The Mill House B&B, Monzie, Crieff, has been named Best B&B in the Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Award 2019

The awards celebrates and rewards the very best in the outdoor and leisure industry across the whole of Scotland. The Millhouse B&B, which opened in June, 2019, is run by David and Alexandra Crichton who manage Monzie Estate. The B&B is part of ongoing ambitious plans the couple have for the estate, and has been recognised for its heavy emphasis on sustainability and supporting local economies.

The couple work hard at ensuring that any services they need to buy in are sourced as locally as possible. The building was originally a sawmill, and was expertly remodelled by Graham Blackadder and his team at Izon Projects. Many of the interior fittings are bespoke manufactured by Monzie Joinery, such as the kitchen, integrated desks and wardrobes, and bedside cabinets. Alexandra designed the headboards, light shades and cushion covers, and she says the combination of plentiful fabrics and real wood finishes give the rooms a fresh and luxurious feel.

One of the key focuses of David and Alexandra are very proud of is the sustainability of the Millhouse B&B, with clean energy from the hydro electric station next door, supporting the local food producing community and espousing traditional craftsmanship and upcycling in their interior design. Emphasis was made on buying local and British. The stunning handmade sofas were made with Harris Tweed by Blackhouse. British made wool duvets by Baavet and the luxury beds were made in Glasgow. Guests often comment they have had “The best night’s sleep in years!”

Alexandra comments: "We have four holiday cottages here on the estate, which initially we refurbished on a budget, and it has taken the five years that we have been here, to get around to finishing the cottages to the standard they are now at.

"When we decided to refurbish the Mill House into a B&B with five bedrooms, we really wanted to make it work, we had to. We realised that the B&B market gave us more flexibility in catering for couples who want to stay for just a few days. It has worked really well, we get excellent feedback, and somewhere along the line someone has kindly nominated us for this award."

Alexandra and David had no idea they had been nominated, and were surprised to receive an email from the awards panel. They were pretty sure they wouldn't win, and decided to just send David along to save on babysitting costs for their two little children! However, they are thrilled to have won.

Alexandra says they both put in a lot of effort to make their guests stay as pleasant as possible. She makes brownies for guests in the cottages and shortbread for the B&B guests. Alexandra even makes the granola herself. There are many little touches that guests appreciate. She continues: "It is worth mentioning that we live in the most stunning location. It is beautiful in this part of the world. During the summer we try to take guests a tour around the Monzie Estate castle if they are interested, it gives an idea of the history of the area. We always greet our guests when they arrive, and before they come we try to find out what interests them so that I can advise them on what is nearby that they would enjoy." Alexandra sums up her attitude to dealing with her guests, in saying: "We just try our upmost to make it all work."

The estate has 4000 acres of stunning landscape and guests are encouraged to explore it, with OS maps to hand and lots of suggestions of places to go.

This summer the B&B housed a pop up café and shop. The café’s home-made cakes and jams proved particularly popular. Also successful was the shop, which utilised Monzie Joinery’s show caravan, and displayed show kitchens and furniture, as well as unique local suppliers ranging from artists to paper crafters.

They both note that their success is only possible with the continued support of a wonderful team who help to run the four self -catering cottages as well. Most have grown up in the area and are passionate about promoting local businesses and activities.

To celebrate their success, they are offering a 25% discount on two night stays between now and the end of March, subject to availability. Book direct and quote ‘SOLAwinner’. www.monzieestate.com

Panel:

Monzie Estate has four self-catering cottages, Brae cottage, with hot tub; Glowry Cottage; Gardeners Cottage; and East Gatehouse Lodge. The B&B has five luxury bedrooms. The estate as a whole can sleep 25 people comfortably and children's beds can be added on request.