In one of the most dramatic settings of any UK hotel, Jane MacFarlane’s 18th-century-cum-Victorian mansion stands against a backdrop of woodland and mountain, overlooking Loch Shiel. Since 2002, Manja and Duncan Gibson have been manager and chef. ‘Warmth and comfort’ pervade public rooms filled with antique and traditional furniture. Oil paintings share a Jacobite theme (the house was built for a bloodied survivor of Culloden). Loch-facing bedrooms have views of the Glenfinnan Monument and distant Ben Nevis. Some rooms have a four-poster or sleigh bed, perhaps an ‘enormous’ spa bath. For families there are suites and interconnecting rooms. Fresh flowers and fruit are a nice touch. In a bar sprigged with antlers, food choices include nibbles and sandwiches. In the dining room, Duncan’s menus include chargrilled steaks, chicken and salmon, maybe home-made venison sausages with sautéed mushrooms, red wine and onion gravy; pumpkin ravioli, minced garlic, Scottish rapeseed oil, rocket leaves. Young fans of Harry Potter might opt for a burger, pasta, fish and chips 
before heading out to ride the steam train over Robert (Concrete Bob) McAlpine’s soaring viaduct. Wizard!