Hotel group Black Sheep Hotels has opened the Whispering Pine Lodge, the group’s third Scottish Highlands hotel.
Formerly the Letterfinlay Lodge at Spean Bridge, and originally a hunting lodge built in the 1800s, the hotel 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 has hosted numerous celebrities, including Hollywood’s Burt Lancaster and jazz musician Stéphane Grappelli.
The property has 25 en-suite bedrooms with unspoilt views of the Highlands. All rooms have been 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 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.
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 group 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 was disappointed with his stay in the Highlands and decided along with sister Rachna to invest in three properties across the area. £3m was invested in buying the properties with a further investment of £9m 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.”
