Ironwork sculptures adorn the wide lawn that borders Loch Faskally at the McMenemie family’s extended Victorian country house, along with waterside seating areas. The hotel’s ambience is timeless and inclusive. Wildlife spotters are encouraged to pick up binoculars, and to jot down sightings in a nature diary that lives on the piano in the main lounge. There is a 9-hole putting green and, indoors, a jigsaw puzzle always on the go. Activity breaks of the gentler kind include cryptic crossword puzzles, Scrabble and creative writing. From 11 am, the sideboard is set with vacuum flasks of coffee, tea and biscuits, and in the afternoon, home-baked cakes come out. Scottish-themed artwork adorns public spaces. Before dinner, guests mingle over complimentary sherry. After 18 years in the kitchen, Richard Murray has stepped up as head chef. Trusted readers enjoyed a ‘delicious, succulent fillet of Orkney salmon with a sweet pepper salad and new potatoes’. Most bedrooms – in the main house and purpose-built wings – overlook the loch. Some have a balcony; 16 are on the accessible ground floor. (RG, JT)