Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 28 on 20/09/2006.

This article is 24 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

Dare to be different

Bored with bog standard hotel rooms? Cora Lydon picks out some more unusual places to stay

Chances are you spend most of the year living in your lovely, but not terribly unusual, house, so when it comes to your holiday why not go for unique and curious accommodation?

Gone are the days of choosing between a drafty tent and a bed and breakfast. Now you can take a trip to Scotland and opt for something that offers more than just a bed.

How do you fancy going back to basics in a wooden wigwam, sharing your accommodation with a giant stone pineapple or exploring the country under your own steam? All you need is this handy guide to some unusual choices and a holiday to remember will be yours!

The Tower of Hallbar, Braidwood
Travel back in time and book a holiday in the Clyde Valley, making the stunning Tower of Hallbar your home for the week.

The Tower was built in 1581 and was formerly home to the Lockharts of Lee. The four-storey high tower is set within five acres of orchard and meadow and is crowned by a garrett, cap house and parapet walkway.

It still retains much of its original charm and has some wonderful architectural features to admire including a dovecote built into the façade, an oriel window and three gargoyles.

To really invoke that feeling of 16th century living the building has been evocatively decorated with heraldic ceiling paintings, rich fabrics and oak furniture.

www.vivat.org.uk
Tel: 0845 090 0194 (calls outside the UK tel: +44 207 336 8825)

Cove Park, Argyll and Bute
Cove Park is a very unusual place to stay and great if you want to tru.....

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By Cora Lydon

Section : Scotland Accommodation

Page number : 27