Scotland on Sunday Travel Wishlist – Do Not Disturb – Newhall Mains, Balblair, By Dingwall, Ross-shire

Having a private airfield takes a holiday destination to new heights, but you don’t need to arrive by air to enjoy what Newhall Mains on the Black Isle has to offer, writes Janet Christie

The Catriona one bedroom cottage features a free standing bathtub and an adjacent Louis XIV style dressing room.

Fringed by the Moray and Cromarty Firths, just half an hour’s drive from Inverness, with its airport and railway station for the Caledonian Sleeper service from London, the cottages and suites converted from formerly derelict 18th century farm buildings are easily accessible by other modes of transport too when restrictions allow.

Set around a classic quadrangle, the five individually-themed cottages and four double suites can accommodate up to 28 people and with underfloor heating, fully equipped kitchens as well as a food delivery service, there’s everything you need for a break with your bubble, or larger groups when lockdown lifts, with no minimum stay or deposit on booking.

Traditional materials - stone, lime render, lead and slate - have been used in the transformation of the buildings and the interiors have been lavished with bespoke furniture and furnishings, including rugs spun from the fleeces of the estate’s own flock of Jacob sheep.

Covid precautions

All cottages are thoroughly cleaned on checkout with additional daily cleaning available on request. Staff adhere to government guidelines on wearing masks and social distancing is observed throughout. All staff have been trained about Covid-19, how it spreads and how to contain it. Complimentary hand gel is available in the suites and cottages and all contact points – door handles, public restrooms and table tops – regularly disinfected. There is no deposit required and free cancellations up to 48 hours before arrival, allows guests the maximum flexibility in case of illness or changing restrictions.

Budget or boutique?

Neither, it’s top-flight.

The wallpapered drawing room in the Euan two bedroom cottage enjoys views the Jacob sheep and walled garden.

Room Service

The five individually themed cottages (from one to three bedrooms, which sleeps six) and four double bedroom suites overlook the lavender courtyard or paddock of grazing sheep and wood-burners keep things cosy. The furniture and furnishings are bespoke, from natural sheep wool quilts to velvet sofas, paired with bold patterned wallpaper and an eclectic paint palette. There is high speed wifi, smart TV and Aromatherapy Associates toiletries.

Wining and Dining

A welcome breakfast hamper heaving with local produce gets guests off to a hearty start and if leaving the luxury of Newhall Mains and heading out to the Black Isle’s eateries is a trip too far, they can self-cater in the fully-equipped kitchens or use the Meals at the Mains scheme. This partnership with a local chef delivers three course restaurant-quality dinners - one starter, one main, two sides and one dessert (eg wild mushroom soup, confit of duck leg, plum and apple crumble) to the cottage with cooking and plating instructions, at £29 per person ordered two days in advance. In warmer weather, expect cookery sessions on the Argentine-inspired asado and BBQ, the grill and fire pit hand-crafted by the local stonemason using leftover sandstone from the site.

Spacious interiors and a recently completed events space means Newhall Mains is perfect for weddings and corporate retreats when restrictions allow, with space for up to 150 people, as well as accommodation for up to 26.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Head for the Falls of Shin and see salmon leaping upstream or view the Moray Firth’s bottlenose dolphins from a custom-built wildlife watching boat or directly from Chanonry Point. Watch wildfowl and waders feeding in nearby Udale Bay in winter and the skeins of pink-footed geese heading north, with 10,000 geese passing through from September to March, often assembling in Newhall Mains’ own fields.

Whisky lovers can sniff out several prestigious distilleries within a 45 minute drive and golfers do the rounds of several top courses within easy reach, including the championship course at Dornoch.

Little Extras

Newhall Mains has a private airfield with 630m landing strip allows guests to fly in on privately-chartered or privately-owned light aircraft or transfer from Inverness airport. Tailor-made scenic flights in partnership with the local flight school can also be arranged.

The breakfast hamper is a nice touch, there’s Tesla charging for electric cars, and did we mention the airfield? At 630m long, the landing strip allows guests to fly in for their holiday on a privately-chartered or privately-owned light aircraft or be transferred from Inverness airport in style. Tailor-made scenic flights over the Highlands in partnership with the local flight school can also be arranged.

Guestbook Comments

Whatever your mode of transport, you’ll find a happy landing at Newhall Mains.

Prices A low-season stay at Newhall Mains (newhall-mains.com / 01381 632032) costs from £95 per night in a double suite, rising to £250 per night in the three-bedroom cottage. Cottage guests all receive a welcome hamper.

Newhall Mains, Balblair, By Dingwall, Ross-shire, IV7 8LQ, [phone], [email protected]

A bedroom in Red Gates Cottage, with view of the paddock.

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