Yew House
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Overview
Enjoying a fascinating history and standing in splendour, the luxurious Scottish retreat Yew House sits in 450 acres of gardens on the edge of the charming village of Kippen in Stirlingshire. It boasts seven lavish bedroom suites, sensational living spaces, a high-end kitchen, a games room, a glorious Victorian walled garden with alfresco dining and an outdoor kitchen, a hot tub and a fabulous air of sophistication and grandeur. Now owned by the third baronet of Rossie, Sir James Hutchison, the house has been occupied by his family for over one hundred years. Sir James’ maternal great-grandfather, Archibald Colville ran the largest steel works in Scotland, David Colville & Sons. It is understood that during the 1920’s his wife was said to be the first person to host ‘cocktail parties’ in Scotland with Fortnum & Mason commissioned to entertain the guests in lavish style. The Fortnum & Mason carriage would be sent on the overnight train from London to Scotland where on arrival at Stirling Station, the horse drawn carriage would head to the house for the evening’s glamorous entertainment. The original Georgian House stands in the grounds of an old monastic sanctuary said to be linked to Inchmahome Priory on the island of Inchmahome in the nearby Lake of Menteith. The giant yew tree next to the house was planted by the Augustinian Canons that lived there nearly eight hundred years ago. The tree in listed in John Lowe’s 1897 book ‘The Yew Trees of Great Britain and Ireland.
Kippen is an enchanting village in West Stirlingshire which lies between the Gargunnock Hills and the Fintry Hills, overlooking the Carse of Forth. The village is nine miles west of Stirling, twenty miles north of Glasgow and only forty five minutes from Edinburgh airport. Yew House is a fifteen minute walk from the centre of the village where guests can enjoy two cosy, atmospheric pubs and restaurants, a local shop, a butcher and a lovely delicatessen. Though you may like to stay put in this characterful home and its phenomenal grounds, there are plenty of attractions close by including the Blair Drummond Safari Park, Inchmahome Priory and the Lake of Menteith, Doune Ponds, Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Stirling Golf Club, Doune and Sterling Castles, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Golfers may also want to fit in a round of golf at Gleneagles. The beauty of Yew House is that it is totally private and perfect for a special occasion yet everything is on the doorstep.
Yew House enjoys elegant, period decor. You feel so special when you arrive and tour the house. The living spaces are beautifully finished and you will realise immediately that you will make magical holiday memories in this exquisite home. The magnificent drawing room boasts plush velvet sofas and chairs, lavish rugs, vintage furniture and a truly fabulous feature fireplace. It is the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or a late night glass of whisky by the fire. Lavish drapes fall by the beautiful, enormous sash windows that drown this fabulous room in natural light and offer spectacular garden views. A wonderful chandelier drops from the intricate ceiling rose. The library is another wonder in deep red tones with sumptuous sofas surrounded by leather-bound books. You may want to disappear with the Sunday newspapers and a cup of tea to this characterful room. You will dine in style in the Victorian dining room which comfortably seats all of the guests in your party. It offers an ambience of bygone splendour. With a wall of rich wooden cabinetry, vintage rugs, warm decor, a feature fireplace, gorgeous period features and another set of enormous sash windows, the room is absolutely perfect for a celebration feast. The kitchen is sensational, a superb, sociable space with exquisite cabinetry, a central island with stools, a butler’s sink, an aga, an induction hob, a double oven, an American styled fridge freezer, wine coolers and a Nespresso coffee machine. The chefs in your group will be in awe of this magnificent space and its top notch appliances. It even enjoys an adjoining scullery. If you have some emails you need to catch up on, the ground floor is also home to an office as well as a delightful garden room and a handy cloakroom.
The games room is in the basement, a fun space with a table tennis table, darts and board games. It is ideal for some healthy competition and a likely den if you have teenagers with you.
Five sumptuous bedroom suites, including the glorious master, are located on the first floor and a further two on the second. Every room enjoys its own style and character. You will discover bold painted panels, delicate wallpapers, vintage furniture, opulent soft furnishings and the comfiest of beds. There are two rooms with kingsize beds, two with doubles, one with twins and two with flexible sleeping so you can choose if you have twins or large doubles. The master enjoys access to a balcony which offers far-reaching views of the garden. Though the house may be ancient, the bathrooms are luxurious and immaculate. They offer a mixture of gorgeous slipper baths, contemporary walk-in showers and beautiful tiling.
The grounds of Yew House are simply astonishing. Brimming with ancient, towering trees, meadows, a stream, lush lawns, topiary and mature borders, you can wander for hours enjoying its beauty. The Victorian Walled Garden is stunning and now the home of a new outdoor kitchen, alfresco dining area, hot tub and shower. Just imagine, popping a few champagne corks and lazing in the nine seater hot tub with beautiful gardens all around! The outdoor kitchen comes with a gas barbecue, perfect for the barbecue masters in your holiday group to cook a feast. There are some delightful games for family fun including croquet, boules and swingball.
