Outstanding Independent Practitioner

2017 TRAAVVEL Gamefield luxury Scottish retreat

INTERIORS GAMEFIELD

‘Roaring log fires and the obligatory Aga allow for entertaining on a grand scale, especially in winter’

illiam Frame readily admits that he W rarely forms an attachment to the houses he lives in, but Gamefield near might just have stolen his heart, for TRAVEL a little while anyway. Nicknamed the Boy Scout in his early property career, William moves pretty much Opposite: Comfortable every couple of years. The properties he buys leather armchairs and a are looked at very much as ‘works in progress’, dramatic landscape by to be either developed and added to his rental James Morrison in the open-plan living room. portfolio, or renovated and sold on. Below: The dining area So Gamefield, on the Ochtertyre Estate near on the terrace has been Crieff, is a bit of a departure for him. He bought designed to catch the sun. the house in 1998 as a holiday home, but he Right: The family’s dogs and his family – wife Wendy, daughters Amber are made to feel at home. and India, and sons Archie and Sam – are still ention to using and enjoying it. ose aattt ‘I’m not usually ver y attached to where I live,’ rame wh g in d WWeendy F t staayyin William explains. ‘It’s always about the project s William an ed ffoor whils and the learning curve – I enjoy the process owner ell car of renovating and building. Even our family s in ou ffeeel very w me. y meal wa ail make y y ho s in home at the moment is one we’re looking at t det s their famil elvino renovating, we’re just waiting for the plans to owever, a hear s grub aatt escribe a , a visit to D g xcursions h oriou whaatt theyt d t of ffoood , usin come through.’ r some gl s bjec g meals Gamefield, though, has been a longer-term After all the e oad ffoo s generou t on the su lutely stunnin st up the r ere a Whils . Abso project. ‘It was a 1960s monstrosity when I o it was ju d ffoood w ell worth it mbined with orderr,, s oth service an ff is also w roduce co g and olly Inn. B Crie ssible local p ch to dinin the Red Br oughly enjoyed. xploring d where po ed approa on ffoor r and thor se ffoor e fresh an t, relax mmendaatti ch othe onderful ba by e cocktail lis laatted reco as ea rves as a w sy aatt the near an extensiv old-p ld se e. Hire is ea ocale. vice made it a g Gamefie ly on a bikke it of the l ous ser . o our , particular y to see a b ovely fabul egion id farewell t the area eaatt waay f Criefff.. L ors to the r for us to b ticularly oft and is a gr st village o any visit as time f , par omrie Cr e ide around oon it w o saayy goodbye f bought it 18 years ago,’ he recalls. ‘It took a C de into the near d a r All too s ench t ze o couple of years to get planning permission – I ed ffoor a ri s and tea an feeel as a wr n suite the si We opt cone ade us f scape. It w ch had an e obe wanted to knock it down and build anew, and r Scottish s n and m luxury e m whi ardr this is a conservation area in the countryside. it stop fofo ernoo ter bedroo he walkk--in w little p k saw off the aft t tub. o the mas o die ffoorr.. T e spot of I worked on the plans with an architect, Jamie sty Par o t ew t Denholm of the Denholm Partnership, and cRo r dip in the h taayying n and a vi uch of this littl the Ma ned anothe k whilst s my kitche , as would m together we designed a house for the site, one ad ear o coo sed . that would maximise the views, the light and, like we h nergy t t all your d also be mis g landscape en’t got the e ed to mee woul t of a stunnin when it appears, the sunshine.’ aavv rganis ood The build started in January 2001 and was If you h f can be o k of all g ld, a che rehensive boo luxury in the hear complete by April 2002, and nothing was t Gamefie rr,, a comp ovided by spared when it came to the details. aat . Howeve nities is pr culinary needs d local ame Inspired by his travels to New Zealand, estaurants an Canada and Australia, William wanted to create eawaayys, r a house that embraced outdoor living. ‘I’d seen tak lots of new-builds in New Zealand, and I was FACTFILE very aware that architects there really take the site into account when they’re designing a

