Travel: Roman Camp Country House Hotel

RIGHT off the Main Street in Callander, in the heart of the Trossachs and just an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow, is this quirky hotel, named in honour of a small archaeological spot nearby. It is set in large, pretty gardens beside a fast-flowing river.

The former hunting lodge's strange pink exterior is said to date back to when the hue indicated a house was safe for Jacobites. You'd think they would have come up with something more subtle. Apparently, it's bad luck to paint it another colour now.

A recently widowed peahen and her chick live in the grounds, and are in the market for a new husband/father, should you know of any birds who fit this description.

Wining and dining? The food is exquisite – a fine dining treat from a creative and adventurous chef who has worked here for some time. Diners can choose from a set menu, topped and tailed with all manner of palate-stimulating surprises, or go la carte. Vegetarians are wonderfully catered for too.

Room service? Each room is slightly different, but nearly all of them – particularly the large Lady Esher room in which we stayed – are adorned with delicious pre-Regency era decorations. Minimalist this ain't; every square foot provides some kind of intrigue, whether in the form of the printed wallpaper or the period furniture. Every room has a Jacuzzi, which comes in mighty handy if you've been hill walking.

Worth getting out of bed for? Being right on the water, this is a great spot for fishing, particularly if you want to use the ghillie who often works with hotel guests. You're also just a few minutes' walk from the local crags, which can provide you with a challenging 60-minute or three-hour forest walk, the latter rewarding you with fantastic views of the area, including the nearby Lake of Menteith. The walk to the nearby Bracklinn Falls alongside a forest is definitely worth doing too. The Rob Roy Centre is a five-minute walk away and you're also a quick drive from the beautiful Loch Katrine, where you can hire bikes or take a trip on the Sir Walter Scott steam ship.

If you just want to relax, there's a wonderful library stuffed with books and board games, and fireplaces in most of the public rooms.

Budget or boutique? If you're into corporate chains, this is not the place for you. It's smart enough for your trip to feel exciting but not so slick that you need to pretend to be someone you're not.

Hidden extras? All rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities, fresh fruit and a generous amount of sherry. There are Arran Aromatics toiletries in the bathroom.

Guestbook comments? Come for a romantic weekend or to treat your parents. And take time to see how beautiful the stars look from this part of the world.

Roman Camp Country House Hotel, off Main Street, Callander, Perthshire (01877 330003, www.romancamphotel.co.uk). Rates start at 95 for a single room, bed and breakfast.