The hub of Tomdhu Lodge is the huge open-plan, double-height living, dining and kitchen area. With glass along two sides, you can really take in the wonderful views towards Boat of Garten, but the inside is pretty fantastic too. In the centre is the double-sided wood burning stove with its statement chimneypiece of granite, slate and lapped larch. On the other side to the living area is a large dining table, the ideal spot for a bit of after-dinner route-planning. Because next to it is the oversized OS map of the entire Cairngorms area – the first clue that this place has been designed by someone who really loves the adventurous outdoor life.
The kitchen is a foodie’s dream; not only do you have a stylish and practical island to work and serve up on, but you also have a really well-stocked arsenal of cookware and tableware, a Nespresso machine and even your own spacious butler’s pantry! Rather brilliantly, it contains a bank of Tupperware and napkins - ideal for preparing a picnic or packed lunch for all eight of you to spend a day on the hills.
Off the hallway from the kitchen is your sumptuous family shower room, and the wide entrance porch. This has been fitted out so that your departure and return each day is as smooth a process as possible, whatever the weather outside. Lots of space to sit and put on or remove boots and wet clothing – but to make your life even easier, a separate laundry and drying room to one side. Washer, tumble dryer, heated clothes rail, clothes airer, boot rack and lots of hanging space – the perfect place to dry all your waterproofs, ski wear, even wetsuits, ready for the next day. There is even a large comfortable dog bed for those pets who like to curl up somewhere cosy and quiet after a day bounding about the mountains!
Further along the hall is another luxurious family bathroom with both shower and very deep bathtub. There are two double bedrooms with king size beds on the ground floor, whilst the twin bedrooms sit at either side of the top of the staircase. All four bedrooms are decorated in a cool and contemporary style designed to provide you with a really relaxing retreat at the very end of your day.
To seriously unwind though, you’ll want to spend some time in the evenings enjoying the large 8-person hot tub right outside the patio doors, where there’s also an outdoor dining area and firepit.
You could not ask for a more beautifully designed and comprehensively equipped house than Tomdhu Lodge, whether your adventures involve high mountain walking, climbing, skiing or simply enjoying the fresh air and views of our stunning part of the Highlands. We’re sure that a stay here will inspire you to live the Cairngorms life in all its exciting possibilities!
