Monday, December 6, 2010

Luxury Self Catering Scotland: Make Your Holidays Memorable for Years

“Though small, Scotland is a beautiful and romantic country”. Blessed with a natural beauty that never fails to impress visitors. From the gentle hills of Dumfries and Galloway, the rugged coastlines of the North-West and the historic city of Edinburgh, Scotland boasts a variety of Luxury Self catering Scotland accommodation in all locations.

If you too want to enjoy a romantic break with your partner, an adventure holiday with your best friends or a family get together, Scotland is the place to go to. With year-round availability, you can choose from budget to luxury, from city apartments to country houses, all available online. You can browse a comprehensive listing of luxury self catering Scotland accommodation.

Comfort, luxury, style, and peace and quiet characterise a stay at Winton House's self-catering properties, Wintonhill Farmhouse and Winton Cottage near Edinburgh. Both are available on a flexible, self-catering basis for weeks, weekends or weekdays. Wintonhill Farmhouse can sleep 12-14 people and Winton Cottage sleeps 10-12. Taken together, the properties can sleep up to 26 people.
For the first time, Winton is offering guests 15% off their self-catering rates from October 2010 to March 2011 (excluding Christmas, New Year and Easter).
They can also be hired alongside Winton House, which sleeps up to 16 people, and has the historic splendour of a magnificent country house dating from the Scottish Rennaissance, giving a total capacity on the Winton Estate of 42 overnight guests.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack-up your bags and head for Scotland.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Winton House wedding guests “didn’t want to go home!”

Fiona Dow and Russell Day were married at Winton House in April 2010.

When we asked them if they’d like to write a blog about their Wedding at Winton, Fiona emailed back: “uncanny timing as last night I had a dream that I was living at Winton House!”

Why did you choose Winton House near Edinburgh for your wedding?


“We were looking for a venue where we could have everything in one place – ceremony, reception and accommodation for the entire wedding party. It had to be convenient to get to as we had guests coming from different parts of the UK (and across Europe).

“We also wanted somewhere that had the right atmosphere; that was very important to us. I used to work in events so have spent a lot of time in nice hotels and conference halls. I was determined that our wedding wouldn’t have that ‘hotel slightly sanitised’ feel.

“We also wanted the freedom to add our stamp to the wedding and not be prescribed to on timings, set up, menus etc. Winton House ticked all of those boxes and was above and beyond our hopes.”

Who were the guests at your wedding?

“The guests were an equal balance of friends and family. We live in London so a large contingent came up from here. Russ’s parents and the best man live down in Cornwall so were able to take advantage of the flight from Newquay to Edinburgh. We also had a sister coming over from Greece and friends from Belgium.

“Most of my family live in Scotland - some as close as Pencaitland so they were able to walk to and from the wedding. My parents live in Inveresk which was also a short drive away.”

What was the format on the day and over the weekend?

“We wanted to give people an opportunity to get to know each other better or catch up before the wedding. So we had a small gathering in Winton Cottage on Friday night and provided some food and drink. It was a great ice breaker and I’m sure helped contribute the really warm and friendly atmosphere on the day. It also gave people a chance to explore the grounds and figure out where the ceremony would be.

“The wedding was held in the afternoon on the Saturday so people had a relaxed start to the day and plenty of time to have lunch and get ready before the ceremony. We left food hampers in Winton Cottage and Wintonhill Farmhouse for those staying there to make the day as leisurely as possibly.

“We had a civil ceremony in Winton House’s amazing drawing room, followed by drinks and photographs before dinner. To help fill that time we also arranged for a Burns performance which went down really well. After a delicious dinner we had some ceilidh dancing and then an iPod playlist for the disco.

“On Sunday we offered people recovery drinks and lunch at my Dad’s house. It was a real bonus, because people were staying for the weekend; we got the chance to hear everyone’s stories from the wedding. It was fun to hear all the different anecdotes that we might not have heard otherwise. I think we would have missed out if everyone had dispersed back to their homes the morning after the wedding.”

