Awarded 4 stars by the Scottish Tourist Board, The Ice Barn is a unique and most charming Scottish holiday cottage in Balmerino, on the banks of the River Tay. 

Three centuries ago, The Ice Barn was used by Balmerino's local fishermen to store ice for their catches throughout the year as its thick stone walls prevented the ice from melting in the Spring.  Today, this keeps the house wonderfully warm in the winter and nice and cool in the summer.

There are many other original features which were also maintained during the conversion including the high barrelled ceiling in the kitchen and the pan-tiled roof style of the era.  The spacious lounge has a beamed ceiling, a wood burning stove, and arched picture windows to take advantage of the most spectacular river views. 

The Ice Barn provides you with a very high level of comfort and quality of accommodation for up to 7 people, including: -

2 double bedrooms each with en-suite bathroom

1 twin bedroom with separate bathroom

1 very small single room (suitable for a child)

Large, fully equipped kitchen/dining room with aga cooker

Spacious sitting room with river views and wood burning stove

Other facilities are:- oil fired central heating, double glazing throughout, colour TV, Hi-Fi, auto-washing machine, dishwasher, electric cooker, telephone (incoming calls), alarm, board games and tourist information.

The Ice Barn is generally rented on a self-catering basis.  However, breakfast can also be provided by Jan  - our wonderful house keeper - through prior arrangement.

Balmerino is a most picturesque coastal village.

A short walk from The Ice Barn, following the path along the river bank, leads you to what Balmerino is best known for, its Abbey.  This 13th century Cistercian monastery, now mostly in ruins, was considered a place of refuge and tranquillity during the turbulent Middle Ages. 

Mary Queen of Scots spent two days here on her way to St Andrews.

Continue west along the river for magnificent woodland scenery with well marked footpaths.  In season, you will find blue bells, wild garlic (great for omelettes!) and dwarf orchids amongst coppice beech.

Heading east from The Ice Barn, the footpath takes you to the neighbouring villages of Wormit and Newport, providing a closer view of the famous Tay bridges.