There’s a jaunty, contemporary feel to the Cowap family’s restored Victorian shooting lodge in the Cairngorms national park. Wood-panelled public areas are decorated with local artwork, bright modern furnishings and Scottish flourishes; on fine days, stroll across the slated terrace overlooking pond and pastureland. Cheerfully designed bedrooms have fluffy bathrobes and the latest gadgetry (smart TV, iPod dock, ceiling speakers); the views are of surrounding scenery. Cake, coffees and a grazing menu are served all day, but leave room for dinner: the candlelit conservatory restaurant serves ‘home-style cooking with a twist’, perhaps Balliefurth sticky pork belly, smoked polenta, apple mirin sauce. Whisky is taken seriously: there are more than 70 choices to sample – perhaps with a haggis bon-bon or two. 5 miles from Grantown-on-Spey.