The Lodges At The Mains

Luxurious 5-star Eco lodges for two tucked away in the tranquility of rural Inverness-shire. The two lodges (named Silver Birch and Scots Pine) are hidden in farmland near the village of Croy offering an indulgent and sophisticated self-catering retreat for couples.   

Exciting new arrivals at the Lodges at the Mains …. Each Lodge now has their very own wood fired hot tub. Totally natural and in keeping with the Birch wood setting. No chemicals, just soft clear Scottish water heated by a wood fired stove. Just imagine sitting out under the stars in a beautiful oval hot tub for two. Perfect for those romantic evenings – just add a glass of champagne, your favourite music – lie back, relax and enjoy….

Luxurious 5-star lodges for two

After keying in the code, gates swing open allowing you to drive through, and without having to get out of the car, they swing close.   You feel safe. Making your way along the tracks, there are glimpses of the lodges through the trees.  You sense the seclusion.

Arriving in the Lodge, that immediate impression of sparkling tiles and glass, warm polished wood, muted fabrics, of luxury, you are at ease.Helping yourself to the thoughtful hamper of carefully chosen goodies, you are welcome.

Quietly sipping a cup of tea on the front decking, watching the birds swoop in the Lochan, the squirrels feeding, the deer on the hillside and the badger snuffling his meandering pathway looking for food, you are enchanted.

The Lodges at the Mains are sophisticated hideaways for couples set in the heart of the highlands.  With pretty much every convenience considered, this is a home from home where any weary traveller can relax, recuperate from a busy life, and rest their eyes on the shades of green that surround.  Hearts beat slower, breathing is deeper, shoulders drop, and worries fade away.

Impeccable ‘Green’ credentials

With impeccable ‘Green’ credentials these 5 star  luxury Lodges have been carefully designed to sit in harmony with the landscape, and offer a very grown up self-catering experience.  The initial impression is of space and comfort.  The ground floor is open plan with a fully equipped kitchen (including dishwasher and washer/drier) and French windows onto a breakfast patio.  The cupboards are carefully stocked with more than enough crockery and utensils to satisfy aspiring chefs who want to experiment with the local produce, and as well as cookery books left to inspire, there are store cupboard essentials and condiments to help create that romantic meal for two.

Relax in front of the wood burner

With polished wooden floors gleaming in the living room/dining room area, the furnishings are high quality, with leather sofas stacked with cushions in muted tones that reflect the landscape and entice you to relax in front of the wood burner, and if ever you tire of the views and the wildlife, there’s TV, DVD, Opus sound system (which can be controlled throughout the house) and enough books, movies, games, jigsaws and guide and wildlife books to entertain for days.  Patio doors lead out to a deck area, where an endless parade of wildlife will offer its own nature-watch experience.

Sunrise over the Moray Firth

Upstairs more recreation time is catered for with a room fully equipped and set aside for yoga, sketching and painting, with a massage chair. The tastefully decorated double bedroom has substantial and beautiful wooden furnishings, large wardrobes and more than ample drawer space.  The bed is comfortable, the sheets are soft and inviting, and the pillows ready for sleepy heads to sink into.  The cathedral like windows are framed with curtains, but don’t pull them closed.  No one can overlook.  Leave the curtains open instead and allow yourself to awaken to the rosy colours of sunrise over the Moray Firth.

A haven for discerning travellers

As well as a bathroom on the ground floor, a spacious shower on the first floor, the property has a Jacuzzi whirlpool on the mezzanine floor.    Such thought has gone into this – the water stays at an even temperature seducing you to linger, and the large windows offer up the night skies and the chance to count the stars.

As well as picnic basket, cool box and enough wildlife books to satisfy most, binoculars are provided to take advantage of viewing from the hide which has been created to allow an even more up-close and personal view of the wildlife that frequents the Lochan.

Equidistant from Inverness and Nairn, this is an ideal location for sightseeing and for the foodie traveller, it’s a hop and a skip from the start of the North Coast 500 which promotes local producers and providers, and if you want to seek out your own Outlander moment … The Culloden Battlefield is within a few minutes drive.

The Lodges at the Mains have been created specifically for couples, and the attention to detail is second to none.   This is a holiday experience that you won’t forget.  But don’t just take our word for it.  A sneaky peek in the guest book reveals travellers from Australia to Aberdeen, Amsterdam to Yorkshire and Seattle to Somerset.  Visitors have celebrated Christmas, birthdays, New Year, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, engagements, proposals and weddings here. Some spend their time out and about and sightseeing, others hardly stray from the warmth and comfort of their lodge.  All are agreed – this is a very special place to relax and retreat, privacy is exceptional, the quality is high, and the welcome is warm.

Perfect Days

Although there’s so much on the doorstep, perhaps the most perfect days are spent at the Lodge, enjoying the space, tranquillity, landscape and silence.  Photographers can while away the hours in the hide capturing images of the wildlife in its own habitat.   Each Lodge has binoculars as well as books on birds and wildlife.   There’s also a range of guide books and suggestions for walks and trips, and Eleanor the ever helpful owner  knows the area inside out and will be happy to advise.

Don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the history and atmosphere at Culloden.  The last pitched battle on British soil took place here.  The visitor centre gives voices to those on both sides and brings to life the stories of those who fought and fell here at the concluding battle of the Jacobite Rebellion.   Romanticised through history, literature and television, this is the real story of the end of the uprising, and show its brutality and how its echoes are still felt today.

Follow up your visit to Culloden with one to Fort George at Arderseir.  Built after the Jacobite Rebellion with the purpose of quelling the Highlanders and stopping any further rebellion,  Fort George is described as ‘the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe’.

Walking from Aderseir to Fort George keep an eye out dolphins that can be spotted in the Moray Firth.

Cawdor Castle is a few minutes drive away and offers a snapshot of how the other half lived in a Highland version of Downton.

Inverness itself is a compact city with contemporary and traditional eateries as well as its own cultural offerings and retail choices.  It would almost be a crime to be this close to Loch Ness and not try to spot the elusive Nessie.  Taking a cruise on Loch Ness is a must.

If preparing meals becomes too much of a chore, try some fine dining at Boath House for a romantic dinner for two. Eleanor will book a taxi so you can enjoy a glass of wine with your meal, or a wee whisky afterwards.

If whisky’s your thing, then the area has many distilleries, each producing its own unique brand.

Check out the North Coast 500 for a variety of itineraries, including food and drink and cycling

How to book

Call 01667 493408 or complete the form.