Kinnaird by Gemma Pitcher

A nine thousand acre estate perched high above a wooded valley and overlooking the river Tay, Kinnaird is one of Scotland's grandest hotels. The idea is to recreate the atmosphere of a top-notch Edwardian country house party - guests don't sign a regsiter when they arrive, merely scribble in the visitors book. A variety of genteel country pursuits is on offer - clay pigeon shooting, salmon fishing, hill walking, horse riding, tennis, bowls and cricket.

Log fires crackle in the grates, dogs laze around. Mercifully, authenticity stops short of draughts, shabby furniture and a temperamental plumbing system. Gas fires warm the rooms in winter, bathtubs and power showers dispense gushing hot water, and fluffy bathrobes and thick towels are piled high.

The food is magnficent - full Scottish breakfast in all its glory, and dinner under the crystal chandeliers of the dining room with its view of the river Tay, sparkling linen, and home-smoked salmon. Rooms are in the Edwardian mansion or the various cottages, some of which are self-catering and come with barbecue, outdoor furniture, phone, fridge freezers, microwave, washing machine, dryer and electric heating. Staff are discreetly invisible most of the time, but still on hand to cater to guests' every whim.