Cabin

Secluded Rural Retreat with elevated deck and wonderful views

Photo gallery for Secluded Rural Retreat with elevated deck and wonderful views

The south facing deck is ideal for dining
The sliding doors open out onto the generously proportioned deck
The Kist sits within our 6 acre garden, and looks south over the Fintry Hills.
Our floating duck-house wasn't put down on MP's expenses!
The Kist looks out over tree and lawns with the Campsie Fells in the background

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 481 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking available
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
balfron, glasgow
  • Lake of Menteith
  • Glengoyne Distillery
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Blair Drummond Safari Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Glasgow (GLA-Glasgow Intl.)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Secluded Rural Retreat with elevated deck and wonderful views

The Kist is an ideal way to get away from it all. It is set in 6.5 acres of garden and grounds and surrounded by fields. It is entirely self-contained and no-one will visit unless you invite them. Our house is 100m down the garden from The Kist. We work from home so will usually be around if you need us, but otherwise will leave you to enjoy your stay. It is 3.5 miles from the nearest village (Balfron).

The Kist - an historic term for a linen box or treasure chest - is a stunning contemporary lodge set in private grounds in a beautiful rural location. A large deck area and a panoramic window in the main room allow visitors to enjoy the country experience whatever the weather. You may well find deer grazing in the garden of a morning.

The Kist is set in glorious countryside, but is close enough to Glasgow to enjoy all the cultural and shopping attractions of a big city. Some of Scotland's most spectacular countryside, including Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the West Highland Way, are nearby. Historic Stirling is within easy reach and the Castle is definitely worth a look. Both Edinburgh and Perth are about an hour away by car.

The stylish glass fronted open plan living area includes a fully fitted kitchen complete with integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher, wine chiller and washing machine.

The large decked area to the front is the perfect way to enjoy sunny evenings and yes, there is a barbecue if eating al fresco is your thing.

There are two double bedrooms, both en-suite, with one set up as a twin room. The master bedroom has a "P" shaped bath and Mira shower. The twin room has a Coram quad shower and roomy walk in wardrobe. It is set up with twin beds.

The modern lodge offers all the advantages of a new home, in a lovely setting. Practical, cosy and stylish, you'll love being 'Kist'.

Short-term licence number: ST00416F

Property manager

Iona Hordern
Premier Host

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Supervision required around the pond
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Events

No events allowed
£60 cleaning charge
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Must be kept on a lead when out and about
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoke outside only please

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: £60 cleaning charge
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Europe

Map
balfron, glasgow

What's nearby

  • Glengoyne Distillery - 18 min drive - 15.9 km
  • Blair Drummond Safari Park - 20 min drive - 23.6 km
  • Stirling Castle - 25 min drive - 29.6 km
  • Loch Lomond - 36 min drive - 37.1 km
  • OVO Hydro - 40 min drive - 42.0 km

Getting around

  • Stirling Station - 22 min drive
  • Glasgow International Airport (GLA) - 72 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Pirn Inn - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Courtyard Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Benview Coffee Shop - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Campsie Glen Gallery & Coffee shop - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪The Beech Tree Inn - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Secluded Rural Retreat with elevated deck and wonderful views pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Secluded Rural Retreat with elevated deck and wonderful views?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Secluded Rural Retreat with elevated deck and wonderful views?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Secluded Rural Retreat with elevated deck and wonderful views located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly cabin is within 9 mi (15 km) of art4you Scotland, Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve and Glengoyne Distillery. Blair Drummond Safari Park and Gargunnock House Gardens are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 273 out of 302 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 302 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 302 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 302 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 302 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Caroline Helen W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful

Great location
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

sharon c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing relaxing time

Wonderful place to stay , quiet , relaxing and beautiful setting Iona was very nice and helpful and her place is amazing to stay in Spotlessly clean with super comfy beds and a large decking which was great for our weekend of sunshine We will be back very soon to spend some time chilling in this wonderful place
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic stay

Perfect holiday accommodation. Everything was there for a Perfect holiday. The accommodation was spotless and the grounds are amazing. We had a wonderful stay. I would highly recommend it
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aimee N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely little lodge

Had a lovely weekend here, lodge was lovely and surrounding area is beautiful. Well equipped and comfy.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trevor R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding Weekend in Fintry

Wonderful accommodation for us to have during our wedding weekend to celebrate our sons wedding in Fintry. Everything could not have been more perfect. Beautiful views, wildlife in the garden and exquisite artwork from our host Iona. Very very highly recommended property
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cosy Retreat

We stayed with another couple and our 2 dogs. The lodge was perfect in terms of layout, facilities and the location. Described accurately and we just loved our stay in a gorogeous setting. Would love to return for another stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dr Bruce L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Always so peaceful

We’ve just enjoyed our third stay here and look forward to the next.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous stay at The Kist

Just spent a fantastic week at The Kist. Beautifully appointed holiday house in a wonderfully peaceful location. Nicely isolated, but close to lovely villages with coffee shops etc. Glorious views of the Campsie hills in one direction and the Cairngorms in the other when out exploring the area. We were blessed with superb sunny and warm weather but, if we’d had more normal Scottish weather, we’d have been just as happy snuggling down to chill in the very comfortable house. Friendly and very helpful hosts. Looking forward to returning in the hopefully not too distant future.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

JEAN R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So Tranquil, beautiful location!

If you are looking for peace and tranquillity but still only 3 miles away from Bakers, small Supermarket etc this is the place for you. Iona the host was lovely. Very comfy beds with en-suites. My grandchildren were delighted to see the sheep in the grounds early morning. We will definitely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Break away

We come often to the Kist.It’s perfect for a get away.We have another date booked already to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Christmas Stay

We had a lovely stay at The Kist over Christmas. The Kist was spotless and in a great location. Iona made the stay extra special by decorating The Kist with tree and lights and also leaving stockings for our boys. We definitely plan on going back.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely quite location

Really enjoyed our stay, quite location, property had everything that you needed, host was friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect get away

This is our 4th visit to The Kist. We always have a fabulous time away. It has everything we need. Cosy & secluded. Perfect get away place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Martin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

Lovely quiet stay in the country. Iona is a very welcoming host and the Kist is very comfortable. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brigitte G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rural location, friendly host, nice kist

We spend 12 wonderful days in the kist, perfect location to explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Well equipped accomodation, very friendly host, everything was fine.
Stayed 12 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keith A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place in beautiful surroundings

Lovely place to stay.The layout is really well thought out and felt comfortable. Beautiful setting.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gerald L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gerry

Great stay lovely surroundings and location central for sightseeing, lovely hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mhairi C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short Stay at the Kist

We had a wonderful time here! The place was spotless and we had everything we needed during our stay. It was so quiet and comfortable, I would definitely be back. Some lovely towns and scenery around aswell.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay in the middle of the countryside

Very nice stay where everything is done to make it easy and agreeable. The fields with the sheep are only a few steps away. Within easy reach of Loch Lomond, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim J., Whites Lake, Canada

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay at the Kist

Lovely, secluded property with well designed layout. Scenic surroundings and easy drive to Glasgow, if necessary.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Frances L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely stay

We had a lovely stay! Warm and cosy cabin in beautiful surroundings. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jane A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing 2 nights

Beautiful property..quiet and relaxing..lovely scenery
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roberta H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Chilled Week at the Kist

Perfect stay with our dog-exploring and walking (Ben Lomond and West Highland Way), swimming in the Loch at Milarrochy Bay and attending the Open at Troon.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holger R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

We spent a wonderful week in the kist. The cottage is very cosy and the location ideal - whether for walking/hiking or a visit to Edinburgh or Glasgow. We were also very lucky with the weather - a week of sunshine.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, modern and quiet

Absolutely lovely space, we really enjoyed getting away for a quiet weekend in January. Just what we were looking for.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

About the host

Hosted by Iona Hordern

Host profile image
My husband, Mark and I run a Homewares business from home. All our products start as original watercolours. Our range includes; prints, mugs, tea towels, cushions and more. As an artist and illustrator specialising in botanical illustration (lessons available if you wish) I often take inspiration from our garden and the many wildflowers around us. The meadow has a wonderful display of wild orchids in the summer.

Why they chose this property

Our home is the perfect combination of location and convenience. We live in glorious countryside, but are close enough to Glasgow to enjoy all the cultural and shopping attractions of a big city. Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the West Highland Way are nearby so we can enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland whenever we want. Historic Stirling is also nearby and the castle is definitely worth a look. Both Edinburgh and Perth are about an hour away by car.

What makes this property unique

We live in the most beautiful spot with all the benefits of having our own space but within easy reach of the villages of Balfron, Fintry and Killearn. Read and relax surrounded by a profusion of bird song or if your lucky catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. Our watchful heron stands over the pond and its not unusual for the hares and hedgehogs to come right up to the house.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests