In a beautiful location on the shore of Loch Sunart, where otters swim in the waters and red squirrels scamper around the land, this 18th-century lodge offers country-house comforts and plenty of Scottish flair, ranging from tartan fabrics to homemade shortbread. It once served as a garrison for troops hunting down Jacobite rebels, and was dubbed 'The Barracks', but it is anything but barrack-like now. Fresh from a major refurbishment of its public areas and bedrooms, it is the perfect bolthole from which to explore Scotland's remote Ardnamurchan Peninsula. Some of the contemporary-chic rooms have views over the loch; all have home-made shortbread and Arran Aromatics toiletries. Bathrooms, some with bath and walk-in shower, have underfloor heating. You can choose to eat casually in the brasserie or dress up for the restaurant, picking either the tasting menu or eating à la carte from a menu which includes dishes such as assiette of seafood or slow-cooked feather blade of beef. Breakfast on a kipper or a full Scottish before a day's mountain-biking, kayaking, boating or wild swimming. Or just set off on a walk with your dog from the hotel door.