What was the feedback from guests?

“Overall, we wanted to make sure that everyone had a great weekend away and had lots of fun. The overwhelming response we had was how relaxed, fun and friendly it was and how well they were all looked after. Lots of people didn’t want to go home!”

“The hospitality was absolutely second to none. I can’t put into words how comfortable we felt being at Winton House. Everyone from Harry (the man who can!) to Sir Francis, was so welcoming.

“I felt that the staff struck the perfect balance between professional and friendly so at no times did things feel stuffy or too formal despite being in such grand surroundings.

“The food was superb. Our friends who had been to 8 weddings in 8 weeks before ours said that it was the best that they’d experienced. There were lots of small details that were thought of. One example is that we had real difficulty deciding between two starters at our menu tasting – so Morag suggested that we serve them both at alternating place settings. It was a nice touch that got people talking at their tables.”

Is there anything unique that makes Winton stand out?

“From the moment we walked through the impressive entrance into the warm and welcoming interior, we knew that Winton was different. The smell of the log fires left such a lasting impression from our first visit. As did the attitude that although Winton is a historic venue, it’s also a home. That attitude sums up that way we felt for the duration of our time at Winton. (And I’m not just writing this because you asked .....!).

“Last but not least the weekend would not have been the same without the exceptional calm, friendly, and professional capability that Morag brings. After every visit to Winton we left knowing that Morag had it all under control. There was never any doubt in our mind that if we’d asked for something to be done it would happen in exactly the way Morag said it would.

“It was such a great feeling to wake up on the big day knowing that as far as I was concerned the hard work had been done. It was all in Morag’s capable hands and it was such a weight off my shoulders.

“It was the most relaxed I had been in weeks (although I’m not sure Russ was quite as calm!). Every member of both our families commented on the difference that Morag made and most of our guests were on first name terms with her by the end of the weekend too.

Friday, October 15, 2010

A Scottish spring wedding at Winton House - An interview with the bride’s parents

Eileen and David Black held a Scottish wedding for their daughter Kirsten and her fiancée Scott Kavanagh at Winton House in late March 2010. It turned out to be a beautiful early spring day with the daffodils in full bloom after a hard winter, a perfect day for a wedding.

David and Eileen explained why they chose Winton House for their daughter’s wedding and told us how the day went.

1. Why did you choose Winton House for your daughter's wedding?

“David knew Winton House having used the venue before for a corporate team-building day. Our daughter, Kirsten, wanted somewhere which had a large country house or castle feel to it and Winton was ideal.

“We chose Winton because they allowed us to do what we wanted. Unlike other venues, they weren’t prescriptive about the band, the menus and other important elements of the wedding. We felt comfortable and at ease there, and it has a lovely warm ambience.

“Winton also restricts the number of weddings it hosts which meant that only one or two guests had been there before.”

2. Who were the guests at the wedding? Where did they travel from?

“The guests were primarily family and friends from the Edinburgh and Fife area, seventy-eight in total. Kirsten's cousin from Portland in Oregon, USA, travelled the furthest.”

3. What was the format on the day?

“It was very traditional. The chief bridesmaid stayed with us on the eve of the wedding. Kirsten and her entourage used the facilities at Winton on the Saturday morning to get ready and guests arrived early in the afternoon.

“Most of the male guests wore traditional highland dress and the ladies all looked fabulous in their colourful frocks.

“There was a civil ceremony in the beautiful drawing room with sun streaming in through its south-facing windows. That was followed by photographs and a drinks reception, then we were piped in by a lady piper for a fantastic meal in the dining room.

“We had smoked salmon to start with followed by roast beef then sticky toffee pudding, all prepared from fresh local produce by Elizabeth, Winton’s award-winning chef.

“The evening's entertainment was a combination of ceilidh band and popular covers performed by the band. The dancing was briefly interrupted for a hog roast and buffet in the evening, which was also a complete success.

