The Laird's Loch in Inverness, The Highlands

The Laird's Loch Self-Catering

As if from the pages of a fairy tale, this laird’s country manor sits on the shores of a secret loch between Aberdeen and Inverness. Grand, manicures gardens with sundials, statues and pristine lawns lead down to the lochside where you can fish for brown trout, take a boat out from the jetty, or relax with a glass of wine by the crackle of the chiminea. This place is surrounded by 800 acres of ancient woodland, home to pine martens, red squirrels and ospreys, so days can be filled spotting wildlife on country walks. Each room inside has a view of Loch Na Bo, starting with the breakfast room whose French doors open out to the garden for fresh air. Lavish lounges with bay windows are like the drawing rooms of old and the kitchen has an Aga purring away to keep things warm (there’s also a modern oven). Portraits of the lairds and ladies that have lived here over the centuries adorn the dining room, where dinner can be served for twelve. Bedrooms come with four-poster beds to lull you off to sleep where the only sound out here is the odd hoot of an owl. If you do want to reach civilization to stock up on supplies, the town of Elgin is just three miles away.

Home truths:
*up to two well-behaved, medium-sized dogs can stay in the boot room
*Your host can arrange a private chef, or you can bring your own staff to stay in the annexe
*The nearest shop is three miles away so having a car is essential
*There is plenty of private parking onsite