Yew House | 7-Bedroom Manor with Hot Tub in Stirlingshire Kippen

When fourteen guests arrive at Yew House in Stirlingshire, they step onto 450 acres of Scottish countryside that feels almost impossibly private. This seven-bedroom manor sits on the edge of Kippen village, where rolling farmland meets the foothills of the Gargunnock and Fintry Hills, commanding views across the Carse of Forth. The house carries eight centuries of history—a giant yew tree planted by Augustinian Canons still stands in the grounds, listed in John Lowe’s 1897 catalogue of Britain’s most significant yews.

Inside Yew House

Yew House sleeps 14 guests across 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, each en-suite and individually styled. The lower ground floor holds a games room equipped with table tennis, darts and board games—the kind of space where teenagers mysteriously appear and adults abandon pretence of sophistication. A cloakroom sits nearby.

The ground floor is where the house reveals its character. The drawing room stops conversation: plush velvet seating, oversized sash windows flooding the space with southern light, a statement fireplace where guests gather with evening whisky, and a chandelier that catches light from the enormous windows. The library, wrapped in deep crimson, invites solitude with leather-bound shelves and sumptuous sofas. Next to it, a study offers quiet workspace with reliable Wi-Fi—essential for anyone who can’t fully escape. The garden room provides a lighter counterpoint, spilling onto the terraces beyond.

The dining room seats all fourteen comfortably, with vintage rugs, deep wooden cabinetry and a feature fireplace that creates an atmosphere of unhurried elegance. But the kitchen is where this house distinguishes itself. This is the kind of kitchen that makes reluctant cooks volunteer for dinner duty: an Aga for slow cooking, induction hob for precision, double electric oven for ambitious entertaining, American-style fridge-freezer with wine coolers embedded, Nespresso machine with complimentary pods, dishwasher, microwave, and a butler’s sink that actually works. An adjoining scullery handles the chaos. Six people could cook simultaneously without collision.

The first floor contains five bedroom suites. The master features a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and a balcony that opens onto garden views stretching to the treeline. Three further first-floor bedrooms—one with a king, two with doubles (both convertible to twins on request)—each have their own bathrooms with either freestanding slipper baths or walk-in showers. A fifth bedroom with a double and en-suite completes this floor.

The second floor houses two further bedrooms: one with twin beds, one with a double, both with en-suites. Every bedroom combines period features—wallpapers, painted panels, vintage furnishings—with genuinely comfortable modern mattresses and proper blackout capability for late sleepers. Bathrooms throughout feature quality tiling and contemporary fixtures without sacrificing character.

Practical amenities include wheelchair-accessible lift from lower ground to first floor, hairdryers, irons, travel cots available on request (guests supply cot linen), high chairs for infants, and parking for up to 10 cars.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The grounds justify the 450-acre claim. Ancient trees create natural windbreaks; meadows slope toward a working stream. The Victorian walled garden—a hidden world within the main grounds—now houses a nine-seater hot tub facing manicured borders and topiary. A terrace seating fourteen adjoins an outdoor kitchen with gas barbecue: this is where late breakfasts extend into lunches, where groups naturally congregate. A shower facility serves swimmers exiting the hot tub. Croquet, boules and swingball occupy younger guests between meals. The light here changes dramatically through the day—morning mist rising from the stream, afternoon gold catching the walled garden’s red brick, evening settling into deep purple as the Fintry Hills darken on the horizon.

Location: Stirlingshire and the Surrounding Area

Yew House occupies a geographic sweet spot in central Scotland. Kippen itself—a 15-minute walk downhill—offers two atmospheric pubs serving locally-sourced food, a butcher, delicatessen and general shop. The village sits 9 miles (14km) west of Stirling, 20 miles (32km) north of Glasgow, and just 45 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.