“My daughter and son-in-law, now Mr and Mrs Scott Kavanagh, stayed at Winton House overnight in one of its eight bedrooms.”

4. What was the feedback from guests?

“Everyone we have spoken to was tremendously complimentary about the venue, the format and the food. It was an incredibly memorable day.

“It felt like your own private party. The venue was spectacular and the food was excellent. Guests also enjoyed going for walks in the gardens before and after dinner.”

5. What comments do you have on the quality of Winton's hospitality?

“We were very well looked after from the moment we were shown around.

“On the day itself we couldn't fault a thing. Everyone was very welcoming and caring. Harry even spent time pushing my grandson's pushchair around the house.”

6. Is there anything unique that makes Winton stand out?

“The fact that the house itself is actually someone's home and feels just like someone's home. The atmosphere in the house is exceptional.”

Thanks are due to Graham Carnie for allowing Winton to use some of the wedding photographs he took on the day. For more information please visit
http://www.grahamcarniephotography.co.uk

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Enjoy the best stay at Winton’s luxury self-catering properties

Looking for self-catering accommodation services in Scotland? There are various attributes that make a place good at services. These attributes include comfort, luxury, style, and peace. You will find everything at Winton’s luxury self-catering properties in Scotland. Here you can get the accommodation on a flexible, self-catering basis for weeks, weekends, or weekdays.

Winton Farmhouse in East Lothian can accommodate up to 14 people and Winton Cottage accommodates up to 12. Total, these properties offer bed spaces for up to 26 people. The place offers luxury self catering facilities in Scotland for large dinners, meetings, receptions and parties in the ancient majesty of a wonderful country dating from the Scottish Renaissance.

Staying at Winton’s luxury self-catering properties in Scotland will be an amazing experience of your life time. Moreover, the area is full of natural landscape and provides an opportunity to enjoy the various adventurous activities in Scotland. Winton house employs complete recycling processes for plastic, paper, glass and tin.

There are lots of things to spend your weekend including golf courses, sandy beaches, fishing, sailing, horse riding, hill walking Glenkinchie Distillery, the Scottish Seabird Centre and the city of Edinburgh itself.So, plan your weekend break now and enjoy Winton’s luxury self-catering Scotland.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Winton House – One of the Romantic Wedding Venues in Scotland

Your wedding is one of the most important events in your life and a special venue can make your day even more memorable. Winton House is one of the most romantic wedding venues Scotland and blends Castle and family home into a perfect venue for your Scottish Wedding. If your keen to make your wedding a very special event then visit Winton House and we will promise you a very special day.

Winton house has been a part of Scotland’s history since 1150 and is a unique venue with a considerable collection of fine art, furniture and unique architecture combined with a warm family atmosphere.

For a Bride and Groom looking for a unique and luxurious experience Winton House is the perfect venue. With a mixture of accommodation options there is room for a large party to enjoy the event in convenience and comfort. In my opinion Winton House provides the perfect venue for your perfect Wedding in Scotland.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Clay Pigeon Shooting in Edinburgh: A Good Option to Make Your Weekend

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and the seventh most populous city in United Kingdom. Here you can enjoy your weekend by combining thrilling activities during the day with a spicy mix of music, fun and great food in the evening.

There are some regular activities but if you’re looking for a weekend activity that involved more action than a soothing siesta in a spa all day, but don’t want to exhaust yourself, then you might go for clay pigeon shooting in Edinburgh. It is exciting activity that is very addictive and ideal for those people who never experienced clay pigeon shooting earlier.

The evolution of clay pigeon shooting originates from the activity of shooting birds. Now it has taken a professional look. It has turned into a famous sport as well as a recreational activity. If you haven’t done it earlier then it can be very exciting for you. Once you practice it, watching those clay pigeons burst into tiny pieces can be very funny indeed.

Why choose Edinburgh? Edinburgh has been a popular attraction to many visitors. There are numerous hotels who offer their visitors to take the full cream of clay pigeon shooting Edinburgh. This activity is also very helpful for your team building, corporate hospitality or private event.