Simply the best
When your home has been voted the number one bed and breakfast guesthouse in the world, preparing to leave was always going to be tough, writes Susan Welsh

Press & Journal: Published: 14/06/2011

LIKE all homeowners, Martin and Julie Mitchell, who live in a former manse in Invermoriston – a pretty village on the western shore of Loch Ness – are always delighted to receive compliments about their lovely family home where they let out two rooms for bed and breakfast.

But, earlier this year, they were completely blown away to find others not only thought their house special, but the best in the world.

Their home was voted the best bed and breakfast establishment in the world in the annual Travellers’ Choice hotel awards, organised by internet comparison site Trip Advisor.

Described as “absolute paradise” by one traveller and “a magical, romantic oasis” by another, it received nothing but praise from previous guests who said they would recommend it to others.

“We were rather overwhelmed to find we’d been voted the best B&B in the world because this is our home, and our aim has only been to make guests feel like it’s their home too,” said Julie, 52, who is originally from the Edinburgh area.

Julie and Martin bought the Old Manse 12 years ago after living in Sudbury-on-Thames for years.

“I have family in Lanarkshire and Martin’s sister lives in Embo, so we have always been regular visitors here,” said Julie.

“We wanted a change of lifestyle so moved with the idea of Martin taking early semi-retirement from his job in CCTV, while I’d continue to work in retail.”

The old Church of Scotland manse hadn’t been used for years, while the bells at the nearby church had long since stopped ringing.

The manse sits at the top of a steep, rather twisty drive which opens out to a large open area of land complete with waterfalls, streams, mixed natural woodland and stunning views towards the Pig’s Nose hill, Loch Ness and the mountains beyond.

It’s picture-postcard pretty and guests could be forgiven for thinking they’ve woken up on a film set.

“The house had been used as a holiday home for around 20 years and, although it had lots of lovely original features, it was in need of upgrading,” said Martin, who has done a splendid job of restoring the manse to its former glory.

“It’s been a real labour of love,” he added.

“I spent around nine years working on the restoration, installing modern bathrooms, stripping down pitch-pine doors and original floors and adding a large conservatory which makes the most of the views.

“I also spent years working on the garden.

“I had no knowledge of gardening when I started out and I still have no knowledge; I tend to stick things in and hope they grow.

“I even learned to build dykes, carrying big stones from all across the grounds to make feature walls. I carried so many stones I gave myself a strangulated umbilical hernia and had to be rushed to hospital.”

The gardens feature spectacular tall trees including beech, sycamore, hazel, oak, Scots pine, silver birch and European larch, along with colourful azaleas and masses of purple-headed rhododendrons.

There are three separate wooden decked areas, each painted forest green, where you can pull up a seat and soak up the views while listening to the relaxing sound of water splashing down the waterfall.

Inside, the house is just as pretty. The accommodation includes a vestibule, large well-lit reception hall with original, beautifully polished wooden flooring and an equally gleaming handrail on the original staircase.

Public rooms include a sitting room, which is presently used exclusively by guests staying in the Wallace bedroom, and a living room. Both have multi-fuel fires and enjoy splendid views from double windows towards the hills.

The modern dining kitchen has a good selection of limed-oak units, Belfast sink and integrated appliances. The dining room is a beautifully formal room with a modern twist, as it has patio doors to one side and access to a bright conservatory which has splendid views west across Loch Ness and the hills beyond.

“One regular visitor to the garden is a pheasant called Eric who considers the garden to be his territory,” said Martin, 59.

“Once or twice he’s caught sight of his reflection in the patio doors and charged into them, thinking he’s chasing away an intruder.”

Upstairs, the accommodation includes the Wallace master bedroom, tastefully decorated in relaxing shades of green and contemporary versions of William Morris-styled wallpaper. It also features original coving, partially panelled walls, an open fireplace and a Regency-style four-poster bed. A door leads to a large en-suite shower room with walk-in double shower, WC and basin in sparkling white.

The Burns Rooms are equally tasteful and boast a Jacobean-style four-poster bed and large en-suite shower room. Guests have exclusive use of an upper sitting room, which could easily be turned back into a bedroom.

A third large double bedroom, this time decorated in blue, and an enormous family bathroom with Victorian-style bath, separate shower, sink, bidet and WC complete the accommodation.

Although Martin and Julie have been offering B&B for thee years, the house is very much a family home and doesn’t feel in the least commercial.

“Anyone wanting to have the manse as a home wouldn’t have to make any changes,” said Julie.

It’s a fabulous house in a fabulous location which begs the question, why are they selling?

“Our daughter Kerry Ann, 28, and son Adam, 25, both now live in Glasgow and we miss them so want to move closer to them,” said Martin, 59.

“We both have very mixed feelings about leaving.

“My body might soon be living in Glasgow, but my heart will always be in the Highlands,” he added.

Selling agents CKD Galbraith are seeking offers in excess of £550,000 for The Old Manse, Invermoriston, which comes with almost four acres of land. For further details call 01463 224343.

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2304535?UserKey=#ixzz1PKUHotlK

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