A true ‘one of a kind’ retreat is The Old Furnace that is set within the impressive Keathbank Mill right alongside the beautiful River Ericht, in the market town of Blairgowrie and Rattray in Perthshire.
The A-listed mill building dates back to 1864-5 when it harnessed the power of the river to spin flax and jute with the help of a huge water wheel (the largest in Scotland at the time) and a massive steam engine.
From the parking area a short path leads through to the front door that sits in the original mill chimney and from there are steps down to the cosy living area that has the sitting room on one side and the kitchen on the other.
The L-shaped sitting room is warm and inviting and the well-equipped kitchen has a dining area set up by the window for admiring the river whilst eating and trying to spot salmon leaping. Sliding doors from both the kitchen and sitting room provide access out to a pretty terrace (with seating) and there is a handy downstairs WC with laundry facilities.
Heading upstairs the double bedroom is spacious and bright with a lovely king-size bed to stretch out on. There is the option of using the unusual hexagonal rainfall shower up the stairs from the bedroom or the adjoining bathroom that has a bath and shower over. From the bedroom doors open out to a little Juliet balcony that overlooks the river so the sound of the water can be enjoyed from the comfort of bed.
Private parking for up to two cars is available and an enclosed gravelled garden area wraps around the chimney to the side of the terrace