Iconic Highland country hotel Inverlochy Castle has unveiled plans to meticulously restore its listed stables and create eight new bedrooms to help meet high guest demand. With rooms at the five-star property near Fort William in scarce supply year-round, Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI), which manages the castle hotel, will lead the plans to renovate the stables and walled garden, taking the total capacity of the castle to 35 rooms.
The new rooms, set within the 500-acre estate close to the main castle building, will mirror the same character seen throughout the hotel. The stables themselves are listed, so renovation will be carefully carried out to retain the original character. The rooms overlook the walled garden, which will also undergo extensive restoration.
Norbert Lieder, managing director of Inverlochy Castle Management International, said: “This ambitious project will see the listed castle stables and walled garden carefully restored to breathe new life into the estate grounds and provide an additional luxurious and unique space for guests to enjoy. We want everyone who steps inside to feel like they’re being welcomed into our home, and the designs retain as much original character as possible.
“The Scottish Highlands’ exceptional beauty and landscapes means there is extremely high demand for five-star accommodation within the region. The expansion designs pay homage to this historic landscape, and we look forward to unveiling the new bedrooms and garden when complete.”
In an area with vast history and beauty, the additional capacity will provide a base for guests to explore the Highlands and discover true Scottish hospitality in the 19th century castle, nestled in the foothills of Ben Nevis. Each room will be named in honour of a person with close ties to the castle and who has been instrumental in its success, including:
- The KC Chai Suite, after the late KC Chai, owner of Inverlochy Castle who helped elevate the hospitality experience
- The Hobbs Suite, after former owner Greta Hobbs, who turned the castle into a hotel after her late husband’s passing and is laid to rest in the castle grounds
- The Albert Roux Junior Suite, paying homage to the castle’s close relationship with the late Michelin starred chef, who opened many restaurants in ICMI properties across Scotland
- The Jane Watson Junior Suite, after the General Manager of Inverlochy Castle who has dedicated her career to the hotel, working from housekeeping to management
- The Clelland Barrie Room, after the castle’s pianist who delighted and entertained guests for over 15 years until his passing
- The Isabel Smith Room, recognising over two decades of service from the castle’s dedicated reservations manager
- The Phyllis Knox Room, after the castle’s former florist and much-loved member of the local community
- The William Birch Room, in recognition of the outstanding talent and character of Inverlochy’s sommelier
Work has already begun, with the new rooms ready to welcome guests from April 2023. The expansion follows the recent launch of a unique and interactive dining experience, Seasgair by Michel Roux Jr. In a nod towards the time when the castle was occupied as a private home by Greta Hobbs, Michel Roux Jr has taken inspiration from her celebrated cook Mary Shaw, who would create a new menu each night for the family and guests to enjoy together.
Comments are closed.