Gamefield Ochtertyre Estate 84 WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK 85 T: 01764 650303 E: info@gamefield.co.uk Nae Limits – Ballinluig INTERIORS GAMEFIELD T: 01796 482600 E: naelimits.co.uk ‘The house is quite simply rs on Bike hire – W: comriecroft.com. ‘Pullquote to run in here’ designed for entertaining’ eat outdoo e LET’S GOts with the WILDgr thshir rffeectly. s nnec er ea pe avvie reco wcased the ar s came an Da reak in P es thaatt sho xperience SianSi Davies activiti gh-octane e rouse ious mini b g up f the less hi amous G ton flyin One o ound the F ween a luxur m Southamp f a tour ar over bet rt hop fro d an hour form o g a whisky l . Just a sho lasgow, an in the f , not haavvin t of our visit y to gh or G tunning ery which ghligh rffeect waay ither Edinbur s to the s distill g up to be a hi ade it ore pe to e elivered u ot shapin our guide m o imagine a m side than e car d us, was n ertaining t ooks as difficult t e country or so in a hir lete err,, the ent ring l t w g Perthshir ss of daattion. side comp Howev e receiving withe tunnin et, a gla accommoda tiful country d an d despit inkled our enjoy the s tching the sun s s of beau r lodge an e a hoot an s we wr ot tub waat Set in acre b, summe quit oup a oughly saatt in a h t oned hot tu uly has the est of our gr , we thor fore-menti amefield tr from the r gle malt ust and. ments enjoyed whils with af r space, G ge old sin rtainly be a m fizz in h f many mo amefield f outdoo noses to an a ould ce as one o etreaatt of G expanse o g ch w It w cottish r t rr.. t in keepin njoyed our visit whi ee dram’. e utiful par w’ facto ern ye e o enjoyed a ‘w ink as w AMEFIELD g aatt the luxury S n to this bea ‘wo aatt is mod ersaattile one wh tiff dr G staayyin ow to retur ecor th attion is v visit ffoor any e done with a s g daayy. I ade me v With a d ccommoda awaayy.y d well haavv followin which m etting, the a ype of get WWee coul ter tubing’ the f f sles. with the s e waat es south o of the British I nough to suit any t ld is ked on ‘whit et three mil pacious e e Gamefie embar g – a haml e. the light and s ss or pleasur t has a att Ballinlui n adventur maximised ther busine od-cons ye Based a ig o ost ‘We Whe atest m e of thaatt cketload in a h from morning until with all the la att exampl – Nae Limits is b ted. equipped with all the la n is a grea otel xhilaraattion by the bu t hear , and all year round l. The kitche e-star h Offfeering e ot ffoor the fain le night too’ omely ffeee d suit any fiv suits, it is n ig inflaatab h aatt woul rovided a tdoor pur ts and a b gh-spec th ga which p of ou t suits, helme e made our with a hi n of an A e t as w house.’ On hilly terrain, he noticed, they would dditio rd. Donning our w t elegan o re g bu IORS build into the hillside to maximise the view, but with the a ense of the w iends we ere anythin INTER very s p of girlfr tube we w r rapids. iver while they would pay keen attention to where armth in e ou ive the light and the sun would be. w s, me and a gr own to the r ids down the r uckily ffoor u . waayy d ide the rap o fall offf,, ‘Their climate is quite similar to ’s L leasure as to r t not t and they have very changeable weather but uch ffoor p aayy our mini The idea w g your bes ety 89 re very m ed aw e nuts, doin attter Soci they still create great outdoor spaces that can he appily whil mplet t do n the fla be used all year round and in any weather, and d haavve h ouse, co on the gian an done. O o We coul try h g room, sier said th d the chance t that’s what I’ve tried to do with Gamefield,’ he ound the coun ge dinin ch was ea ou ha adds. ‘We maximised the light from morning d ar ounge, hu whi owever y tely new break in an ms, snug l f the river h mple until night, and all year round too.’ oo ts o om a co ving Denholm suggested subtle architec tural e bedr ot tub? par dscape fr ill of weaav with fiv ntion the h cottish lan r features such as the low window sills as well d I me see the S t ove as the dramatic double-height glazing, and oh and, di ost of our time in theas d combined with the thr ne poin pend m ch w tive an ids and o these help to bring in more light and add to the ended to s ea, off whi perspec wing rap ght add – We t d dining ar s and ome fast-flo dance I mi lan kitchen an da with fur through s r expert gui te hit. Clockwise from top left: Table tennis on the terrace; the open p de veran de mple formal dining table can seat 12; Porta Romana lamps are d outsi ice – all un as a co among the high-end decorative touches; the leafy garden; ge area an g chill. a precip me sports w a loun venin on- to extre an antler chandelier from Clock House Furniture. o keep off the e er the acti the ffooraayy in blankets t tuary aft t of 86 WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK WWW.SCOTTISHFIELD.CO.UK 87 elcome sanc ising a hos It was a w , compr

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> Double page feature spreads in Scottish Field Magazine Gamefield interiors and lifestyle > Double page spread feature in Southampton Echo feature for the November 2016 issue Gamefield Travel feature for the November 2016 issue

Image: The spacious deck, partly undercover, is big enough for the whole family to enjoy. 83 .CO.UK .SCOTTISHFIELD The great escapeJ"*DPHÛHOG WWW

