Boath House

Once thought of as the most beautiful Regency house in Scotland (it was designed by Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson), this ‘wonderful’ luxury hotel is owned and run by the Matheson family. Original architectural features are a unique backdrop to the continually changing exhibition of Scottish artwork staged around the house. ‘Well-equipped’ bedrooms are individually styled with tartan accents and the odd antique. In the ‘delightful’ grounds, pick any one of the interconnected paths down to the natural lake, through the wild flower meadow and into the walled garden; secluded seating areas dot the lawns. After canapés and aperitifs, sit down to Charlie Lockley’s ‘beautifully cooked, no-choice’ menus in the ‘elegant’ dining room. The Michelin-starred chef prepares succinctly described dishes – perhaps langoustine, amaranth, hazelnut; lamb, black olive, kale – using organic produce from the kitchen garden. ‘I loved it.’ Breakfast is ‘as elegant and well presented as dinner’. Start the day off right with fruit smoothies; porridge with fruit compote and crème fraîche; home-baked bread slathered with ‘delicious’ marmalade. (BW)