Yew House offers privacy and luxury in equal measures. It is captivating, luxurious and supremely comfortable. You will feel a little as though you have stepped back in time! There is something for everyone both at the house and close by. Horse riding, watersports, fishing, hiking, visiting historical sites, mountain biking, cycling, hunting, archery, shopping and gourmet dining can all easily be on the agenda.
What you should know…
- There is an open stream within the grounds. Please take care of young children
- If you are interested in hiring a private chef or want to arrange excursions please do not hesitate to contact us
Property Features
Lower Ground Floor
- Games room with table tennis, darts & board games
- Cloakroom
Ground Floor
- Drawing room
- Library
- Study
- Garden room
- Dining room with seating for 14
- Fully-equipped kitchen with Aga, induction hob, double electric oven, microwave, American-style fridge freezer, dishwasher, 2 x wine coolers
- Scullery
- Cloakroom
First Floor
- Master bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom (can be set up with twin beds on request)
- Bedroom with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom (can be set up with twin beds on request)
Second Floor
- Bedroom with double bed and en-suite bathroom
- Bedroom with twin beds and en-suite bathroom
Exterior Grounds
- Hot tub seating 9
- Terrace
- Dining area seating 14
- Gas barbecue
- Garden games including swingball, croquet & boules
- Large grounds of 450 acres with open stream
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Smart TV
- Nespresso machine with complimentary pods
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- 2 x travel cots & 2 x highchairs available on request (please bring your own cot linen)
- Wheelchair accessible lift (runs from the lower ground floor to the first floor)
- Parking for up to 10 cars
Location
About the surrounding area of Yew HouseYew House is nestled in a 450 acre estate surrounded by nature. It sits on the edge of the pretty village of Kippen which offers two wonderful pubs and a few shops which are within walking distance of the house.
The historic city of Stirling is nearby on the River Forth, surrounded by rich farmland. Once the capital of Scotland, the city is dominated by Stirling Castle, a fabulous visitor attraction. The castle boasts a Royal Palace, the Chapel Royal, the Regimental Museum and lots for young ones. From its dramatic rocky eyre, the fortress definitely rewards your stroll along Stirling’s cobbled main street with spectacular views over the stunning Stirlingshire countryside. Stirling is home to some of Scotland’s most epic events which you will learn about when visiting its historic attractions. Stirling’s famous landmark, The National Wallace Monument overlooks the scene of Sir William Wallace’s greatest victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The Old Town Jail tells the tale of crime and punishment in the Royal Burgh of Stirling. Another jewel is The Church of the Holy Rude which was founded in the 12th century. The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is wonderful. Surrounded by portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie, William Wallace and others, you will discover some astonishing artefacts such as the oldest football from 1540 and the oldest curling stone from 1511.
Those that love outdoor activities can enjoy horse-back riding at Castle Rednock, mountain biking, cycling, archery, kayaking and an excellent range of watersports at Go Country Adventure, Loch Ard, hiking in the local hills and fishing in the Lake of Menteith.
The Lake of Menteith is situated on the Carse of Stirling. Until the 19th century, it was known as the Loch of Menteith. There are some small islands on the lake, the largest being Inchmahome with its ancient monastery. The Earl of Menteith founded Inchmahome Priory in 1238. Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots visited and in fact, Mary Queen of Scots was hidden there for a few weeks aged four. It is an Augustinian Monastery in a truly idyllic setting. The woodlands surrounding the monastery are carpeted in wildflowers, adding to its appeal. Three of the Spanish chestnuts on the island are listed in Scotland’s top one hundred trees. Visitors can take a boat trip from the Port of Menteith from March until September each year. To return, you turn the signal post around. To the west of Lake Menteith is Flanders Moss, one of the largest remaining bogs in Scotland. The lake is very popular for fishing and the Port of Menteith Fisheries rent out boats so that you can catch rainbow and brown trout. If the lake freezes over during a harsh winter, the lake is the scene of the ‘Bonspiel’, an outdoor curling tournament.
