would certainly be a wonderful escape. Alternatively, Orkney is a remote and interesting place, with the option to venture out even further to Shetland (which we didn't actually get to as we ran out of time on Orkney). You should certainly have some wild weather in February to make you appreciate a roaring fire in the evenings.

 

[vicky whitworth]

Scarista House on the Isle of Harris ticks all the boxes. The views are wonderful - crashing waves, etc, etc. I prefer Pairc an Traith just up the road though which although not a period property has fantastic food, real fires and an even better view, but it wont sleep 10.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Ooh I knew this would be a good thread as I get to have a good virtual nosey round all the lovely places you've been!

Thanks for dropping into this Christian, is there anywhere that's stood out for you in your extensive experience of period hotels? I'll be having a good look at your website.

FF - Portmeirion is being saved for Gareth's 40th, to which I've invited myself- years away of course. :wink: I'm sure he won't mind if everyone invites themselves, should be a good do. I've heard he's already stocking up on cases of mead and amontillado.

I look forward to hearing about your Orkney adventures on Thursday, by the way, I presume you like fish? I was thinking of doing roasted sea bass in herbs from the garden and a potato Dauphinoise - that OK?

Vicky - off to look at your lovely place now- thanks!

 

[JoceAndChris]

Scarista house looks really charming, with the location being just what's required.

However I do want it to be around 200 -300 a night with accompanying 5 star luxury like lobsters for breakfast and velvet bathrobes and Molton Brown in the loos.

 

[Flyfisher]

I look forward to hearing about your Orkney adventures on Thursday, by the way, I presume you like fish? I was thinking of doing roasted sea bass in herbs from the garden and a potato Dauphinoise - that OK?

For someone who habitually lunches on a cheese sandwich, that all sounds rather delicious. I should have known from the lavish spread described in the party thread that 'popping in' for tea and biscuits would not sit well with your style of hospitality.

No doubt any pleading that you shouldn't go to such trouble will fall on deaf ears but, just in case, I won't risk it. :wink:

 

[JoceAndChris]

Well, you're a man, and even with that handicap you managed to put on a very nice spread when I came to see you in your amazing house.

Of course, as a woman, no opportunity must be lost to demonstrate our culinary superiority.

And whilst I'm roasting the fish, you can have a quick look in my roof and tell me what needs doing. :wink:

 

[skier-hughes]

you can have a quick look in my roof and tell me what needs doing. :wink:

I've heard some expressions in my time, but that's a new one, I'll try it on Jo..............

 

[worms]

He wants a lovely period property with roaring fires, howling gales round the battlements, crashing waves not far off, fine whisky flowing plentifully.

Anyone recommend anywhere? He's hankering after Scotland.

Dalcross Castle. Ten minutes from an airport with an EasyJet link to Luton

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Dalcross Castle

Ooh - I think we may have a winner!

I used to live in Inverness - wonderful city, and Dalcross airport is one of my favourites. A visit to solemn Culloden is a must for the party, especially on a crisp foggy February morn when a little hungover and melancholy.

 

[worms]

Ooh - I think we may have a winner!

...Sadly, I think that rather depends on the budget.

"From £5760 per week, sleeps 12".details available here

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Ooh - I think we may have a winner!

...Sadly, I think that rather depends on the budget.

From £5760 per week

Good grief! :shock: :shock: :shock:

 

[worms]

But to be fair, that is only £68.57 per person per night...

 

[JoceAndChris]

Dalcross Castle is beautiful, but I've never understood why people want to do self catering holidays? I've done one, and it just means I end up cooking all week