Buying and selling houses is what William Frame does best – so why has RN BLACKBU ANGUS KHKXQJRQWRKLVIDPLO\pVKROLGD\UHWUHDWLQ&ULHIIIRUVRORQR IMAGES DVDYLVLWWKHUHSURYHVVHHPVMXVWWRRJRRGWROHWJR NICHOLA HUNTE WORDS Outstanding Independent Practitioner 2017 .CO.UK .SCOTTISHFIELD 82 WWW Gamefield luxury Scottish retreat

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TRAVEL FEATURE

WHERE TIME STANDS STILL

A LUXURY SELF-CATERING RETREAT IN LEADS TO A COSMIC AWAKENING OF SORTS FOR WILLIAM BAIN Above: A frosty morning in Crieff, looking out towards the Aberuchill Mountains. Inset: Gamefield country house IME, apparently, doesn’t only drunks and gluttons favour chips as scenic majesty lies Gamefield. Co- in the grand hallway sealing the From the surround-sound Bose systems are tastefully adorned with trinkets and exist. Einstein once the last rays of sunshine fade. designed by owner William Frame atmosphere of warmth and occasion. individually tailored for each room, to takes in a farmstead hostel, treasures from their travels, and the outraged his peers by Observing the town’s sparkling and esteemed Scottish architect James We were home, it seemed. A stunning the dreamy, leather-chaired lounge with THINGS TO DO group accommodation, camping, property’s muted walls display several suggesting the universe streets, its bustling businesses, old-world Denholm, the house was constructed serpentine staircase coiled towards its wide-ranging library and the spacious, AROUND CRIEFF walking trails, wildlife viewing and some impressive bespoke and contemporary may not have cogs, coils camaraderie and twinkly-eyed teenagers upon a former monastery site – its lofty a spacious upstairs hallway which hi-spec family entertainment area, the of the best compact mountain-biking in art pieces. or pound shop batteries scouting for the next old lady to help hillside perch perfectly pinpointed to harboured five en-suite bedrooms, emphasis on luxurious comfort was the country. See www.comriecroft.com Gamefield’s intriguing architecture T or call 01764 670140. round the back – that across the road, one wonders if local hero soak in the patchwork panorama of each one impressively individual and apparent throughout. And as Gamefield was inspired by the popular wave of infinity doesn’t shoot straight and Ewan McGregor heard his first swear Crieff and beyond. stylistically distinctive. But taking pride steadily filled with friends and family 1. Get into the spirit of the occasion “grand design” new build homes being reality is only determined by word on the Trainspotting shoot. Built as a family home in 2002, the of place on Gamefield’s top floor is the over our weekend residence, the house and take a tour at the deeply impressive 4. Strap yourself in for fun at Nae Limits, constructed in Australia and Canada whomever observes it. Crieff truly is an attractive town, and property is now run as a luxury self- grand central bedroom, its lush carpet also revealed itself as the perfect party Glenturret Distillery in Crieff. Novices one of Scotland’s most innovative at the turn of the century – properties and whisky enthusiasts alike will Perhaps in a gesture of solidarity with cheekily garnished by a genuine cowhide pad for entertaining on a grand scale. activity centres, offering a wide range which were built into sloping landscapes it was ideally located just a couple of catering establishment to host all manner delight in the fascinating distillery tours, of water and land adventure activities quantum physicists, no clocks hang on country miles from our destination, the of celebrations, sabbaticals and weddings rug which lies ominously beside the Kitchens are always the busiest room at with a chance to see the world’s largest in bonny Highland Perthshire. On in order to complement the natural the walls at Gamefield country house. historic Ochtertyre Estate, where the – as well as weekend breaks and holidays. room’s queen-size bed. soirees, and the centrepiece of ours was bottle of whisky and enjoy a wee dram or offer are stag do activities, family environment and create impressive It could be an attempt to divert breathtaking panoramic splendour is Once Audrey’s brief tour had an impressive Aga cooker, where several three. See experience.thefamousgrouse. fun and team-building events. See vantage points for skygazing. attention from the hurried metronome known to attract walkers, climbers and PON my party’s arrival concluded and we’d bade farewell in a piping hot caverns rapidly fired out com or call 01764 656565. www.naelimits.co.uk or call And in the early hours of Sunday stomp of our species’ march towards the picnickers from all over the country. on a snowy January thickening blizzard, I closed the doors hearty bites and nibbles for the masses 0845 017 8177. morning, as I lounged in Gamefield’s hot cliff face – or maybe nothing in Argos The town is ideally placed for afternoon, an automatic and strode valiantly into the living area, congregating around it. 2. Dine out at the Barley Bree tub fizzing like an Alka-Seltzer, I lay back suited the decor. Perthshire’s attractions – which include gate detected the confident a Shining-esque meltdown Although not recommended after Restaurant in nearby Muthill. All the 5. Discover a chocoholic’s paradise at and faced the stars. My mind wrestled What is certain, however, is that stellar views over Loch , presence of my clapped in this isolated sprawl was unlikely. I’d gorging oneself on pizza and pasta, there family will enjoy the chic interiors, comfy the Highland Chocalatier, Grandtully, near the absurdity of this light departing time’s flow is absorbed at a leisurely mountain climbing, trekking, golfing U out Peugeot and wearily maintain my sanity by activating the was also plenty of splashing room for rooms, amiable staff and delicious food Aberfeldy. All these delicious goods are on its journey to my retinas before any osmotic rate in nearby Crieff, a on one of the numerous courses – most wound open. dormant DNA of my Neolithic ancestors, at least six adults in the giant hot tub at of this former 16th-century coaching inn. produced by Iain Burnett and friendly, human existed. Perthshire market town in which the notably Gleneagles – local distillery tours Spirits which had been lower than a accessing a hitherto unknown ability as a the bottom of the garden. The adjoining A small family-run affair and very popular knowledgeable staff will help you choose I realised then I was staring at not just chip shop closes at 9pm. or castle visits. snake’s belly due to a broken heater and fire whisperer. wooden summer house exists as a locally, its name derives from a Robert from the impressive ranges displayed. the only clock at Gamefield, but the only I mention this wee aside not as a Nearby ’s stunning cathedral dodgy Sat Nav advice, were soon lifted by It’s a chore I’m sure would quickly lose charming-looking facility for changing Burns poem. See www.barleybree.com or The shop is also a four-star visitor true measure of time that exists – and it negative. Hailing from a village where on the banks of the River Tay is also a William Frame’s mother-in-law Audrey, its novelty, but keeping several blazes and relaxing, boasting recliners, a call 01764 681451. attraction and consists felt like freedom. takeaway lights attract growling flesh popular draw and the pretty town of who serves as concierge to the property. burning brightly for the duration of our sauna-worthy wood burning stove of a free multi-media exhibition. clusters of teenage disaffection like moths Pitlochry is acclaimed for its theatre and Her greeting instantly made stay was a primal pleasure – particularly and portable fridge. 3. Visit the Comrie Croft, Scotland’s See www.highlandchocolatier.com William Bain was a guest of Gamefield to a flame, it certainly strikes me as a warm hospitality. us feel like old friends, with the as we’d been generously supplied with Inspired by the Frame family’s years award-winning “green destination”, which or call 01887 840775 Luxury Self-Catering Perthshire progressive step. As my gran often said, Nestled in the heart of Perthshire’s crackling dance of a blazing log fire several rainforests worth of timber. of globetrotting, Gamefield’s interiors www.gamefield.co.uk

