You rarely hear the term ‘manor’ in the Scottish Highlands, but that is part of the sheer joy that is Rokeby Manor. This is a Highland oasis that weaves in the calm charm of a more Anglicised manor house, with décor that stays the right side of tartan twee and a setting amidst the rugged grandeur of the Great Glen. Swirl in superb Indian-influenced cuisine and this is one heck of a manor!
Why Stay?
The location really works just on the northern fringes of the Great Glen. Forested slopes rear up behind the hotel, with the wee village of Invergarry just a few minutes away. As is Loch Oich, which is as pretty and dramatic as Loch Ness with only a fraction of the tourists.
Rokeby Manor is the ideal base for exploring the Great Glen. Fort William – with its new Highland Cinema, shops and museums – is easily accessible to the west. Meanwhile the fellow old garrison town of Fort Augustus tempts to the east. Here you can witness the spectacle of Thomas Telford’s world famous Caledonian Canal dropping down the hillside via a series of locks en route to Loch Ness. You can try to spot Nessie, the famous monster, from the shores of the loch. A loch so deep and vast that it holds more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined.
I really like the peace and quiet that Rokeby offers. This small hotel was once part of a farm, then a factor’s house, before becoming a guest house in the 1960s. It feels bijou with only 13 bedrooms; intimate even, your own wee oasis in the Highlands where you can hunker down in the lounge with a good book or play a game reconnecting with your family. My own kids really slowed down here and I was able to unplug them from technology for once. We enjoyed exploring the forest trails that snake off behind the hotel into a wild and wildly beautiful Highland escape of pines, hills and shimmering lochs.
What’s it Like?
That ‘manor’ word again gives you a clue. Rokeby Manor feels classy and classic, awash with hardwoods, period furniture and wooden floors. These have been brought back to their best, rather than replaced with laminate. You can see that the building and hotel have been crafted with love, using traditional techniques and craftsmanship It oozes character and personality. I half expected to find a Victorian gentleman reclining in the lounge.
The décor steers the right side of tartan twee expertly, using it sparingly and weaving in tasteful art that evokes the majesty of the Highlands. It feels like a sophisticated hunting lodge of its time. And that time is the late Georgian and early Victorian period. For all its historic charm the finish is spot on, trimly tiled and immaculately dressed. It has the mod cons too including USB ports for charging phones and tablets by the bed. Luxury toiletries take the form of the the fine wares of the Highland Soap Company – an excellent local brand.
Emily’s Byre is a restaurant worth staying in for. They’ve worked wonders with the old cowshed to give it a rugged, wood-clad appeal. It’s relaxed and family-friendly too. Much of the produce may be Scottish, but the pervading influence is definitely Indian with a ‘Northern Frontier’ focus according to our lovely waiter. We feasted on a perfectly cooked Tandoori chicken, followed by a proper black lentil dal makhani with naan and roti too. The desserts brought in more European treats like tiramisu, alongside tastebud tingling Indian options.
Top Tips
There is a drying room. Packed lunches are available. There is even a drop off and pick up service for experienced walkers heading off into the high mountains.
There are not many spas in the Highlands, so it’s handy that the Whispering Pine Lodge – a Black Sheep sister hotel – has an acclaimed spa on the banks of Loch Lochy just a short drive away. To avoid disappointment secure your treatment when you book your stay at Rokeby Manor.
Black Sheep hotels also offers the excellent Lochside Brasserie at The Whispering Pine Lodge. Book a table overlooking Loch Lochy and tuck into the likes of mussels steamed in saffron and wine and Scottish Lobster Thermidor. If you’re not driving, a wee dram in their Burns Bar is a joy too. Alternatively head into Fort William where the same people also run the pop up Tiger on the Wall restaurant.
Reasons to Book
- Slip back in time at this deeply historic old dame.
- Great base for exploring the attraction-packed Great Glen.
- Tastebud tingling Indian flavours at Emily’s Byre.
Invergarry, PH35 4HG. reservations@blacksheephotels.com, www.blacksheephotels.com