Heron Lodge

“Luxurious self-catering by the Lake of Menteith”

All but dipping a toe in the Lake of Menteith, our luxurious, larch-clad “A” frame lodge, Heron, was recently totally renovated bringing a modern, minimalist, Scandinavian cool to Lochend.

Heron is one of our detached luxury waterfront lodges (along with Osprey, next door), each sleeping 6 guests. They're full of stylish design touches and cosy comfort. All our accommodation is individually furnished with handpicked colours, handmade wooden details by my husband Chris, and unique lamps, rugs, cushions, artworks and photography that I've chosen to suit each lodge.

Heron lodge's vast floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors bring the beautiful outside in, flooding the lounge with the tranquil lake and mountain scene - you get the same view form the Juliet balcony in the master bedroom upstairs. It's hard to imagine a better view from any self-catering accommodation in Scotland.

The three-bedroom, two-storey open-plan lodge is full of original features - oversize light bulbs hang from antlers above the dining table, a birch branch forms the clothes rail in the downstairs bedroom, Anthropologie bird-shaped knobs adorn the chest of drawers beside an oak bed made by Chris.

Our luxury A-frame lodges have a patio area surrounded by heather beds on the grassy bank between lake and lodge, with a picnic table and chairs, bird feeders and nesting boxes in the Scots Pines all around, and armies of friendly ducks chuntering happily at the water's edge. We can supply duck food if you want to make friends with them.

You'll find a Nespresso machine and all mod cons in the kitchen, and a rejuvenating steam-room shower and free-standing bath tub in the bathroom. For a truly refreshing experience, however, dive into the lake!

We call Heron and Osprey lodges our two luxury A-frame lodges - both have handmade kitchen units with beech trim sourced from the same giant Lochend tree from which my husband, Chris, made the dining table. In Heron, the cabinets are painted in a deep mint green while the rest of the room is in muted greys and whites. There are stools for perching with a coffee at the kitchen island, as well as plenty of comfy seating in the open-plan lounge area. 

Heron lodge kitchen has a fridge, freezer, wahser/dryer dishwasher, electric hob and oven, microwave, Dualit toaster and kettle, Henkel knives (thanks for the tip Nick), scales, food processor, Nespresso machine, and all the pots, pans and utensils you need for 6.

Click here to view and download a full kitchen inventory

Downstairs, the large open-plan kitchen/lounge has limed oak floorboards and a large slate grey corner sofa, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering incredible views over the lake towards Ben Lomond and the Menteith Hills. The space is comfy and spacious, and a perfect hangout for your group of up to 6.

Just back from the window, there's a long refectory-style dining table made by my husband, Chris, from an ancient beech tree that used to tower above the jetty. A cosy curtained alcove has beanbags and a wall-covering print of a Lake of Menteith sunset. This wee corner spot is already hugely popular as a snug kids' computer den, with usb ports and a UE Bluetooth speaker. 

Heron lodge has three bedrooms: two upstairs, one downstairs. The downstairs bedroom is a twin room overlooking the forest at the back of the lodge; upstairs, the cosy double room with Kingsize bed has French windows onto a Juliet balcony with wonderful lake views. The second Kingsize bed in the bedroom across the landing looks out onto the forest.

Beds are all made up with high-quality Egyptian cotton linen for your arrival.

There are two bathrooms. The downstairs one has a steam shower (which can be used as a steam room or/and a shower) and a free-standing bath, perfect for long soaks after a Trossachs walk. The upstairs bathroom is smaller, with toilet, sink and shower. 

Bathrooms come with our favourite Arran Aromatics products.

There are spaces for a couple of cars at the back of each luxury A-frame chalet. Let us know if your need more space.

Egyptian cotton bed linen, towels, tea towels, eco cleaning products, washing powder, dishwasher tabs and all heating and electricity is included in the price of your stay.

Also on arrival, you will find fair-trade tea, coffee and sugar in your accommodation, as well as salt, pepper, milk, Tunnock’s treats and few pods of coffee for the Nespresso machine.

An optional ‘End of Stay Clean’ for a Heron lodge, which is a luxury A-frame lodge, costs £60.

Ask us about this when you book.

Heron lodge offers self-catering accommodation for up to 6, lake views, patio, outdoor table and seating, spacious well-equipped kitchen/diner and comfy lounge area.

3 bedrooms: 2 Kingsize doubles, 1 twin; 2 bathrooms including bath and steam shower. dishwasher, washer/dryer, Freeview, DVD, CD, UE Bluetooth speaker, free Wifi, Nespresso machine.

All heating, electricity, bed linen, towels included; limited cots and high-chairs free on request.