Telford House

Fabulous, dog-friendly, historic holiday house on the Caledonian Canal, just outside Fort William, with incredible views of Neptune’s Staircase and mighty Ben Nevis.

Built by the legendary Scottish engineer, Thomas Telford, this historic house in the village of Banavie is full of interesting features and offers a wonderful mix of contemporary and vintage, with stylish interiors throughout.

Neptune’s Staircase is the longest staircase lock in the UK, with eight individual locks in succession. It’s an amazing feat of engineering. Telford House East provides a ring-side seat, enabling you to watch from the garden or window as the boats pass through the locks and along the canal.

The rather grand house was refurbished in 2012 and has been tastefully upgraded, while retaining many original features. It’s very well looked after, and makes a really comfortable and relaxing holiday house.

The unique canal side location make this an unforgettable place to stay – perfect for family and dog-friendly holidays with lots of great tow-path walks straight from the door. In fact, the Great Glen way passes right by. The kids will love watching the boats go by, and maybe going for a bike ride along the flat, surfaced tow path.

Telford House is really cosy, with original wooden floors downstairs and a charming tiled period fireplace. The interiors are exceptional, with good use of traditional fabrics, upcycled furniture and vintage photographs, as well as some quirky and stylish décor, such as boat-themed wallpaper and a boat timber mantelpiece.

There are two comfy downstairs sitting rooms, one with comfy sofa and TV/DVD, while the other has a woodburner and large dining table. The sofa converts into a double bed for additional guests.

(Note there is no WIFI, although we could access internet via 4G on our phones.)

There is a well equipped kitchen with cooker, fridge-freezer, and microwave. It also has a washing machine and tumble dryer, very useful for family holidays!

The large bathroom is downstairs with a bath and a good shower – lovely soaps and shower gels supplied. Upstairs there is a large twin bedroom and a fantastic main bedroom, with stunning views over the garden to the canal and Ben Nevis. Both rooms have stylish décor and really comfy beds!

The outdoor seating area with BBQ is perfect for long summer evenings. Beyond the private garden, the lock-side area is a hive of activity and there is always lots to see.

Telford House is one of a number of historic homes, including former lock keeper’s houses, which have been tastefully restored in similar style by Scottish Canals. There is an adjacent apartment, Telford House West, which can be rented together with the East wing to accommodate larger groups, making this a unique location for an extended family holiday or group of friends.

Telford House East is a brilliant dog friendly holiday house located by the canal. Its unique location on Neptune’s Staircase, in the shadow of Ben Nevis, makes it the perfect base to enjoy a West Highland family holiday. Fort William, Arisaig and the sandy beaches of the west coast, and Loch Ness, and many more attractions are all easily accessible.

Perfect Days

Go for a bike ride along the Caledonian Canal and enjoy family-friendly cycling along part of the Great Glen Way.

Take a wander around Fort William and enjoy a seafood lunch at the lochside Crannog Restaurant.

Go for a walk up Glen Nevis to the incredible Steall Waterfalls. Follow the easy mountain path is it weaves its way through the narrow gorge, surrounded by high mountains.

Nip up the Nevis Range Gondola to take in the mountain views. There is also a really good mountain biking and a high-wire treetop course for kids.

Drive along Loch Ness to the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle, one of the finest castles in Scotland, or take a boat trip on Loch Ness from Fort Augustus for some ‘Nessie spotting’.

Head for beach! Plan a day trip to the wonderful sandy beaches at Arisaig, less an hour away from the house.

Visit the Glenfinnan Monument and hear about the failed 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. You can also stop here to watch the steam train cross the viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter films.

Take the kids to see the Treasures of the Earth museum only 5 minutes’ drive away. A fantastic collection of gemstones, crystals and fossils is displayed in man-made caves, caverns and mines.

Take a trip from Fort William on the ‘Hogwarts Express’ – also known as the Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig. It’s a unique experience.

Just chill! Get some scallops from local fishmonger, Ian Stewarts on the nearby industrial estate, and enjoy a lunch in the garden, just watching the boats go by.

How to book our cottage?

Call 01625 416 430 or send us an email,