Ballochneck Country House B&B, Buchlyvie (Stirling)

One of the most romantic hideaways in Scotland.

Summary 19th century buildings Breakfast included Free car parking (on site) No smoking Facilities Free broadband access Shared gardens Food and Drinks Continental breakfast (included) English breakfast (included) Dinner available (at additional cost)

Nearby recreations Recommended walks Pub (a short drive) Museums (a short drive) Historic houses Gardens Golf course (a short drive) Recommended restaurants (a short drive) Theatre (a short drive)

Introduction

Ballochneck is one of the most romantic retreats in Scotland, sitting proudly in beautiful countryside nestled between Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Parks. Owners Donnie and Fiona Allan are passionate about running Ballochneck to the highest standard.

All rooms are tastefully decorated with period furniture and paintings. Fresh local and, where possible, organic produce such as wild salmon, Ballochneck lamb, pheasant and venison are all used when in season.

If there are more than two of you, you may wish to stay in the Yellow Bedroom Suite. This includes the Yellow Bedroom and its ensuite bathroom shared with the Taggart Bedroom (a small twin room). To book this, please check The Yellow Bedroom information for the promotional code. We regret we are unable to accept children under the age of 12.

 

History to the present day

Ballochneck is a fine Victorian Country House built during the 1800s. The original Georgian house was added to by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sir William McOnie, in 1883.

Food and Drinks

Breakfast is served in the Dining Room in front of the window. It can be a full cooked Scottish breakfast or lighter Continental breakfast as you wish. There's plenty of fresh coffee, toast from daily home-made bread, fruit and preserves.

At Ballochneck we concentrate on creating an exciting mix of traditional Scottish ingredients in combination with French cuisine. We aim to source our produce locally; using organic ingredients. Some of our specialities are: Donnie's Home-Smoked Salmon, Ballochneck Pheasant and Lamb, Organic Eggs from Fiona's free range hens and her homemade bread, jams and chutneys. The wine cellar at Ballochneck offers a small but impressive range of French and New World wines.

Dinner is available by prior arrangement (please request using the Additional Information section on the booking form) and is charged at £35 for 4 courses

With breathtaking views over the Ballochneck Estate and the hills beyond, the Green Dining Room has mirrored panels lit with candles and a roaring log fire offering a wonderful warm atmosphere in which to dine. During the summer and early autumn dinner is served in the Victorian Conservatory, the perfect place to take in the beautiful grounds.

Grounds and gardens

The house is completely secluded, sitting amidst lawns, rhododendrons and old specimen trees with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. 

The approach to Ballochneck is along a mile drive, past natural woodland, gently sloping fields, (where you might see the Allan's championship pedigree Suffolk sheep), past the Curling Pond, two acres of trout water where wild duck fly in at dusk, rising up the hill between mature limes and Wellingtonia to the house itself. 

Other facilities

The rooms in the Tower of Ballochneck are devoted to after dinner games. There is the original full size antique snooker table in the purple Billiard Room, with scoreboard and rules. The atmosphere in this room takes you back to a time when Edwardian gentlemen enjoyed a cigar and after dinner whisky whilst playing billiards. 

The Card Room is directly off the Billiard Room with far reaching views on three sides, situated at the front of the house. A selection of card games, board games, backgammon and chess can be played by guests at any time of day.

The Den is also off the Billiard Room. There is a television, video and CD player where you can watch a selection of sporting events and films or listen to a CD. 

If you wish to explore the surrounding countryside we can recommend walks, arrange for you to go horse riding, fishing and shooting.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Donnie & Fiona Allan, Ballochneck Country House, Buchlyvie, shire, Stirling, FK8 3PA, United Kingdom

Address: Ballochneck Estate, Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire FK8 3PA

Check In: From 4pm Check Out: By 11am

From Stirling follow signs for the Erskine Bridge along the A811. Buchlyvie is about 15 miles along the road, just after Arnprior. In Bucklyvie, take the B835 to Aberfoyle. On leaving the village pass over a small bridge. The entrance to Ballochneck is 200 metres further on on the left. The drive is 1 mile long.

The nearest railway station can be found in Stirling (25 minutes by taxi).

Please note: On approach please use our main driveway which is off Station Road (B835). The house should not be approached directly off the A811.

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