Stirling, the historic royal capital, dominates the region 14km away. Stirling Castle perches dramatically on a volcanic rock formation, commanding views across Stirlingshire’s farmland. The National Wallace Monument—9km away near the village of Bridge of Allan—commemorates Sir William Wallace’s victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The Smith Art Gallery and Museum in Stirling houses Scotland’s oldest football (1540) and oldest curling stone (1511) among exceptional artefacts. The Church of the Holy Rude, founded in the 12th century, remains one of Scotland’s finest medieval churches.

The Lake of Menteith, 8km south, is Scotland’s only major freshwater lake (historically called a loch). Inchmahome Priory sits on the lake’s largest island—an Augustinian monastery founded 1238 where the young Mary Queen of Scots hid for weeks. Boat trips depart from Port of Menteith March through September. The surrounding woodlands support three of Scotland’s top 100 listed trees (Spanish chestnuts). The lake offers trout fishing year-round; if severe winter freezes it, locals organise the ‘Bonspiel’—outdoor curling on natural ice.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park lies 20km west, Scotland’s first national park, offering hiking, mountain biking, watersports and dramatic scenery. Go Country Adventure at Loch Ard provides kayaking and adventure activities. Horse riding available at Castle Rednock. Archery, fishing and cycling routes thread through the region.

Edinburgh—45 minutes away via the M9 motorway—offers world-class attractions: Edinburgh Castle (Scotland’s number-one visitor attraction), the Royal Mile’s historic closes, the Scott Monument (287 steps for panoramic views), the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the National Gallery on the Mound with works by Rembrandt and Monet, and the Royal Botanic Gardens (70 acres, 100,000+ plants). The city pulses during August’s Edinburgh Festival and festive December markets.

Gleneagles golf resort lies 22km north—championship courses hosting international tournaments. Doune Castle, 9km away, features medieval ruins and recent filming locations. Blair Drummond Safari Park, 11km south, offers safari drives and attractions.

Seasonal highlights: May through September offers reliable weather for outdoor activities and garden exploration. October brings autumn colour and lower tourist density. December–January delivers festive Edinburgh markets and potential winter activities if weather permits (though Scottish snow is unpredictable). Spring (March–April) sees wildflowers blooming around Inchmahome Priory’s woodlands and returning migratory birds.

Browse our villas in Stirling for more properties in this historic region, or explore our luxury villas across Europe for comparison. Our full collection in Britain & Ireland includes additional countryside retreats.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Large family groups (3 generations): The seven bedrooms accommodate grandparents, adult children, partners and grandchildren comfortably. High chairs, cots and multiple bathrooms make logistics manageable. Games room and outdoor games sustain different age groups simultaneously.

Wedding parties and celebration groups: A dining table for 14, drawing room for aperitifs, hot tub and garden spaces create natural gathering zones. The house’s historical weight adds ceremony; the grounds provide privacy for intimate celebrations.

Business retreats with leisure component: The study with Wi-Fi enables morning work; the grounds and proximity to Loch Lomond allow afternoon activity breaks. Hot tub and bar-quality kitchen facilitate evening team bonding.

Couples seeking historic immersion with space: While sized for groups, couples enjoy the library for reading, the master bedroom’s balcony, and access to 450 acres without feeling confined. The historical narrative—Augustinian Canons, steel magnate entertaining Fortnum & Mason guests in the 1920s—appeals to those interested in Scottish heritage.

Not ideal for: Those seeking beachside access (nearest coastline is 80km away at Firth of Forth beaches). Guests unable to manage stairs (lift only serves lower ground to first floor; second floor bedrooms require stair access).

Practical Information

Capacity: 14 guests, 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms. Flexible sleeping in some rooms (twins or doubles on request).

Nearest airport: Edinburgh Airport, 45km away (approximately 50 minutes drive via M9 motorway). Glasgow Airport (45km, 45 minutes) and Prestwick Airport (80km, 75 minutes) offer alternatives.

Nearest supermarket: Stirling town centre, 14km away, offers multiple supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Kippen village (15 minutes walk) has a general shop for essentials and local provisions.

