Avernish Lodge

The sitting room is designed to bring the outside in, with six large windows and a special viewing chair. Clever lighting, underfloor heating and a wood-burner give warmth and atmosphere at night but you can also see Eilean Donan Castle lit up five miles away. It’s an uncluttered space with photographs and pictures by local artists, the odd sculpture, a modern kitchen with clean lines and a dining table with views. Lynsey leaves you a bottle of wine, chocolates, good coffee and fresh milk.

Bedrooms (one can be a twin) are large with fat mattresses, squishy pillows and doors to the outside so you can enjoy a morning cuppa transfixed by big skies and watery vistas. A large garden surrounds you so you can eat outdoors and watch the boats on the loch – on clear nights you should see plenty of stars.

Head out onto the water, swim if you’re brave, paddle board, kayak, or simply look out for wildlife – deer roam freely.