On the quiet edge of Aberfoyle, where cottages give way to farmland, and the Trossachs hills fill the skyline, Faodail is the kind of retreat that makes two people wonder why they ever holiday any other way. This one-bedroom cottage sits within the Inchrie Holiday Cottages grounds, but it feels entirely its own: private, peaceful, and graced with a view that stops you mid-sentence the moment you walk in.
The village of Aberfoyle lies just two minutes away on foot. A Co-op for essentials, a proper deli and butcher, coffee shops, and the dog-friendly Faerie Tree Inn are all within easy reach. There is no need for the car first thing in the morning, though you will want it later. Glasgow and Edinburgh each sit roughly an hour away, Stirling under forty-five minutes, and the shores of Loch Lomond are a short drive through some of Scotland's finest scenery.
Downstairs, the open-plan living space brings everything together neatly. A well-equipped kitchen sits alongside the dining and living areas, with an electric oven, hob, microwave, slow cooker, coffee machine, and all the cookware two people could want for a proper home-cooked supper. The Smart TV and games console provide entertainment on rainy evenings, though the view through the window tends to hold attention longer than any screen. A walk-in shower room with a heated towel rail completes the ground floor, warm tiles underfoot on cold Scottish mornings.
Upstairs, the bedroom occupies the entire first floor in a cosy mezzanine style. The super-king zip-and-link bed is genuinely luxurious, dressed in crisp linens, and the sort of comfort that makes returning to your own mattress feel like a downgrade. Waking up here, with the Trossachs hills framed through the window, sets the tone for every day.
Outside, a secure sitting area with garden furniture and a barbecue provides a sheltered spot to eat alfresco or simply sit with a glass of something cold while the evening light turns the hills soft and golden. The privacy here feels effortless, a world away from the bustle without actually being far from anything.
The walk starts from the front door. Queen Elizabeth Forest Park begins just up the road, with red squirrel trails at the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre and a waterfall walk near Go Ape that rewards even a short outing. Loch Ard, popular for wild swimming and kayaking, lies within easy reach. For bigger days out, the pointed peak of Ben A'an delivers panoramic views of Loch Achray and the Arrochar Alps. Loch Katrine, with the historic steamship Sir Walter Scott, makes a memorable afternoon. Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument fill a full day, while Blair Drummond Safari Park suits families visiting with children.
One well-behaved dog is welcome, and the trails nearby suit every energy level, from gentle village strolls to forest circuits that leave everyone sleeping soundly.
A wee welcome pack greets you on arrival, a kindness that sets the tone before you have even unpacked. Faodail is the Gaelic word for "a lucky find," and after a stay here, you will understand why.
