The Church Tower

On High in the Highlands

Soaring over the Scottish town of Crieff in all its ecclesiastical glory, this celestial church tower has been thoroughly transformed into a heavenly stay for six, offering a completely refurbished, uplifting interior and breathtaking views across the Highlands.

A reverential renovation by the avid preservationists behind the transformation of the Queen Anne-era manor Dun Aluinn, this elevated stay takes churchgoing to new heights. The imposing belfry-turned-panoramic-penthouse includes generous re-paned lancet windows brightening newly installed oak floors, and great walls of somber church stone made new by a contemporary Bulthaup kitchen and suspended stairs rising celestially between the belfry’s levels. 

Walking distance from the tower, through the town park and along the riverbank, is Scotland’s oldest working whisky distillery. Take a tour and discover the art of making single malt whisky, visit the gift shop for your choice of single malts, then wrap up your visit with lunch at the Glenturret Café. If you want to go all out, book one of only six tables at the Michelin-starred Glenturret Lalique Restaurant inside the distillery. Whichever option you choose, a stay at the church tower promises a taste of the divine. Read about sculptor Simone Bodmer-Turner's stay at the Church Tower in our magazine here.

Around

Beyond its neighborly access to the celebrated Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, a stay at the Church Tower offers easy access to the vast recreation spaces of the Scottish Highlands. Crieff is considered their gateway, and is equidistant (60 kilometers) from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The property offers guided fishing tours in the River Tay and area loch via Land Rover, golfing at the Ryder Cup Gleneagles golf course, offroad safaris into the Perthshire Hills with a kilted guide, and a Highland pony and falconry experience. Other opportunities for exploring the stunningly unspoiled region include Dining in the Wilderness on locally farmed delicacies, water adventures (kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding) organized in collaboration with a local guide and instructors, and mountain-biking the rugged hills and dales.

A quick drive from Crieff to Aberfeldy leads to the Watermill Bookshop and Café, named one of the world’s 75 best bookstores. A bit further, the Scottish Cranog Centre describes life on Loch Tay in the Bronze Age and the ancient of village of Dunkeld also occupies the shores of the River Tay, offering shops and bakeries, local outdoor guides, and walking trails in the Hermitage, an ancient forest along the River Tay.

Location

Crieff, Scotland, United Kingdom. Nearest airports: Edinburgh (60km); Glasgow (60km)

Best time to visit

Year-round, with best weather May to September