The Roman Camp Hotel, Calendar, Scotland

Visit the Roman Camp hotel in Calendar for sophisticated dining, huge bedroom suites, an atmospheric and characterful library, comfort and tranquillity.

Built in 1625, the beautiful country house retains much of its charm from the days of King Charles the 1st, the last King of Scotland. Originally built as a hunting lodge for the Dukes of Perth, the hotel is set back off Calendar's main street in the heart of the Trossachs National Park. Nestled amidst 20 acres of secluded garden on the banks of the river Teith, the Roman Camp offers the ideal visit for anyone who has an appreciation for local charm, gracious living, quiet surroundings, warmth and cosiness.

To visit the hotel on a short break (or long one if you have the time), is an absolute treat. A tree lined driveway brings you to the pretty gardens and the heavy oak door of the main entrance. Each of the public areas including the reception are home to impressive log fires, fresh flowers on the mantelpiece and sumptuous fabrics. The winding corridor that leads you from one end of the hotel to the other, gives a glimpse of the hotel's past. Spot historical nick-nacks including newspaper clippings, one of which is a 1937 'For Sale' advertisement of the hotel, for the price of just £3,000!

The charming bedrooms house an eclectic mix of huge chunky furniture. If you opt for a suite, the rooms will be big enough to run around in, even though they'll be a massive super king size bed in it. Décor in keeping with the rest of the hotel is contrasted with the modern luxury bathroom including heated towel rails, a gigantic shower head and luxury Jacuzzi jets in the bath.

My favourite room by far was the library. Wall to wall oak panels, ceiling to floor bookcases and high ceilings with ornate mouldings, provided the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the Trossachs. Choose a seat in the bay window, or a comfy couch overlooking the fire framed by two huge quirky lampshades and start the evening off with an aperitif.

Original fabric wallpaper adorns the walls in the drawing room. Sit here during the day for afternoon tea; the sun floods in and enhances the colour of the fabrics, impressive corner radiators and intricate coving and ceiling roses. There is also a beautiful sun room where you can lounge with the paper. For those of you who enjoy a tinkle on the ivories, the bar lounge is complete with piano. And of course, don't forget the gardens; whether you want to go fishing on the river, wander around for a romantic walk, or just enjoy the tranquillity and nature, they are there for you to explore.

Whether you stay in the hotel or elsewhere in Calendar you must visit the award winning restaurant. The friendly waiter service is excellent; formal but not aloof. Lovely size portions arrive on well presented plates and the four courses combined with pre-starter and pre-desert will fill the biggest of bellies. House wines range from £18, but if you want to splash out a few hundred pounds on a bottle, you can. Food is local and fresh, much of it coming from the garden. Take a look at the menu >>

I adored the Roman Camp hotel. The location is great, just one hour in the car from Edinburgh, and whether you want to explore the local area or simply hibernate from the outside world, you'll have a wonderful (and quite posh) experience.

I especially loved...

• Squashing up infront of the fire on the library comfy sofa, with Petit Fours after an amazing dinner!
• Simple touches like the maid picking my clothes up off the floor in the room and hanging them in the wardrobe; turning down the beds whilst we were at dinner and leaving after dinner mints on the sheets.
• Warm, sweet complimentary sherry in the room!
• The tasty haggis or smoked haddock for breakfast along with the morning offering of freshly baked croissants and Pain au chocolat!