Included in rental: All utilities (heating, hot water, electricity), Wi-Fi, Nespresso pods, cots and high chairs available on request, parking for up to 10 vehicles, games and garden furniture.

Not included: Food, beverages, travel cot linen (guests provide own), private catering. Caretaker/owner on-site for emergencies and inquiries.

Check-in flexibility: Standard check-in 4pm, check-out 11am. Early arrival and late departure negotiable subject to availability—contact Excellence Luxury Villas directly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Yew House

How many guests does Yew House sleep?

Yew House accommodates 14 guests across 7 bedrooms with 7 en-suite bathrooms. Bedroom breakdown: first floor offers one king-size master suite with balcony, two additional king-size suites, and two double rooms (both convertible to twin configuration). Second floor provides one further double bedroom and one twin room. No sofa beds or annexes supplement this capacity—the 14-guest maximum reflects seven bedroom suites exclusively.

What is the nearest airport to Yew House in Stirlingshire?

Edinburgh Airport lies 45km south (approximately 50-minute drive via M9 motorway), Scotland’s busiest airport with international connections. Glasgow Airport operates 45km west (45 minutes), serving European routes. Prestwick Airport, 80km southwest (75 minutes), offers secondary European access. Most guests transfer via Edinburgh for convenience despite Glasgow’s slightly shorter distance.

What is the best time of year to rent Yew House?

May through September offers optimal conditions: warm days (15–18°C average), extended daylight (sunset around 10pm in June), predictable weather for garden activities and outdoor cooking, and fully operational boat services to Inchmahome Priory. April and October provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists at regional attractions. December suits festive Edinburgh trips and winter entertaining by the fireplaces, though Scottish snow remains unreliable. January–February experiences shortest days and coldest temperatures; heating systems handle this, but outdoor activities diminish. August—Edinburgh Festival month—brings cultural intensity but crowds and premium pricing.

Is Yew House suitable for families with children?

Yes, with specific considerations. High chairs and cots available for infants; travel cot linen must be supplied by guests. The hot tub operates with standard safety (nine-seat capacity, regular maintenance expected), though supervision of young swimmers is essential—no dedicated children’s pool. Games room (table tennis, darts, board games) and garden games (croquet, boules, swingball) suit school-age children upward. The 450-acre grounds pose risks for very young unsupervised children (open stream, unfenced boundaries); teenagers enjoy freedom across the estate. Nearest dedicated children’s attraction is Blair Drummond Safari Park (11km away). No beach access nearby—regional activities suit older families (hiking, castle visits, boat trips) more than toddlers seeking sand.

What is included in the rental price at Yew House?

Inclusive: all utilities (heating via central heating system, hot water, electricity), Wi-Fi throughout, Nespresso machine with complimentary pods, cots and high chairs (available on request, guests supply own linen for cots), full linen and towel service, games room equipment and garden games, parking for up to 10 vehicles. Not included: food, beverages, alcohol, private chef services, catering, or daily housekeeping (end-of-stay cleaning is standard; additional cleaning available for additional fee). The caretaker/owner remains on-site for emergency support and maintenance queries.

What restaurants and shops are near Yew House?

Kippen village (15-minute walk downhill from the house) houses two pubs serving food: The Cross Keys and The Clachan, both atmospheric and locally-focused. A delicatessen and butcher handle meal preparations; the general shop stocks basics. Stirling town centre, 14km away, offers multiple restaurants including The Settle Inn (Scottish cuisine), The German (European), and Peckham’s deli. Stirling supermarkets include Tesco Extra and Sainsbury’s. Bridge of Allan, 9km away near the Wallace Monument, provides additional restaurants and shops. Glasgow city centre (32km away) supplies fine dining and gourmet shopping for special occasions. Local specialities include Stirling beef (cattle graze throughout the Carse of Forth), fresh trout from Lake of Menteith, and Scottish shortbread from established bakeries in surrounding towns.