Culloden House

From its frosty leafless winter grounds, to lush greenery in the summer, and through to startling autumnal red, the picturesque ivy-clad facade of the Culloden House Hotel shifts from season to season. A crimson-carpeted staircase sweeps up to an elegant though unassuming entrance and into the hotel's high-ceilinged reception area. From here, guests will find a trove of historical pieces scattered throughout the property in the form of oil paintings, antique furniture, and grand gilt-framed mirrors. Cut-glass chandeliers, marble fireplaces, and classic Adams plaster reliefs add to the atmospheric period ambience, albeit it's occasionally undermined by dowdy patterned carpets and floral fabrics. Some areas are also leaning toward looking tired. 

Steeped in history dating from medieval times, this relatively modest-sized Georgian mansion was built at the end of the 18th century and acted as Bonnie Prince Charlie's headquarters the night before the famous Battle of Culloden. The estate is set in almost 40 acres of peaceful and attractive grounds comprising swathes of manicured lawn, walled flower gardens, a duck pond, and surrounding woods. A mix of golfers, history buffs, and touring couples make up the bulk of the clientele, though (as a protected property) there are no elevators or disabled access to the main building -- so upper level rooms involve climbing 60 steps. 

Culloden House is located on the rural outskirts of its namesake village, a few miles east of "Capital of the Highlands" Inverness on Scotland’s northeast coast. Best known for the last conflict of the Jacobite Rising, the restored Culloden Moor battlefield is 10 minutes away by car, which includes the Culloden Visitor Centre museum. Besides pleasant strolls around the nearby forest, there's little within walking distance with most dining and shopping found around a 15-minute drive away in Inverness. It's a great spot for golfers with Castle Stuart -- home of the Scottish Open 2016 -- only 10 minutes away by car, and the Nairn Golf Course 20 minutes, plus around 20 more golf courses within an hour's drive. Inverness Airport is also just 10 minutes' drive. 

Most of the hotel's 28 guest rooms and suites are found in the main building with a separate Garden Mansion annex a short walk away, holding four junior suites and a lounge. Decor is traditional with a mix of genuine antique and antique-style furniture, patterned fabrics (from floral to tartan), and various gilt-framed etchings, mirrors, and paintings. Entry-level rooms (Classics) tend to have limited views or ones of the parking lot, and upper-level rooms are smaller with low ceilings. These are also accessed by lots of stairs. By contrast, Superior Rooms and suites feature lovely garden views, some with added period features such as fireplaces and four-poster beds. 

Standard amenities are fairly basic, with little beyond flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, which is free though can be patchy. Suite perks include Bose music systems and laptops on request. There are no in-room coffee- or tea-making facilities, but they are available free via room service. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained with Victorian-style fixtures, mostly with shower/tub combos (some suites have separate showers and one a whirlpool tub); all come with robes, slippers, and high-end L'Occitane toiletries. 

With little in the way of on-site leisure facilities (typical of such heritage hotels), the focus of the Culloden is on food and drink. A full Scottish breakfast is always included in the rate, with eggs, sausage, bacon, black pudding, and potato scones; there's also a lighter continental option as well as traditional smoked haddock. Seasonally changing a la carte and tasting menus are also served for lunch and dinner, drawing from local produce such as Loch Fyne salmon, Orkney crab, and Highland beef. Afternoon Tea is served with prior reservation. The quality of food is generally outstanding and justifiably expensive. With over 110 different malts, the hotel also has an impressive selection of whisky, with pre-booked tasting sessions available. 

The hotel does have a tennis court and croquet lawn for guests' use, though most activities such as fishing, shooting, and golf are only available outside the grounds and must be booked in advance. Tours of the surrounding area can also be arranged. There's no gym or real spa area, though a sauna can be found in the basement.