Situated on the picturesque banks of Loch Ness is Foyers Lodge, a distinctive and luxurious guest house. Recently, I was invited to stay whilst exploring the Scottish Highlands. Having previously stayed in numerous accommodations along Loch Ness, I was keen to find out what this particular hidden gem had to offer. Owners Anna and Phil instantly fell in love with the Victorian building four years ago and from there have dedicated their lives to lovingly restore the house so that guests can truly relax and revel in its beauty.
The approach via a scenic road that winds its way under a canopy of trees towards this beautiful accommodation brings a sense of immediate calm and tranquillity. As you draw into its ample drive you cannot help but see why this bed and breakfast is so prestigious. Not only does it boast a remarkable exterior, it is also perfectly nestled on a verge over-looking the most outstanding view of Loch Ness.
On entering the lodge, the foyer and an impressive grand staircase provide a little taste of what this treasure trove has to offer. With deep forest hues, dark wooden panelling and charming taxidermy it truly brings the outdoors inside. The ringing of a quant mounted brass bell is all it takes to get the attention of the owners, who are immediately on hand to check you in and show you around the accommodation.
The grand staircase leads up to the eight individually designed bedrooms that exude their own personality whilst maintaining that stylish Foyer Lodge’s DNA. The decor of each of the rooms have been cleverly carried out by Anna, who has managed to inject a perfect balance of both contemporary and traditional design. The rich gem hues of the walls, the chosen furniture and the selection of art have all been inspired by the property’s historic past and its surrounding countryside.
Whilst all the rooms hold their own special qualities, I was particularly drawn to Room Two. With a view out to Loch Ness, its deep blue walls, roll top bath, bespoke art and its large headboard with that stunning pop of ochre, I couldn’t help but be captivated by it.
Room 2 
Room 2 
Room 2
Similarly, Room Five also stood out with its super king-size bed, green Chaise Longue and freestanding bath.
Room 5 
Room 5 
Room 5
I stayed in charming Room Three which like all the rooms, overlooked the garden and took advantage of those loch views. As I closed my door and slumped onto the bed, my stresses immediately faded. Its deep aubergine colour gave off a warming and comforting vibe, along with the peppering of beautiful art and heavy tartan tweed curtains, I felt like I was in my very own highland retreat.
Room 3 
Room 3 
Room 3
Every space of the room was cleverly designed and thought out. I especially loved the deep cupboard, with room enough for two suitcases, a rucksack and my toiletries (I always take too much on a trip). The bathroom was fully equipped with modern amenities and included toiletries from Scottish Fine Soaps. The king-size bed was sumptuous, cosy and comfortable. Coupled with the silence I had one of the best nights sleep ever. I wonder where they managed to source these lavish pillows?
All additional rooms, similar to the size I stayed in, exuded the same level of design, really utilising colours that either draw nature in or provide an enveloping cosy space that really helped you unwind.
Room 4 
Room 1 
Room 6
Taking a wander around the property there is so much to explore and every nook and cranny is filled with eye-catching details. The drawing room gives off the perfect juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary design with a mix of family heirlooms, sourced antiques and modern additions of furniture. It is here where you can enjoy the hotels fully licensed bar whilst enjoying the Art Deco inspired surroundings and views overlooking the garden and beyond.
The Drawing Room 
The Drawing Room 
It’s all in the details 
Art Deco vibes of the Drawing Room
For a cosier and intimate space that aligns with its Victorian past, wander through to the sitting room where you can relax and enjoy a coffee or read one of the many books on offer. The furniture is strewn with comfy cushions and warming throws and it was a space that I found difficult to leave.
The Sitting Room 
The Sitting Room 
The Sitting Room 
My friend the angry fox!
The snug upstairs near the bedrooms, is a lovely alcove and provides a comfortable intimate space to kickback and enjoy the peace and quiet. It has the most charming bespoke wall art that again brings a touch of nature inside.
The Snug 
The Snug 
Art in the Snug
If the weather is on your side you can, of course, enjoy the enchanting garden which wraps around the building. White wrought iron chairs and tables are nestled in the grass and overlook the glistening Loch Ness lined with pine trees.
Drinks in the Garden 
Loch Ness Views 
Relax Garden Nooks
Enjoy the tweeting of birds that frolic in the nearby trees and you can even witness a few red squirrels that frequent the garden to gather nuts from the bird feeder. If you fancy something a little more energetic (but not too much) you can enjoy a game of croquet whilst sipping on your choice of drink.
Breakfast takes place in the outstanding dining room which again takes in those Loch Ness Views. The room is split into two areas divided by a large archway, on one side a relaxed seating area in front of a fire and on the other side a selection of tables where guests dine.
Breakfast items are chosen the evening before which means all you have to do is come down in the morning and a range of deliciously prepared food is ready and waiting. I opted for toast with scrambled egg and bacon and their Scotch pancakes with maple syrup. Both were extremely generous in size, with the bacon being one of the most delicious I have had in a while. You can, of course, have a range of cereals, pastries and fruits all washed down with fruit juice and coffee/tea.
Foyers Lodge can arrange dinner on a Saturday evening and Cheese and Charcuterie boards throughout the week. As I was staying midweek, I opted to dine at the nearby Craigdarroch Inn. This traditional Inn was only around 15 minutes walk from the property and offered a range of classic dishes as well as a good selection of drinks.
After dinner, I then wandered a further ten minutes through the beautiful woods to experience the Falls of Foyer. This 165ft waterfall feeds into Loch Ness and it was very impressive to watch from a number of easily accessible vantage points. You can’t but help fall in love with the falls, and understand why it has inspired so many like Robert Burns etc. The falls have even inspired some artwork at Foyers Lodge, hopefully, you can spot them when you visit. The accommodation is perfectly located to experience the more relaxing side of Loch Ness and it is close enough to many areas of interests such as Forests, Distilleries and Golf Courses to name but a few.
If you are looking to stay for longer you can take advantage of Foyers Lodge’s brand new one bedroom self-catering apartment. Located to the rear of the property with its own private entrance, this stylish addition really impresses with its design. Luxury touches of a Chesterfield Sofa, artwork and reclaimed lighting really makes this self-catering accommodation stand out on its own.
So what is the Blu Blazer Guy verdict? Foyers Lodge captured my heart in many ways, not only because of its elegant design and impressive location but it emanated a peacefulness that is truly difficult to put into words. Phil and Anna have done a fantastic job bringing the property to life again without compromising its true soul or its historic charm. You can see the dedication emit from them both and it truly shows not only through the quality of this lodge but through their friendly and approachable hosting. It is a true highland haven of which I highly recommend and I cannot wait to go back again in the future. Go ahead and book and let the alluring Foyer’s Lodge cast its spell over you.
Head to my video tour here.
Blu Blazer Guy Rating
Location – 4.5/5 – Beautiful quiet location with outstanding views
Customer Service – 4.5/5 – Warm and Friendly.
Accommodation – 4.5/5 – Stylish, Comfortable and Full of Character
Cleanliness – 5/5 – Clean and Tidy and adhering to all covid guidelines
Food and Drink – 4/5 – Good Breakfast with plenty of choice
BLU BLAZER GUY 