Blackcraig; A Bit More Info:

About your weeks' stay at blackcraig castle: Blackcraig Castle, built in 1856, as a hunting lodge, is owned and operated by Mrs. Josephine MacLaren and her son Malcom. The castle is opened by the family each summer as a bed and breakfast. Lady Jill rents the castle exclusively for her week long classes every summer. Situated in the countryside of Perthshire it is a 5 minute drive to the Bridge of Cally (your nearest pub!), a 15 minute drive to Blairgowrie( your nearest laundry and market) and a 45 minute drive to Perth. Please remember that transportation is not included in your weeks' stay, so an auto is needed. You could possibly share auto transportation with another student. ( Lady Jill can help connect you to those wishing to share their car during the weeks' stay). Public transportation to the castle requires a train to Pitlochry and a cab, approximately 30 pounds ) to Blackcraig .

The castle has individually heated bedrooms, as well as night storage heaters in the hall. Of course you will almost always find a warm, welcoming open-fire in the fireplace in the drawing room.

With a possible total of 14 people the shared facilities are 2 toilet rooms, one shower room, one tub shower/ bathroom and one tub bathroom.

As with most castles in Europe Blackcraig has lots of winding stairs! Although the dining /dance hall is located on the ground floor, most of the bedrooms, the drawing room where we meet and hold classes indoors and 2 of the toilet/bath rooms are reached up a wide, shallow circular staircase to the second floor.

When at the castle, you are free to make yourself a cup of tea or coffee in the kitchen whenever you like, even early in the morning. You may have your own alcohol in your room or in the drawing room, our gathering place .

Breakfast will be included at Blackcraig Castle. Although no lunches are included, guests may store food in the kitchen for same. Four dinners are included, with one at the Pitlochry Festival Theater prior to the play, and the others nearby Blackcraig castle.

Castle life is fun! The setting alone will bring you in: Off a country road, between two stone pillars topped with stone dogs, down a dirt road lined by tall maples, through a covered stone bridge house spanning the River Ardle with a fork to the left up a shaded lane and into the castle yard. All around the castle are wooded gardens full of gorgeous flowering rhododendrons, sheep pastures and wild lands. Most all the trees were planted in 1856 and tower over all- Cedars, Maples, Yew Trees and Pines.

The history and the lives that have loved Blackcraig are fascinating, as the tales unwind! You may stay in the Nursery, the Library, Mum's Room, use Dad's Bath, sleep in Patrick's Room or many of the other rooms tucked away in Ivy and wild roses. Only your imagination will limit the fun and overcome any difficulties you may experience living in a genuine OLD castle! Everywhere you look, there will be a picture to sketch or paint or photograph!