It may be little more than an hour north of Glasgow but The Lodge, on the shores of Loch Goil, might as well be in a different world. Surrounded by the breathtaking splendour of the Trossachs and the Arrochar Alps, this is the ideal venue for a peaceful escape with friends or family; it’s so quiet you can hear conversations 100 yards away. The Lodge is fully catered so you can devote yourself to simply relaxing; the excellent cuisine skilfully prepared by the house chef adds an extra treat to the fabulous setting.
Built in the late 1860s as a holiday home, the Lodge has been meticulously restored to its original turn of the century Arts and Crafts style. Period features such as tongue-and-groove panelling, burnished copper mirrors, antler lamp stands and Bakelite telephones indicate a microscopic attention to detail, while the use of rich fabrics and beautiful Timorous Beasties wallpaper creates a fabulous sense of drama. Often used as a location for fashion shoots, each aspect of the house appears perfectly lit and framed, waiting to have its picture taken.
The evening normally starts with an expertly guided wander through the Lodge’s extensive whisky selection in the bar, but the real centerpiece of the house is the dining room, with its original hand-painted wallpaper, grand fireplace and loch views. Art students have been known to make the trip out to The Lodge simply to admire the luminous stained-glass windows designed by Daniel Cottier. Following the piper to the table and enjoying the perfect dinner party is what the Lodge experience is all about, and the food is more than a match for the wonderful surroundings.
Each of the bedrooms is named after a Scottish island and has its own unique character. The Arran and Bute rooms at the front of the house are the most spectacular, with iron bedsteads and more of that fantastic Timorous Beasties décor, as well as heart-stopping views over the loch. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with roll-top baths, except for the Jura and Islay rooms which share a spacious bathroom. The dinner party atmosphere of The Lodge isn’t really designed for children but there’s no hard-and-fast rule and these rooms are well-suited for a couple with children.
There are a few essential concessions to the 21st Century, in the form of a flat screen TV and iPod docking stations, but the Lodge is dedicated to slow paced, traditional enjoyment (the area has a blissfully erratic mobile signal). Everyone falls in love with the beautiful tree house in the mighty branches of a Scots pine in front of the house; it’s an unforgettable place for 1920s-style afternoon tea with views across Loch Goil and a popular choice for intimate wedding ceremonies. The other star attraction in the grounds of the house is the secluded red and white summerhouse down by the water’s edge. It’s possible to stay here, too. If you organised the trip or if it’s your wedding, then this could be a richly deserved perk.
The Lodge can arrange all kinds of activities and there is no shortage of ways to work up an appetite among the mountains and sea lochs. Quad biking, clay shooting and hiking are some of the exhilarating ways to explore the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Park; simply climb the nearest mountain to be rewarded with views that will stay in your memory for years. If you fancy taking things a bit easier, massage, golf, loch cruises, whisky-tasting tours and fishing on a traditional Scottish Gleaner boat are very popular; the Lodge can also organise painting classes or a tour of the Glens in style; in a range of beautiful classic cars.
Reviewed by Jim Whyte
