A guesthouse near Loch Ness has been voted the best bed-and-breakfast establishment in the world.
The Old Manse at Invermoriston in Inverness-shire received the accolade in the annual travellers’ choice hotel awards organised by Trip-Advisor.
It was described as “absolute paradise” by one traveller and “a magical, romantic oasis” by another, and 100% of past guests said they would recommend the property.
Owners Julie and Martin Mitchell said the honour was a welcome boost after the venue took a battering from the winter weather.
Mrs Mitchell, who used to work with O2 in Inverness, said: “We lost five trees – some as tall as 125ft – in a storm in November, and the garden looks like a lumber yard. We will have plenty of logs for our fires at least.
“Then the house suffered 11 bursts in the recent big freeze while we were away. Luckily we don’t reopen until the end of March and everything will be put right by then.”
The Old Manse is set in acres of natural woodland and formal gardens with views out over the Pig’s Nose hill.
Guests can choose from three decks to relax and enjoy the beautiful gardens, complete with streams, and a cascading waterfall.
Other luxury touches include a king size four-poster bed with memory foam mattress, walk-in power shower and body mist rain bar, mini fridge replenished daily with soft drinks, fresh flowers, fruit, mineral water and hostess tray, coffee and tea free on request, and for an extra charge a luxury picnic hamper.
Mrs Mitchell, originally from Edinburgh, said: “I think our formula is that we want our guests to feel relaxed and as if they were at home. We make them feel pampered and they do not want for anything while here.
“It is a small place, sleeping four in two rooms, but each bedroom has its own private lounge with wide-screen TVs. We do get a lot of repeat business.”
A night at the world’s best B&B will cost £59 per person with a new two-night minimum stay. Three nights or more costs £55 per person per night.
