Ashleigh Barbour enjoyed a visit to Sutherlands Guest House in Kingussie so much, that she could happily have moved in
I’m going to let you into a secret.
It pains me to do it, as I’d prefer to keep this to myself. But it just wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t share my unearthed treasure with you.
Before I do, I must admit that I’ve never really been a fan of the guesthouse experience.
It’s probably because I belong to a generation which finds that hotels can be so ridiculously cheap and easy to book online that it’s easier just to click and go. And I don’t like putting anyone to any trouble, especially in their own home.
I’m proud to reveal, however, that I’ve been completely converted – and it’s all thanks to a special couple, Ruby and Raymond Sutherland, who have created what I can only describe as the ultimate luxury Highland getaway.
The pair opened their Sutherlands Guest House – a three-floor “show home” in the heart of Kingussie – earlier this year.
Tucked away off the High Street and with the Cairngorm National Park providing a stunning backdrop at every turn, the couple have channelled all their 60 years of experience in the hospitality industry into their latest venture.
We arrived on a Friday night in not quite the best of states – well, one of us wasn’t feeling his best, anyway.
My other half had just walked off a flight following a week-long jaunt in Houston and had jet lag (or a hangover – whatever you want to call it).
Lucky for him, he was about to be looked after like never before.
I’ve been lucky enough to stay in a couple of five-star hotels in my life, and I can honestly say the Sutherlands rivalled them all.
It had all the luxury appeal of a modern home, with tasteful touches inspired by the couple’s time living abroad.
Our room – the Spey – was a warm mixture of tartans, creams and wood, with the modern, clean lines you would expect to see in any upmarket hotel.
I suppose we had the luxury of visiting the establishment so soon after it opened, but I can’t see standards at the Sutherlands ever slipping.
The star of the show was our bathroom. And if you could indulge me for a few seconds while I go on about it, I would be most grateful.
It really was something that must be seen to be believed and I make no exaggeration when I say that it was almost the size of my own flat.
A steam room, body shower, double bath, double wash basin . . . It was epic.
Next to our room, the couple have created a TV room for all to enjoy. With cream sofas to fall into, a big flat-screen TV and large windows overlooking Kingussie, the historic Ruthven Barracks, Strathspey and the Cairngorms, it would be the perfect place to spend a lazy day.
I made a mental note to book myself into the Sutherlands for a whole weekend and spend the entire time doing nothing.
We were in desperate need of some grub by the time we unpacked and, lucky for us, Raymond – a chef by trade – was in the kitchen waiting for us to pick from his carefully crafted menu.
With dinner chosen, a gin and tonic in hand and the heat from the ultra-modern fire roaring, we took some time out in the couple’s lounge – a vast, cavernous space that stores Raymond’s prized whisky collection.
For dinner, we started off with the scallops, then tucked into venison: it was up there with the best food I have ever tasted and oozed sophistication and skill.
The Sutherlands Guest House has some of the best free views of the Highlands, and with our chairs placed expertly facing the misty moors, there is no place I would have rather been.
We finished off with some cheese and biscuits and congratulated ourselves on agreeing to dine inside.
I’ve already described the Sutherlands as the ultimate luxury Highland getaway, but it’s actually so much more. By the time I had a long soak in the double bath that night
and slipped into the super-king-sized bed, I was ready to move in permanently.
Nothing was too much trouble, even when we got up a little later than intended for breakfast the next day. Raymond prepared us the ultimate Highland feast, a plate of tasty goods from the local butchers.
Our whole experience, from beginning to end, was flawless and I was devastated to leave (the only reason I did go was because our room was booked out for the rest of the weekend).
But the nicest thing about our visit was meeting Mr and Mrs Sutherland, who are incredibly humble about how wonderful their establishment is.
Their home is your home during your stay and as long as we left happy, that was all that mattered to them.
Keeping secrets is a tricky business – but just this once, I’m glad I spilled the beans.
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For more information visit www.sutherlandskingussie.co.uk
Room rates range from £95 to £125 per night.
Breakfast is included in the nightly rate. Evening meals are £35 per person.