> Double page Travel feature in Sunday Herald Gamefield Travel feature spread for the February 2016 edition

> Feature in Aberdeen Press and Journal Gamefield lifestyle feature for the February 2016 Saturday Edition

Outstanding Independent Practitioner 2017 Gamefield luxury Scottish retreat

Call to action Social Media postings on > Facebook and Twitter to supplement Gamefield’s online reviews https://www.facebook.com/gamefieldochtertyre/

> Online UK National travel feature in the Mail Online http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-4317088/The-warmest- welcomes-Perthshire-s-Gamefield-Lodge.html

Outstanding Independent Practitioner 2017 Cromars Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant

Other online reviews include:

BQ MAGAZINE http://www.bqlive.co.uk/scotland/2017/03/15/ news/from-crying-babies-to-frying-chips-25287/

FIFE TODAY

http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/cromars-are- > Online article in the Courier, National Fish and Chip day frying-the-flag-for-scotland-1-4008774/ https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/food-drink/437950/celebrate -national-fish-chip-day-june-2-tasty-variation-traditional-favourite/ and

> Call to action Social Media postings on Facebook and Twitter to http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/cromars-in-top supplement online reviews -five-uk-fish-and-chip-restaurants-1-3606760/ https://www.facebook.com/cromars/

Outstanding Independent Practitioner 2017 Cromars Independent Fish and Chip Restaurant > Online article in the Scotsman Food and Drink review > Online article in Scotland B2B review http://foodanddrink.scotsman.com/food/whats-it-like-to-run-a-world- http://scotlandb2b.co.uk/2017/03/07/cromars-fish-chip- famous-fish-and-chip-shop/ shop-crowned-best-business-in-st-andrews/

Outstanding Independent Practitioner 2017