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Seeing the light

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Bona Lighthouse becomes a beacon for stylish living, writes Susan Welsh

 

There are some truly wonderful houses available as holiday homes across Scotland, but it would be fair to say that among these there’s one that outshines the rest – Bona Lighthouse.

What was once the UK’s smallest manned inland lighthouse was converted into two stunning holiday homes in time for its 200th birthday. The property sits at the north edge of Loch Ness and enjoys fantastic views of both the iconic loch and the Caledonian Canal.

The building, which was designed in 1815 by a superintendent of engineer Thomas Telford who created the canal, was originally used as a tollbooth before being changed into a lighthouse which guided vessels safely along the canal and loch for more than a century.

Now the building has become a beacon for tourists as it is expected to provide a boost for tourism in the area.

Highland MSP David Stewart recently visited the revamped holiday homes, having campaigned for the building to be brought back into use for about a decade. He said he was “delighted” by the progress and said the holiday lets could be a “major boost” for tourism in the Loch Ness area.

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MSP David Stewart, left, and Mark Smith, head of projects with Scottish Canals, visiting Bona Lighthouse. Photo: Sandy McCook

 

The B-listed building is owned by Scottish Canals which undertook the £497,000 project with support from the Vivat Trust and Historic Scotland and managed by lettings firm Cottages & Castles.

During a tour of the building, Mark Smith, Scottish Canals head of projects, showcased a number of unique features: the lighthouse’s light, which is now in the master bedroom of one of the apartments, with the lamp now acting as an unusual bedside illumination. It is set in the stunning original oriel bay window which reveals a fabulous view straight down the inky-blue waters of the loch.

The second apartment is set in what was the lighthouse’s stable. Mr Smith said stripping out the derelict lighthouse took three times as long as it would in a normal property, as every detail was examined to see if it could be renovated or retained.

Once an example of cutting-edge technology, advances rendered the lighthouse obsolete and it fell into disuse.

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Andrew Thin, chairman of Scottish Canals, said: “Creating holiday homes in this iconic location will provide a boost to the tourism of the Highlands, offering visitors breathtaking views of Loch Ness and providing a sustainable future for a building steeped in history.”

The stunning oriel bay window, which once held the light that guided ships on to the canal, has been retained and remains the focal point of the cottage, and is now the ideal spot to while away the hours gazing out at Loch Ness in search of Nessie.

Cottages & Castles say they expect demand for the canal-side gem to be very high over the coming months so those looking to book either a short stay or longer holiday in Bona Lighthouse during the spring or summer months will have to be quick off the mark to avoid disappointment.

Bona Stables on the Caledonian Canal at the mouth of Loch Ness

The renovated interior matches the location, the presentation is stylish, quirky, immaculate and very, very comfortable. From sumptuous beds with crisp white linens to a coast wood burner for cool evenings, this house is eclectic and fun.

The style has been created by Aberdeenshire-based designer Emma Clanfield, who puts a great emphasis on colour and fabrics using a mix of vintage and modern furniture to create interiors which are comfortable, functional and timeless.

The ground-floor accommodation here includes a lovely kitchen/dining room with french doors leading to the garden and which offers fine views of the loch.

The sitting room is hexagonal shaped and has as a nice focal point, a wood-burning stove. This floor also has a twin bedroom, and a bathroom with bath, overbath shower, WC and wash-hand basin. Upstairs, there’s a master bedroom with luxury en suite shower room.

This house would make ideal holiday accommodation for a family or two couples. Next door is the smaller Stables – a perfect romantic retreat or for use as an overflow to Bona Lighthouse.

Outside, there’s ample parking, a lawned loch-side garden and patio with garden furniture and barbecue. Sleeping four, Bona Lighthouse is available to let from £600 per week.

Bona Stables on the Caledonian Canal at the mouth of Loch Ness

Bona is one of a number of fantastic canalside properties Cottages & Castles have to let, all of which feature the bright and warm designs of Emma Clanfield. These include Seaview Cottage set on the banks of the Crinan Canal. It sleeps four and is available to rent from £521 per week.

Bannatyne Cottage sits on Lock 11, a delightful spot on the Crinan Canal, which is certainly one of the prettiest canals in Scotland on the Argyllshire Coast. The cottage was originally built in the 19th century as a lock keeper’s cottage and having been beautifully renovated, today offers a stunning quirky holiday cottage. It also sleeps four and is available to rent from £500 per week.

Sandray Cottage is a former lock keepers cottage on the Caledonian Canal in the Great Glen. Kytra Lock is one of the prettiest of locks on the canal’s path and is a perfect retreat to explore the Highlands and west coast. The cottage sleeps four and is available to rent from £400 per week.

Laggan Bridge Cottage, Invergarry is an 18th-century former canal worker’s house which sits snugly on the mini peninsula where the canal meets Loch Oich. Surrounded on three sides by water it and enjoys beautiful views of the surrounding Highlands. The cottage sleeps four and is available to rent from £500 per week.

Contact: www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk