Loch Ness Escapes : Balnacraig Farmhouse

Balnacraig

Sitting at the top of Historic Dochfour Estate who origins date back to the mid 1400s, Loch Ness Escapes presents the ultimate Highland haven. Until recently a working farm, this traditional two-story farmhouse has been sympathetically renovated to provide a luxury haven where you can escape, relax and enjoy the magic of the Highlands. In a unique setting with sweeping views over the Glen,  between Loch Ness and Inverness, the secure location has fully fenced gardens offering direct access to wonderful hill and forest walks up to the Great Glen Way and yet is only minutes from all major transport hubs and the city of Inverness. Sit in the hot tub after a day walking or visiting the local attractions and enjoy the light play on the far hills. 

2 bedrooms * 2 bath rooms * sleeps 4

Setting

This secluded cottage is reached through the woods via a private drive with an electric gate and the fully fenced garden has beautiful sweeping views and direct access on to the hill. The outdoor space has its own terrace and is perfect for alfresco dining or just relaxing in front the warmth of the fire pit. Alternatively, unwind in the fairy lit pagoda with its hot tub and soak in the tranquillity and beauty of the Highlands.

Your accommodation

The cosy sitting room has a wood burning stove, books, games and TV with Freeview, Netflix, Amazon Prime etc. So when you tire of the great outdoors there is an indoor retreat where you can just relax and be entertained. 
The extensive kitchen/diner is fully equipped with an integrated fridge/freezer, dishwasher, induction hob, electric oven and every amenity you could wish for. The dining section has a table with seating for up to 5 and has an electric wood burner and a sound docking system. 

There is a separate utility room complete with washing machine and tumble dryer, outdoor equipment and plenty of storage.

There are two comfortable bedrooms with king-sized beds. The downstairs bedroom has an en-suite shower room and French window giving direct access to the garden. The second larger bedroom upstairs also has a king-sized bed and a full bathroom with shower and bath. 

All linen and bedding is high quality Egyptian cotton from Tielle Loves Luxury as recommended by House and Garden Magazine and Country Life and is also used by many 5* hotels. The bedding is hypoallergenic
All soaps and shampoos are organic and sourced from the Highland Soap Company.
I have supplied a comprehensive house manual in which you will also find suggestions for day trips, visitor attractions, shops, restaurants etc. - in addition I have also included all the required emergency numbers that you might need during your stay. 

Up to two dogs are welcome, but please keep in mind the wildlife - so keep gates shut. I have supplied an eco dog poo composter in the ground by the shed so please use the supplied poo picker and put in the dog loo.

 
Where you’ll be

The house is an ideal base to explore the Highlands, set midway between Loch Ness and the vibrant City of Inverness. Despite its remote location it is only 20 minutes from the Airport and 10 minutes from the nearest train station. A 5 minute drive will take you into the city centre with all its restaurants, shops and live music venues. Local grocery shops and a farm shop on the estate (Farm Ness ) are all between 5 - 10 minutes away and the starting point to Loch Ness itself at Dochgarroch is about 5 minutes. There are many restaurants to choose from and there are beautiful walks directly from the cottage through the forest and up the hill. The Great Glen Way is directly behind the cottage and the North 500 is also easily accessible. Golf courses, distilleries, leisure cruises, adventure sports are all a short distance and for the more retail minded, woollen mills, tweed and cashmere shops are all over the area.

 
House rules

Check-in: After 16:00

Check out: 10:00

Self check-in with keypad

No smoking

No parties or events

Pets are allowed but please notify in advance 

Additional rules

Non-breakable table and glassware to be used in outside areas 

Dogs are welcome but not allowed on furniture or beds. All dog waste must be disposed of we have a dog composter in the garden. 

It is also important to keep in mind that outside the fenced areas there may well be livestock - usually sheep - Garden gate must be kept shut.

Please do not feed the horses.