The Dower House

The Best Kept Secret in the Highlands!

Secluded in 5 acres of mature woodland and gardens, the hotel is fully centrally heated with log fires in the sitting room and dining room.

The house was originally a traditionally thatched farm house on the 3,000 acre Highfield estate owned since c1540 by the Mckenzies of Highfield.

A conversion was made in the cottage ornee style at the beginning of the 1800's to give the lady dowager a residence out with Highfield House. This became The Dower House.

Highfield House was burnt to the ground in 1947 - the third time in its history - and the family moved to the Dower House, which had again been altered and added to at the beginning of this century.

It remained thus until the house was converted to a hotel in 1989 by Robyn and Mena Aitchison. A great deal of care has been taken to retain its original character but provide modern facilities in a sympathetic manner. . . more of a home than a hotel.

There are four double en-suite bedrooms and one suite. Half tester and brass beds are in several rooms.

Each room also has a direct dial telephone, colour television and radio alarm.

All bedrooms overlook the gardens and have a character of their own. They are decorated traditionally and furnished imaginatively to a very high standard - fresh flowers add a personal touch.

Robyn, who is self taught, has many accolades for his cooking, and the AA have awarded him two rosettes for his imaginative use of fresh local produce from the bountiful Scottish larder.

Sea food, game, lamb and our own organic free-range eggs are some of the produce used along with herbs and vegetables from the hotels garden.

An extensive personally selected wine list with wines from Europe and around the world accompany the food. A cupboard bar with a good selection of malt whiskies is available for guests' use.

[View on map]

The Dower House is situated 14 miles north west of Inverness, capital of the Scottish Highlands.

Inverness Airport [Dalcross] is approximately 30 minutes drive away. Flights from London airports [Gatwick and Luton] and from Glasgow arrive daily at Inverness Dalcross Airport.

Scot Rail has a railhead at Inverness and also has a station at Muir of Ord. Car hire is available.

Surrounding the house is a land of infinite variety - from the pastoral beauty of the east coast, through the awe inspiring mountains, moors and glens to the tranquil beauty of the west coast islands, beaches and sea lochs.

Please see The Dower House web site for further information on the many attractions of the area [Website link at top of this page].

Dinner [3 courses plus coffee and home made truffles] £38.00 per person.

Smoking is not allowed at The Dower House.

Ample off street parking for vehicles.
Room service, laundry facilities and a drying room are also available.
Dogs allowed by prior arrangement only.