POOL HOUSE

Sumptuous Scottish hideaway in superlative loch-side setting

SET ON THE RUGGED SHORES of  Loch Ewe, Pool House offers the best of both worlds. Overlooking the clear waters of the loch, this sumptuous Scottish hideaway practically rubs shoulders with the wildlife outside its doors, where local residents include seals, herons and otters.

Even the distractions of wildest nature can’t detract from the luxury that awaits inside. Awash with Victorian splendour, Pool House is a feast of antique portraits and porcelain, roaring fires and top-notch cuisine. Five atmospheric suites come with Victorian brass, French antiques, fireplaces, clawfoot baths and canopied beds. Recent happy guests have included actress Kate Winslet and her film director husband Sam Mendes.

Rooms downstairs are equally full of charm – the cosy library is stacked with books, while the Billiard Whisky room is a cosy setting for a malt or two. Rooms are splashed with golden light at sunset and lucky guests may even spot a sea eagle or two or – in wintertime – the Aurora Borealis.

Wildlife spotting

Go overboard in The Diadem suite (styled on the lines of the Titanic), with its 1912 bathtub and glass canopied shower. You can spot seals from your front window and the only sinking you’ll be doing is into the vast seven-foot square four-poster.

Stargaze in the gilded dining room, with its hand-painted zodiac ceiling, over pre-dinner canapes with your fellow guests. Award-winning fare here makes full use of locally-farmed meat and produce.

Hike on rugged mountain trails outside, take the stunning drive from Poolewe to Ullapool, count the blooms in sub-tropical Inverewe Gardens or simply de-stress in this utterly relaxing hideaway in the midst of the Scottish wilderness.


Pool House was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mark MacGee

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NAUGHTY WEEKENDS AT POOL HOUSE

Supremely romantic Pool House is inviting guests to book a Naughty Weekend escape.

Pay an extra supplement of GBP 90 for a Naughty Weekend Escape package when you stay at Pool House in the Scottish Highlands. This includes a bottle of champagne, incense, a special breakfast picnic in bed and even a selection of naughty board games.
   
There's also an Ever So Slightly Naughty Weekend package, with ylang ylang love soak, kissing glaze, angelic body dust, caramel honey soap, massage oil, and a velvet blindfold.

* Request "Naughty Weekend Escape" in the Message box on our Booking Inquiry form.

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
The decor in North by North West, Pool House's dining room,  is rich and hand-painted. You can dine under the stars here without setting a foot outside; the ceiling features a huge zodiac fresco surrounded by stars on a striking midnight blue backdrop. Romantics can plot their heart-stealing route on the seafaring charts and compass depicted around the walls – glinting in gold when the sun sets. Definitely a setting to remember.

The modern Scottish menu changes daily and most produce is sourced from within a 10 mile radius of the hotel. Highlights include hand dived scallops, creel caught langoustines and lobster from Loch Ewe. The chef also serves up local beef and lamb alongside local organic fruit and vegetables. Presentation is simple and wholesome.

Breakfast
Many guests opt for the picnic hamper continental breakfast, but if you can drag yourselves out of bed full breakfast is served until 10am.

Room service
Available morning and evening




See & Do
Take to the sea in search of whales, porpoises, seals and birds. Pack a picnic and make your way to the world-famous sub-tropical gardens at Inverewe or get to know the local birds of prey at Kinlochewe falconry. 

Spa
There’s indoor swimming within half a mile.

Diary Dates
June
Guys can impress their gals at the Gairloch Highland Gathering games towards the end of the month.

July
Watch the four-legged contestants show off their skills at the Gairloch sheep dog trials.

GETTING THERE

Location
Poolewe, by Achnasheen, Wester Ross IV22 2LD

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
Inverness station – 78 miles

Taxis
GBP 100-120 from the airport

Airport
Inverness – 86 miles

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 195-500

Open/closed
Closed 6 January – 12 February

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
11:30am mid-week, noon on Sunday

Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends.

Children
Over 16s only

Pets
No

Air conditioning
No

Languages
English, French and Gaelic

Wedding license?
Yes – weddings for up to 14 guest can be held here.