For thousands of tourists who visit Scotland each year, a visit to Loch Ness is a must.
A truly iconic destination, it’s one of the great natural wonders of the world. While statistics such as it being more than 20 miles long, one mile wide and more than 700ft deep are impressive, it’s not until you learn that you could tip all the fresh water lakes in England and Wales in it and still have room to spare, that you truly appreciate the scale of it.
If this was anywhere else in the world one might suspect it would have wall-to-wall hotels built along it, but it’s remarkably undeveloped with only a few businesses and properties enjoying truly unspoiled views of the dark and mysterious waters.
Among them is a new phase of holiday lodges being built at the Loch Ness Holiday Park at Easter Port Clair, south of Invermoriston, and the only holiday park sitting on the edge of this world famous loch.
It’s owned by Robbie Girvan whose family have been helping holidaymakers enjoy the views from this stretch of land near his own home, for years.
Phase one, a development of large luxury timber holiday homes priced from £185,000 were quickly snapped up.
The next phase, which will see 10 Pathfinder Homes “custom’ lodges” being built, priced from £80,000, is now under way, with four already bought.
“I could see there was a demand for this type of holiday home, one that has all the comfort and luxuries of home which is why we gradually moved from caravans to luxury lodges, said, Robbie.
“We work closely with Devon-based Pathfinders Homes as they can create a bespoke holiday lodge which can either be used as a holiday home for the buyer or be used to provide a second income by being let out.
“We have deliberately set out to create a comfortable home-from-home so instead of building lodges on the recommended standard 18ft plot we have used 40ft wide plots which gives each home plenty of space around it.”
Each lodge comes with an impressive decked area and viewing platform directly enjoying an unspoilt view across the loch and towards the hills in the distance.
“There’s not many places you can fish on Loch Ness without leaving the comfort of your home,” said Robbie.
Within the landscaped grounds of each lodge there’s plenty of space for a vehicle, a barbecue area and an impressive pergola-covered six person hot tub – a beautiful spot to relax, take in the views and perhaps keep a weather eye out for Nessie.
Designed to feel like a modern apartment, the lodges feel remarkably solid inside and out.
Ray Currie, northern sales manager for Pathfinders, said: “These lodges weigh nearly six tonnes and very solid with plasterboard internal walls which means those buying can have a say in how they want the internal lay-out to look.
“The timber comes from sustainable forests and has been treated so is very low maintenance, while the lodges use more than the recommended amount of insulation so they retain heat very well.”
Pop through the side door and you are in a lovely light space, thanks to the design which incorporates a glass wall housing twin patio doors overlooking the loch, and a cathedral-style ceiling.
The lounge has plenty of space for full-size furniture and a dining table while the kitchen has a good range of grain-effect base and wall units topped with wood-style worktops and incorporating a built-in fridge/freezer, Indesit electric oven and a mains gas hob.
Off a central hall there’s one bedroom housing bunk beds and a single wardrobe, and a rather glamorous master bedroom with triple mirrored door wardrobe.
From here there’s direct access to a stylish en-suite shower room which can also be accessed from the main hall, which also houses a large storage cupboard.
Decorated in neutral tones and with an oatmeal-coloured carpet, the stylish showhome shows the type of luxury holiday living that can be enjoyed here.
“We have owners from Aberdeen and Dubai and everywhere in between, who just want to come here and relax and enjoy the views which are fantastic,” said Robbie.
“A lot of people are now looking to own a second home that can give them an income and with a rise in those wanting to holiday at home, these lodges are ideal as from an investment point of view, there’s the potential to rent them out for up to 38 weeks a year at between £500 and £800 a week.”
While the views never fail to captivate visitors, there’s plenty of on-site attractions too including a laundry, bar and restaurant and two jetties where you can moor a boat or two.
The lodges, which come fully furnished, also have central heating, double glazing and all infrastructure such as water and sewerage facilities in place.
For further details visit www.lochnesshighland lodges.co.uk or contact selling agent, MacLeod and MacCallum 0n 01463 235550.