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
  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
balfron, glasgow
  • Place, Lake of Menteith
  • Place, Glengoyne Distillery
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Blair Drummond Safari Park
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, 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

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue

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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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property
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

  • ‪Tir Na Nog - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪The Beech Tree Inn - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Benview Coffee Shop - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Oakwood - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪The Woodhouse - ‬10 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). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

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. Gargunnock House Gardens and Blair Drummond Safari Park are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

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
Rating 10 - Excellent. 281 out of 311 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 311 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 311 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 311 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 311 reviews

Reviews

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

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

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

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second go round staying at Iona’s.A true gem. Wish I could live there permanently!!The 4 of us purchased a number of her art items. Tea towels, prints, pillowcases. She is an amazing artist and super friendly.She went to great lengths to help us find on a paper map how to reach our special relatives we were to visit!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

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

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

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

Greg M.

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

Great stay

Property was excellent. Could just be doing with some bigger signs and some lighting especially when arriving at night time. Had an excellent stay and would highly recommend to anyone
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

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

8/10 Good

Kenneth R.

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

Relaxing

We had a great relaxing week at the very well equipped Kist...nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

THOMAS m.

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

Weekend break

Wife and I and our wee dog stayed for a couple of nights and enjoyed it thoroughly. Bit off the beaten track but thats what we wanted, Would stay again no problem. The Kist is a very modern cottage.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caroline B.

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

Lovely stay

Property is in beautiful part of Scotland with lots to do close by. But lots of board games if you fancy Staying in watching the world go by. Thank you for a nother lovely stay, only suggestion hot tub in the garden maybe.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Les G.

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

Perfect

Lovely short break. Cannot fault the property.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isabel H.

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

Amazing stay!

The Kist is brilliant. Really modern accomodation in the most beautiful setting. The house has everything you could think of. Perfect location to access the surrounding countryside but also easy into Edinburgh. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Abi M., Lancaster. England

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

Lovely place!

The Kist was the perfect spot to stop off at on our way home from Coll. We loved sitting on the deck, listening to the birds singing, and looking at the view. The kitchen was really well equipped, and beds comfy. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Simon P.

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

Great stay

Lovely relaxing couple of nights at the Kist. Everything was as described. Would definitely book again. Just be aware of the bumpy roads in the area but that's obviously that is nothing to do with the host! Thank you for a great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dr Bruce L.

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

Perfect

The Kist is a hidden gem. We stayed over Christmas, and with snow and ice outside it was warm and very comfortable. Iona made us very welcome and we hope to book our next stay very soon.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

BONNIE S.

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

Great place to explore surrounding area....or just relax!

Hidden and quiet, the Kist is a two bedroom/two bathroom house situated in a rural area! We enjoyed our stay so much! Everything you need is here as a base to explore or just relax on a holiday. Iona was very helpful before our arrival with instructions and directions, and when we first arrived as I needed help to operate the washer. Thanks for a great stay Iona! Would not hesitate to stay at the Kist again!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

Our stay at The Kist

Could not fault the accommodation, very clean and comfortable, everything we needed was provided. Exterior decking in need of some TLC, the website photo is a bit out of date. Rough single tracks to get to the Kist, be aware. Enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Rustic but Luxurious

We enjoyed the bucolic scenery. The quiet. The nature. Amenities were everything we needed. Wall of glass with open doors & loved the breeze coming thru. Feel fortunate to have found such a gem!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dennis L., Noordwijk, The Netherlands

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

Lovely bungalow as central hub

The property is a fully equipped bungalow style home on a big piece of land. The only noise is the animals flying, crawling or walking around. So quite. The single track can be a challenge with oncoming traffic and the lack of indication that someone is approaching. Some nice conversations with the owner and additional supplies of towels or (bed / kitchen) linnen. Overall a nice starting point to explore the surrounding area from Fort William (with Ben Nevis mountain), Glencoe, Falkirk (Kelpies, the Wheel, SeaLife, Birds of prey) until Edinburgh (with its castle and the Royal Mile). A very large Tesco supermarked in Stirling is about 20min away. All in all money well spent.
Stayed 20 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kayleigh A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Although we didn’t meet our host in person Ioan was always available to talk, very welcoming and answered any questions promptly. The Kist itself is stunning, clean on arrival and had all essentials required for a stay! Our dog enjoyed getting out for his walk in the garden, would definitely recommend to others if looking for a quiet peaceful location.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Darlene L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Truly lovely place, I feel terrible that we left so early, hadn’t grabbed the cell to let our host know we left. If you’re looking for beauty and utter relaxation, this is your place! If you desire hustle and bustle, it’s a mere 20 minute drive. Oh! Couldn’t turn on the dishwasher, sorry for that. Thanks Iona!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rural and quiet. Close to Balfron Village with Post office, Co-Op grocery, Modern fuel station and places to eat.
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2025

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