HOTEL REVIEWS
Home from home
This month sees Scottish Field’s subscribers welcomed into some stunning family homes. Each of these unique Wolsey Lodges provides so much more than just B&B
Skirling House, Skirling by Biggar. Reviewed by Anne & Barclay Sinclair from
Bealach House, Duror Argyll Reviewed by Sandra MacDougall and Joy Monteith from
Greenock
Bealach House is a small and very friendly luxury guest house near Duror, halfway between Oban and Fort William. The house lies one and a half miles up a well maintained forest track in Salachan Glen. On arrival, our hosts, Jim and Hilary McFadyen welcomed us with pots
of tea and coffee and delicious home-made flapjacks and cookies. The McFadyens are experienced hoteliers and this shows in their exceptional attention to detail.
The house was originally a shepherd’s croft but has been added to over
the years, making it a substantial home. Downstairs, a separate guest entrance and cosy sitting room led through to the conservatory and dining room and upstairs our twin bedroom was well appointed and very comfortable with some nice additional touches such as a small decanter of whisky. Our evening meal was very special. Faced with some difficult choices,
we enjoyed baked haggis topped with creamy whisky and onion sauce, spicy thai style carrot and coriander soup, pan fried sea bass with roasted cherry tomatoes with a basil pesto dressing and hot chocolate soufflé with raspberries and white chocolate drambuie sauce. The meal was presented beautifully and cooked to perfection. We had also been advised that we should bring our own wine, and glasses and ice were supplied on request. The high standard of cooking continued at breakfast with cereals, porridge, homemade bread and jams, full English breakfast and a daily special - scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on a toasted muffin. It came as no surprise to learn that Jim and Hilary have received several
awards over the years including a Ce`sar award from the Good Hotel Guide for Scottish Guest House of the year and 4 Gold Stars from Visit Scotland for consistently achieving the highest levels of excellence with grading and a 100% rating for food since they started. Suffice to say - it was such a good experience that we booked to stay a second night. Prices from £80 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast
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East Kilbride. Skirling House was built in 1908 as a collaboration between Lord Carmichael and architect Ramsay Traquair Bought by Bob & Isobel Hunter in 1993 the house more than justifies the Wolsey Lodges description of luxury B&B in friendly, fascinating and unique homes. We enjoyed the comfort of the Traquair ground floor twin bedroom. We were tempted by the extensive range of malt whiskies and having enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the 16th century drawing room we were then treated to Bob’s kitchen skills with a delicious four course dinner using locally sourced salmon, pork and vegetables and fruit grown in the garden. Breakfast was equally wonderful and served by helpful smiling staff. Prices from £80 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast
Cardross House, Kippen, Stirlingshire Reviewed by Helen and James
Montgomery from Perthshire On arrival we were greeted by our hosts and dogs and shown to our enormous room with the most beautiful outlook. The ensuite was modern and spacious. The hall had a roaring log fire where we relaxed until our evening meal which we took in the small dining room. On heading to bed we found that it had been turned down which was a nice wee touch. We had a very peaceful and restful sleep in the comfiest of beds. Overall it was a great stay. Before we left, our host, Archie took us on a tour of the house and gardens. We arrived as guests and left as friends. Prices from £90 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast
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