Bunchrew, Inverness, United Kingdom | (888) 710-7049
Housed in charming 17th-century Scottish Baronial
mansion
Waterfront setting in peaceful gardens and ancient
woodland
Some rooms feature carved four-poster beds and water
views
Wood-paneled restaurant serving traditional Scottish
fare
Full Scottish breakfast included in the rate
Elegant cocktail bar with range of whiskies
Free parking and Wi-Fi throughout
Resident benign ghost (a
con for some)
Some room decor
and furnishings feel tatty
A few bathrooms
could use a makeover
No health or spa
facilities
No elevator and
some stairs
Bunchrew House
Hotel is a genuine 17th-century mansion steeped in history and traditional
Scottish charm. The position overlooking the water surrounded by ancient
woodland is particularly serene, and Inverness is just a 10-minute drive away. While
some rooms feature lovely four-poster beds and views over the water, others show signs of age. Overall, however, for Old World Highland
atmosphere and magical setting this is one of the finest options you'll find.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Charming 17th-century Scottish Baronial mansion with resident ghost
With elongated
spires perched on elegant stone turrets and its fairytale-palace pink facade,
there something more than a little magical about the Bunchrew House Hotel.
While the first house built on the site dates back to around 1500s, the mansion
that now occupies the space was completed in 1621 in the Scottish Baronial
style, drawing heavily from medieval and Renaissance influences. Stepping
inside, its clear the emphasis has remained firmly on the traditional, and there are original wood paneling, gilt-framed portraits, and solid antique furnishings; a trophy stag head completes the Highland scene. Creaky floorboards, the
subtle smoky scent from log-burning fireplaces, and rumors of a (benign) ghost wandering
the corridors at night all add to the hotel's charming Old World ambience. A
waterfront setting nestled on 20 acres of ancient woodland and pretty gardens
also make it a popular venue for weddings -- many couples get married under a
260-year-old cedar know as "The Loving Tree."
Location
Set in ancient woodland overlooking Beauly Firth a few miles from Inverness
The hotel is set
among serene woodland on the scenic shores of the Beauly Firth with views
along the coast for miles. While Inverness city center is just 10 minutes'
drive away on the A862, the hotel is set back from the main road with little
else in the area besides farmland and the neighboring Bunchrew Caravan Park.
The north end of legendary Loch Ness is also just 20 minutes away by car, and the iconic ruins of Urquhart Castle that overlook the loch are a 30-minute
drive.
Rooms
Some rooms have four-poster beds and water views, others feel tatty.
While no two of
the hotel's 16 rooms are identical, styling tends towards the traditional with
antique furnishings, patterned carpets, and heavy drapery -- some furnishings
and decor are a little tatty in places. Superior Rooms have extra space, while
many also add views over the water or four-poster beds. Standard amenities
include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee facilities, plus
mini-fridges with fresh milk. Bathrooms are a little old-fashioned, with some
of them in need of a revamp.
Features
Full Scottish breakfast, cocktail bar, and cozy log fire-warmed lounge
The hotel provide
a full Scottish breakfast in the wood-paneled restaurant (included in the
rate), which also serves traditional Scottish fare with a modern twist, a
decent wine list, and views over the frith. A smart cocktail bar with vintage
styling also serves a good range of whiskies, while a cozy drawing room
features two fireplaces and plenty of comfy seating. While there are plenty of
local walking paths and wildlife spotting opportunities, the hotel lacks any
spa or health facilities.