It is very easy to combine your stay in Yew House with a trip to Edinburgh. The captivating City of Edinburgh enjoys a wealth of top attractions for the whole family, excellent shopping opportunities and sensational fine dining. With a stunning backdrop of the dramatic Arthur’s Seat, the Pentland Hills and Edinburgh’s waterfront, this ever popular city is a remarkable place to visit. You can take a cruise on the River Forth, explore the ancient castle, shop until you drop, wander through the cosmopolitan streets of the Port of Leith, listen to bagpipes and dine until you burst. At the top of the Royal Mile on the top of Castle Rock, you can visit Edinburgh Castle, the number one visitor attraction in Scotland and the most iconic building in the city. Perched on the top of an extinct volcano, the castle and its esplanade offers astonishing views of Edinburgh. Inside, you can visit St Margaret’s Chapel, The National War Memorial and the Half Moon Battery. The regal Crown Square is home to the Grand Hall and Scotland’s crown jewels. Edinburgh is especially popular during the August Festival and at Christmas and New Year. Edinburgh is home to three excellent galleries, The National Gallery on the Mound, the Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Scottish National Gallery boasts some of the world’s finest art by the likes of Rembrandt, Monet and Raphael. The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world, celebrating the Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott. It was built in the 19th century and is one of the most striking landmarks on the Edinburgh city skyline. Visitors can climb the 287 steps to enjoy far reaching views of the city and surrounding countryside. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Some areas of the Palace are open to the public including the State Apartments, the Throne Room and the Morning Drawing Room. The Royal Botanic Gardens are located in Stockbridge, a very attractive area twenty minutes walk from the city centre. You will discover a beautiful collection of more than 100,000 plants and 70 acres of stunning green space. The Royal Yacht Britannia was Her Majesty The Queen’s floating palace for over 40 years and is one of the city’s best attractions. You can enjoy a complimentary audio tour and follow in the footsteps of royalty exploring this wonderful yacht that is permanently moored beside Ocean Terminal.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Glasgow Airport
(51km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Stirling
(16km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Kippen
(1.2km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
The Cross Keys, Kippen
(1.3km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Waitrose, Stirling
(17.7km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Gleneagles
(38km) |
||
Region
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
There is something so romantic about staying in one of Oliver’s Travels luxury properties overlooking Loch Lomond, a breathtaking freshwater lake that spans over 24 miles in length. Nestled within the stunning landscapes of the Trossachs National Park, the loch is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain and a haven for nature enthusiasts, history buffs and adventure seekers. The Trossachs, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Highlands,' boasts an enchanting mix of lush forests, serene lochs, and rugged mountains, making it a picture-perfect destination for exploration.
The surrounding hills and mountains strike a pose, creating a mesmerising backdrop. Standing tall and majestic, is Ben Lomond, the loch's very own celebrity peak. Hiking up ends with a reward of panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. The charming towns and villages that sprinkle the shores of the loch like confetti include Balloch, the southern sweetheart and the gateway to Loch Lomond. It throws open its doors to visitors with the flair of a Scottish welcoming committee. You can take a loch cruise or explore the Balloch Castle Country Park, where 19th-century castles, gardens and woodlands play host to leisurely strolls and family picnics.
Further north, the village of Luss is so well-preserved it is like a postcard got stuck in a time warp. 18th-century cottages line the shores, offering a glimpse into Scotland's architectural wardrobe. The Luss Pier is your ticket to a boat tour extravaganza, discovering islands and hidden coves like a true Scottish pirate. Balmaha's got your back with a gateway to Inchcailloch Island. Burial grounds, scenic trails and centuries of Scottish history await.
Loch Lomond isn't just for romantic strolls. It is a water wonderland with sailing, kayaking and fishing on the agenda. Inchmurrin, the largest inland island in the British Isles, is your tranquil escape. Anglers can fish for salmon, trout and perch, while thrill-seekers can dance with the wind on a windsurfing or waterskiing escapade. Loch Lomond is also a golfer's dream. The Cameron House Golf Course offers views that could distract even the most dedicated golfer. Who can focus on putting when the loch is winking at you?
Loch Lomond isn't just a place, it is a romance novel waiting to be written. Whether you are soaking in the tranquility of the lake, enjoying a delicious waterside meal, taking to the water or unleashing your inner highlander, Loch Lomond captures the essence of Scotland's enchanting landscapes with a touch of luxury and a dash of fun.
Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide – so read on and enjoy!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesChildren feel as though they are arriving at a palace as they see Yew House for the first time. The house is stunning and beautifully presented. There is a fabulous games room with table tennis, darts and lots of board games. Every television has access to Netflix and many channels. The gardens are incredible, perfect for games of hide and seek plus there are games of croquet, bowls and a swingball. The hot tub is very popular too!
There are many family friendly attractions nearby including castles, stately homes and gardens, activity centres and a fantastic safari park which is only four miles from Stirling. At the Blair Drummound Safari Park you can drive through reserves getting up close to camels, zebras, rhinos, ankole cattle, deer and lions. Children enjoy the macaque drive through reserve, the elephant habitat with its public viewing gallery, Lemur Land, the Pet’s Farm, the Bird of Prey Centre and wonderful performances by the sea lions and falconry. There are regular keeper talks at the animal enclosures when children can learn about the animals and ask questions.The park also boasts a huge adventure playground with a fort, pirate ship, sandpit, swings, slides and a net rope. Also popular are the giant astraglide, pedal boats and flying fox. Funfair rides incur a small extra charge. The safari park is an excellent day out for families.
