Breathing rooms

Published on Tuesday 17 February 2009 13:52

WHEN JIM MCNEISH bought this extensive house in 2005, he had a vision. Within the walls of the 18th-century building he would create a residential centre for executive development.

Its spaces would soothe the souls of fraught corporate guests. In a replenished state, says McNeish – a psychologist and leadership expert – the individual's mind becomes curious and ready to learn.

He named his venue House of Cantle, incorporating an old Scots word meaning "to revive the spirits", and has since realised his dream. Today, the venue's rooms feature colour tones and natural materials specially selected to create an ambience of uplifting warmth and tranquillity.

Located at Morenish, near Killin (where Stirlingshire meets Perthshire), House of Cantle enjoys a remarkable setting on the side of Tarmachan Ridge with dramatic views over Loch Tay. There is, says McNeish, plenty of space to think.

Built in 1750 as a shooting lodge, the house was used as a store for the Queen's archive materials during the Second World War. Latterly, the handsome building was a country house hotel with decor that didn't match McNeish's vision. He admits he had no prior experience of revamping interiors, but didn't see that as a problem.

"These days we're all more design-savvy. I bought magazines and asked friends for advice," he says.

McNeish fell in love with the area before buying the house and it was always important to him that the venue should have a role in the community. Rather than a cloistered retreat, House of Cantle has become a resource for locals as well as business clients, with many signing up to, for example, psychology classes.

Local talent was employed during the refurbishment process. Joiner Alan Silverton's fine craftsmanship is on show, while Aberfeldy-based architects Mackenzie Strickland Associates reinterpreted the use of space.

Twelve bedrooms, each with an individual look, provide accommodation for the guests on residential programmes. "We've built a loyal client base and have many return visitors – most have their favourite rooms," says McNeish. New guests often take a while to reappear after checking in. Who can blame them when these dens – from the Narnia-like "Edmund" to the toffee-coloured "McCowan" – are so cosy?

One of McNeish's favourite colours is an enriching red used in the upstairs hall. He chose opulent shades for north-facing spaces and lighter, brighter shades for south-facing rooms which receive more natural light.

Having picked a different concept for every room, McNeish enjoyed the process of bringing each to fruition. He describes the bedroom called "Ignatius" as "a cloistered cell", and its slate floor, exposed roof timbers and stonework lend it rustic qualities. But it's far from Spartan; the slate conceals underfloor heating, while the rich aubergine-coloured wall enhances warmth.

In contrast, "Martha", with tongue-and-groove wall panelling and breezy paint shades, has a fresh, New England feel complemented by quilted throws, gingham cushions and seaside trinkets. "Ogoni" has undertones of African adventure with timber animal carvings and earthy colours, while the aforementioned "Edmund" possesses the wintry magic of Narnia, enhanced by fake fur throws, fairy lights, a street lamp and of course, a great wardrobe.

Jim keeps each room updated, buying pieces as they catch his eye. Recently he found a white antique desk he knew would complement the Narnia room, while providing visitors with a functional piece of furniture.

A refit of the upstairs space equipped each bedroom with an en suite. Furnished with simple, white sanitaryware, these bathrooms are made individual with features such as textured wall tiles, timber counters and contemporary basin shapes.

Last year, the venue hosted the CompassionArt writers' retreat, which saw world-class singer-songwriters (with 11 Grammy awards between them) creating music to raise charity funds. Business clients include executives from multinationals, such as BP, and niche companies like clothing firm Fat Face, as well as charities such as Children on the Edge.

Time spent on team development and executive coaching is designed to reintroduce guests to what is "human" in the workplace; organisations are, says McNeish, living systems, not machines.

Public spaces at Cantle had to complement McNeish's approach. His coaching programmes – based on the latest psychological research – are designed to rein in egos and lower defences. The idea is that individuals gain a greater insight into themselves and a new perspective on others.

Most recently, the reception has been revamped in fresh, rejuvenating shades of blue and white, while candles flicker welcomingly against the walls. Rows of Wellingtons signal the opportunity for regular forays into the surround- ing countryside.

The red-walled library, with open fire, bookcases and a desk, plays a key role in the business of the house. One-to-one coaching, which often leads to soul-searching discussions, takes place in this cosy room, which absorbs awesome views.

The dining room also feasts on inspiring loch panoramas via a vast window, while the snug, with open hearth, exposed stonework and oak flooring, is a sociable space to which visitors gravitate at night. Candles held in sconces cast mellow light against the stone, conspiring with comfy, classic leather furniture to captivate guests.

Among the latest additions to Cantle's calendar is an outdoor adventure weekend organised in response to demand from business guests who crave more time to get out and about in the countryside. The proposed weekend (Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 April 2009) promises to let guests explore mountains, lochs and forests, and there will be opportunities for Munro-bagging, sailing and learning survival skills. Reflection breaks are another new concept. These will consist of non-teaching weeks where guests simply escape the office in order to bring their hectic lives into perspective.

And just outside the door, Jim has created an inspirational landscape with the help of groundsman Davie Neilson. Field drains were laid in a boggy, three-acre forest in which new paths have been created. Bridges placed over two parts of the burn have created a circuit through woods featuring fire pits, lanterns and gargoyles. Like every space at Cantle, it's designed to deliver body and mind to a place far, far away from everyday working lives.

&#149 For more information, tel: [phone] or visit www.cantle.net