'We like it best out of season'

Company director Bob Leach and his wife Ann have been visiting the famous Gleneagles Hotel for years. "We have used it for family celebrations but always out of season, which is when we like it best," says Ann. The couple paid £12,000 for one week in March at a home in the hotel's Glenmor time-share scheme.

"There are three spacious bedrooms and three bathrooms. The sitting room on the upper floor has wonderful views over the lake, towards the hills," says Ann, who is especially pleased with the interior design: "It has lots of natural fabrics and is simple but sumptuous."

Gleneagles, famous for its golf and host to the Ryder Cup in 2014, has branched out into what it calls "seasonal ownership" with Glenmor, 50 villas set around two lochs. Owners have the run of the 850 estate at Gleneagles and access to golf, shooting and 4x4 off-road driving.

Prices for a week's occupation vary from £9,900 for a two-bedroom house rising to £44,700 for a four-bedroom villa over the peak Christmas period. The leases last for 55 years. The maximum purchase is four weeks, and the annual service charge varies from £850 to £1,050, and covers cleaning, gas and electricity, redecoration, replacement of damaged and worn furniture and appliances. Glenmor: 01764 694321.