The Peak in Stirling is an excellent centre with ice hockey, speed skating, ice dancing, swimming in three pools and an eleven metre high climbing wall. Horse loving children enjoy the Wellsfield Equestrian Centre where they can ride Shetland ponies and horses. The centre offers horse riding lessons, horseback hacking on peaceful bridal paths, pony rides and show days. There is an endless list of activities at the brilliant Go Country Outdoor Centre at Kinlochard. Some of the activities are best children aged 12 and over but there is still plenty of fun for little ones. Your brave youngsters may want to jump off cliffs, explore the loch by canoe, challenge themselves on the waterpark’s obstacle course, have a mini highland games day with the family, enjoy an archery session or have a go at stand-up paddleboarding. You can hire wetsuits for Waterpark Wipeout which is suitable for those aged 12 and above or you can opt for the mini waterpark for those aged 4 and over.
Also popular are Briarlands Farm, Doune Castle, Stirling Castle, Xtreme Karting in Falkirk, Argaty Red Kites, Firpark Ski Centre and World of Wings.
If you decide to head into Edinburgh for a day, you may want to visit Edinburgh Zoo which is home to over 1000 animals including the UK’s only giant pandas as well as flamingos, koalas and chimpanzees or Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions, an attraction that has been delighting guests since 1835. There are many hands on experiences, unbelievable effects, illusions, tricks and puzzles. You can serve your own head up on a silver platter, pick the people of Edinburgh up in your hand, find your way out of the magical mirror maze, try and stay on your feet in the vortex tunnel and visit the room where little and large become interchangeable. The National Museum of Scotland is also excellent where children can discover the delights of the natural world, see treasures from around the world and explore world cultures. There are many exhibits, interactive displays and games. Even just gazing at the beautiful building is worth the trip!
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Lift
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Table Tennis
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | TBC |
| Arrival time | 4pm |
| Departure time | 10am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | TBC |
| Arrival time | 4pm |
| Departure time | 10am |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. |
| Internet access? | Yes, Wi-Fi is included in the rental price |
| Changeover day | Friday |
| Minimum stay | Please note that there is a 7-night minimum stay |
| Pets welcome? | A maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs are allowed on request at the time of booking. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No smoking |
| Property Licence Number | ST00457P |
Please note that this home is best suited for families. The property is strictly no stag, hen do’s, parties or single sex groups and the property owner reserves the right to cancel the booking and retain the security deposit if guests do not comply on arrival.
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 14 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Mid-Week Price From | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5th 2024 - Dec 6th 2024 | £7,919 | £9,560 | £11,200 | £4,894.00 | £11,479 |
| Dec 6th 2024 - Dec 18th 2024 | £8,297 | £9,500 | £10,702 | £5,127.00 | £12,025 |
| Dec 18th 2024 - May 30th 2025 | £11,693 | £11,693 | £11,693 | - | £16,945 |
| May 30th 2025 - Aug 29th 2025 | £9,000 | £11,287 | £13,573 | - | £16,000 |
| Aug 29th 2025 - Oct 17th 2025 | £8,000 | £10,144 | £12,287 | - | £15,000 |
| Oct 17th 2025 - Oct 31st 2025 | - | - | £15,000 | - | £18,000 |
| Oct 31st 2025 - Dec 16th 2025 | £7,500 | £9,501 | £11,502 | - | £14,000 |
| Dec 16th 2025 - Dec 23rd 2025 | - | - | £16,000 | - | £20,000 |
| Dec 23rd 2025 - Jan 2nd 2026 | - | - | £16,000 | - | £20,000 |
| Jan 2nd 2026 - Feb 13th 2026 | £7,542 | £9,105 | £10,667 | £4,661.00 | £10,932 |
| Feb 13th 2026 - Mar 20th 2026 | £8,675 | £10,472 | £12,268 | - | £12,572 |
| Mar 20th 2026 - Mar 30th 2026 | £7,919 | £9,067 | £10,215 | £4,894.00 | £11,479 |
| Mar 30th 2026 - Apr 3rd 2026 | £8,297 | £10,016 | £11,734 | £5,127.00 | £12,025 |
| Apr 3rd 2026 - Apr 17th 2026 | £9,053 | £10,927 | £12,802 | - | £13,119 |
| Apr 17th 2026 - Apr 24th 2026 | £8,297 | £9,500 | £10,702 | £5,127.00 | £12,025 |
| Apr 24th 2026 - May 1st 2026 | £9,051 | £10,926 | £12,801 | £5,593.00 | £13,119 |
| May 1st 2026 - May 9th 2026 | £8,297 | £10,016 | £11,734 | £5,127.00 | £12,025 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
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