When it comes to picturesque Scottish towns, there is a wealth of choice but Pitlochry has to be among the top five. Centred round a fine Victorian high street, Pitlochry is a step into another world where the drive to nearby Loch Faskally is along a road lined with fairytale miniature castles and magical forests.

However, when it comes to accommodation there appears to be a favoured interior décor style. Tartan is a fabulous pattern, but there’s only so much of it one can take. So it’s a good job the town has Craigatin House and Courtyard, a tartan-free boutique B&B.

Recently taken over by Martin and Andrea Anderson, the hotel has been converted by the couple to create a warm ambience and stylish, contemporary space.

The former Victorian residence is an impressive sight from the exterior. When we visited before Christmas the trees lining the entrance were strung with lights that glowed like a beacon.

The B&B has 13 large rooms, two of which are housed in the courtyard. All have a minimalist chic palate, but with warm, rich colours that give them a cosy feel as opposed to the clinical atmosphere that such decorating choices can often produce.

The six-foot beds provide plenty of comfortable space to roll around, and all the rooms have plasma screens and ensuite bathrooms. The majority of rooms at Craigatin House have wonderful views of Pitlochry’s mountains and forests. The only disappointment is that there’s only one room with a bathtub, but then again when there is so much surrounding scenery to explore you don’t want to waste too much time soaking.

Pitlochry is blessed with fresh air and wonderful mountains to hike in. Following a day of walking, and a night of sampling the fantastic beers at the Moulin Inn and Brewery, what you really need is a hearty Scottish breakfast. Craigatin House serves up an excellent fry-up, but also offers pancakes or a simple plate of scrambled eggs and toast. All produce is locally sourced where possible and the Anderson’s are very generous with their portions.

For Londoners without cars, Pitlochry makes for a perfect weekend break, as there are direct trains from King's Cross that deliver you into the heart of the town and just a ten-minute walk to Craigatin House.

Trip Advisor.co.uk users give the hotel an impressive five out of five average rating based on 52 reviews. I couldn't find a negative comment.

I agree with these comments of previous Craigatin guests: "We only had a one night stay at Craigatin, but not many places have left me so impressed. If you are thinking of staying here, then do, I'd be very surprised if you could find anything negative. We received a warm welcome, once we'd figured the doorbell out. The room we had was superb, as was the breakfast."

"Rooms were very stylishly furnished in modern fashion yet still in keeping with the character of the house. The food was excellent, served in a lovely dining room and conservatory."

Bottom line: Prices start from £35 pp, depending upon the room and season, and include breakfast

Need to know: Craigatin House & Courtyard 01796 472 478 www.craigatinhouse.co.uk

Access all areas: The Courtyard accommodation is wheelchair-accessible, and one of the rooms has a disabled bathroom.

Best thing: Eating breakfast in the conservatory looking out on the pretty garden

Worst thing: The lack of baths

Food: 10 out of 10

Service: 10 out of 10

Room: 8 out of 10

Value: 10 out of 10

Times recommends

• Britain's top 10 New Year's Day brunches
• Mozambique's lost islands
• The best things to see and do in 2010