Coul House Hotel, Ross-shire

Storia

Coul House was built for Sir George Steuart Mackenzie, 7th Baronet of Coul, by Edinburgh architects Robert & Richard Dickinson. George Steuart was born in 1780, his family had resided in Coul since 1560. The word Coul in Gaelic means settlement in the narrows of the glen. Sir George was known as a just and liberal landlord, distinguished in the pursuits of science.

In 1888, Queen Victoria visited Strathpeffer spa town and was entertained with a small Highland gathering at Coul House. A painting of the occasion still sits above the fireplace in the Octagonal Room.

In 1940, the British Army used it to house the Polish mounted division who ran a light casualty hospital in the house during the war. It is said that the Royal Family of Norway stayed here during their exile. In 1978, Historic Scotland listed Coul House as a Grade A building.

In 2003, Stuart & Susannah Macpherson purchase Coul House and set about slowly refurbishing the hotel and reinstating some of the original features of the house.

Cibo & bevande

Coul House offers contemporary Scottish cuisine that utilises local and international produce and ingredients, as well as traditional dishes, for a unique dining experience.

Garry, the Head Chef, is a traditionalist in that he chooses to make his own breads, pastries, desserts and stocks for all his sauces. He also cures and smokes on-site using traditional Highland methods. Garry sources the meat and fish from Campbell’s of Broxburn, be it Scottish landed or reared produce. West coast lobsters and scallops from Dingwall based Keltic Seafare are available.

A good variety of wines both from the new world producers and some of the old classics will complement your meal.

Terreni & Giardini

The 8 acres of grounds, adjacent Achilty forest and the unspoilt views to the mountains gives the feeling that nothing has changed over the centuries.

The lawns are put to good use with a fun nine-hole pitch and putt. There is a small play area hidden in the trees for children and a large terrace just off the lounge bar for you to enjoy a cold drink on a sunny day or a warming malt in the colder months, it’s a perfect spot to take in the Highland scenery.