Where the rolling farmland of central Scotland meets the southern boundary of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, The Stables sits on a working sheep and cattle farm that gives families something no ordinary holiday let can offer: the sound of contented cows at the fence each morning and the freedom to explore genuine Scottish countryside right from the front door.
This is a proper farmstead conversion, built from the original old stone and arranged around an attractive courtyard beside the farmhouse. The location is quietly brilliant. Stirling and its ancient castle lie just 18 miles to the east. Loch Lomond's bonnie banks stretch to the west. And somehow, despite sitting between two of Scotland's biggest draws, the setting feels blissfully remote, all rolling green fields, birdsong, and huge open skies.
Step inside and you will notice straight away how generous the proportions are. The living room is bright and airy with a 40-inch Smart TV and French doors that open directly onto the enclosed garden, bringing the outdoors in on warm evenings. The kitchen and dining room is properly equipped for family meals: electric oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, and a dining table large enough for everyone to gather round and plan the next day's adventures. A washing machine tucked away keeps longer stays hassle-free.
Sleeping arrangements suit families and multi-generational groups well. On the ground floor, a comfortable double bedroom with its own ensuite wet room (level-access shower, no step) makes things easier for anyone with mobility needs or parents with young ones. Upstairs, a second double with an ensuite cubicle shower provides a private retreat, while a twin bedroom with two single beds is ideal for children. The generous family bathroom on the first floor, complete with bath and separate shower cubicle, means there is never a queue before breakfast. A cot, highchair, and stairgate are available on request.
Outside, the small enclosed garden with lawn furniture is a safe spot for little ones to play while you keep an eye from the kitchen. Children consistently love the friendly cattle and sheep that wander right up to the boundary fence, curious and gentle. The farm's owners offer a private tour of their modern dairy operation by prior arrangement, a hands-on experience that families return home raving about.
For fishing folk, the owners hold private rights on a stretch of the River Endrick nearby, and complimentary permits for trout and salmon fishing are yours for the asking. Private parking for two cars keeps things simple.
Day trips from The Stables could fill a fortnight without repeating a single one. Loch Katrine's scenic cruises glide through some of the Trossachs' finest scenery, and Blair Drummond Safari Park is a reliable hit with younger visitors. The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre is the place for red squirrel spotting, while Glengoyne Distillery on the edge of the national park offers whisky tours that will satisfy any single malt enthusiast. History buffs should set aside a morning for Doune Castle, the real-life Castle Leoch from Outlander, and an afternoon at Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the Bannockburn Visitor Centre. The Nick Nairn Cook School is only ten minutes by car for anyone who fancies sharpening their kitchen skills. The Rob Roy Way and National Cycle Track 7 both pass close by, opening up miles of walking and cycling through some of Scotland's most celebrated landscapes. A shop, pub, and restaurant are all within three miles.
If your party outgrows six, The Stables' sister cottage, The Ploughmans, sits just across the courtyard, and the two can be booked together to sleep ten, making this a fine choice for family celebrations or gatherings of friends who want to be together without being on top of each other.
