Colourful cottages kick off vibrant lettings season at leading Scottish country estate and golf course

As the self catering sector reopens after its long layoff, ahead of what it hopes will be a “fully booked” summer, a Highland Perthshire country estate is using colour to say that it’s glad to be back.
Mains of Taymouth - Bothy cottage.Mains of Taymouth - Bothy cottage.
Mains of Taymouth - Bothy cottage.

Multi-award winning Mains of Taymouth country estate and golf course at Kenmore is known for the character and luxury of its traditional steadings cottages, which carry a four and five star VisitScotland rating.

Cottages offered in the original farm steading include a stunning converted farmhouse with a contemporary extension, whilst others reference the history of the former working estate farm, purchased by current owner Robin Menzies’ great grandfather in 1922. There’s even a quirky couples cottage called Bell Tower.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Robin’s wife Irena has long been known for her interior design eye, and over the years, has lovingly furnished and decorated each cottage. Often, she has “given over” favourite pieces of artwork, furniture and ornaments, much of it from local craftsmen and artists, to the lettings portfolio, knowing that it will enhance the properties décor, and overall look.

Mains of Taymouth - Archway cottage.Mains of Taymouth - Archway cottage.
Mains of Taymouth - Archway cottage.

As the estate got ready to re-open Irena found herself “playing around with colour”, as she decided to use Farrow & Ball paints to create new dramatic looks in several of the cottages.

“I would say that the décor and the furnishings in these steading properties are, in many ways, very traditional for country cottages,” Irena said. “We have log burners, we have wooden flooring with extravagant rugs, large leather sofas, solid wooden furniture, and mainly, the walls are off white, and can feature the natural brick or stone.

“There’s always a luxurious touch though, through soft furnishings, bedding, and we have many special one-off pieces of furniture. I’ll happily mix old and new. Artwork often depicts local scenes, or is by a local artist I know.”

Irena decided to add feature walls to some to the cottages using colours that were quite dark and dramatic, and added an uber glam cinema room to the farmhouse, complete with a large Chesterfield sofa, silver curtains, and silver uniform lamps.

Mains of Taymouth - Smiddy cottage.Mains of Taymouth - Smiddy cottage.
Mains of Taymouth - Smiddy cottage.

“It has an old style Hollywood glamour theme you could say,” she said. “It’s one of those houses where you can enjoy being together in the large open plan living area, but still have plenty of time apart doing other things, and having peace and quiet, if you want.

“I really enjoyed planning and choosing the furniture and accessories for the cinema room. The interior design angle has always been something I have really enjoyed personally, and I’ve been very fortunate to be able to use these skills in the family business too.

“Many of the cottages hold lots of memories for me. We’d live in a cottage for a while with our three children, refurbishing it to a five star lettings standard, and then it would pass into the lettings portfolio as the business grew, and we’d move into another one, and start all over again.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“People still say to me when will you get your forever home Irena!

Mains of Taymouth - Bothy cottage.Mains of Taymouth - Bothy cottage.
Mains of Taymouth - Bothy cottage.

“I may not always have got the benefit of the luxury interiors, hot tubs and saunas, but at least our guests can! It’s been amazing to welcome them all back, and have these lovely properties truly appreciated.”

Related topics: