A new country hotel has opened its doors in the Scottish Highlands, the third for hotel group Black Sheep Hotels. The former Letterfinlay Lodge at Spean Bridge, which played host to stars including Hollywood actor Burt Lancaster and jazz musician Stéphane Grappelli has undergone extensive refurbishment and has re-opened its doors as the Whispering Pine Lodge.

Black Sheep Hotels group is a collection of Highland country hotels and the opening of Whispering Pine Lodge follows the recent opening of The Cluanie Inn, at Glenmoriston, and Rokeby Manor (formerly Craigard Guest House) at Invergarry.

The hotel, originally a hunting lodge built in the 1800s, is situated on the banks of Loch Lochy and is ideally located to explore the Highlands.  It became a hotel in the mid-1900s and its renowned hospitality and location attracted a host of celebrities, including Hollywood’s Burt Lancaster, during the filming of 'Local Hero', and, a Frenchman often referred to as the grandfather of jazz violinists.

The property has 25 en-suite bedrooms with unspoilt views of the Highlands landscape and Loch Lochy.  All rooms have been lovingly restored to a high spec with the interiors inspired by the surrounding area with accents of tartan oak floors and panelling. 

The Lochside Brasserie, which overlooks Loch Lochy, is open to the public as well as residents and serves locally sourced fresh fish, seafood and classic regional cuisines. The Burns Bar, which pays homage to Robert Burns, is fully stocked including a wide range of local Scottish whisky to choose from.

Onsite is the Sleeping Beauty Salon.  The salon has two beauty treatment rooms alongside a nailbar and pedicure area.  The Elemis therapists offer a wide range of treatments including the latest anti-ageing skin care from Elemis, reflexology and massages for men and women. 

Situated close to the hotel are the Whispering Pine cabins.  The immaculate three-bedroom cottages look out over Loch Lochy and offer direct access to the private pebble beach.  The cottages include a fully fitted kitchen, a dining and living area with a gas fireplace and a private patio.

The hotel also offers some exclusive overnight packages including a romantic getaway offering, gorge walking and white-water rafting, allowing visitors to explore the Highlands and learn more about its fascinating history.

The hotel includes a souvenir and gift shop, transport to and from hiking locations, complimentary Wi-Fi and is pet friendly.  Strategically located to showcase the true spirit and beauty of Highlands it is ideally placed to explore the outdoors and experience the local culture and heritage.

The property was bought by the Black Sheep Hotel group, which is under the ownership of Mumbai-based hospitality company, Mars Enterprise and Hospitality.  Its owner, entrepreneur Sanjay Narang purchased the property following his visit to the Highlands in 2018.

Mr Narang, who was disappointed with his stay in the Highlands, decided along with sister Rachna, to invest in three properties across the area as a result of his visit.  They invested £3 million to buy the properties with a further investment of £9 million in refurbishing them.

Commenting on the opening of Whispering Pine Lodge, Mr Narang said: “We are delighted to be opening the third of our Black Sheep Hotels at Whispering Pine Lodge, providing affordable luxury on the banks of stunning Loch Lochy.

“The opening marks our hat-trick of Highland hotels, following the opening of Rokeby Manor and Cluanie Inn earlier this year. We have brought together our considerable experience and expertise in the hospitality sector in order to ensure that each of these has hotels their own unique style, perfectly located to explore the Highlands.”

 

For further information: https://blacksheephotels.com/whispering-pine-home/