Lundies House

Introducing the most stylish stopover on Scotland’s North Coast 500: Lundies House, located on the far tip of north-west Scotland. For style-seekers and modern-day explorers, this northerly bolthole that faces a wild expanse of sea and heather-clad hills offers an accessible hideaway whose interior reveals a seductive design canvas of Scandi aesthetics and Highland heart. The coastal village of Tongue is where you’ll find the boutique hotel Lundies House, surrounded by the lofty peaks of Scotland's Ben Hope and Ben Loyal. It faces the sea loch on the Kyle of Tongue, a shifting landscape that changes with the wind, where rolling sea mists hover at dawn and scudding clouds create a play of light on the wide-open water. From the windows of Lundies, the crumbling tower of Caisteal Bharraich (Castel Varrich) can be seen perched on a green hillock.

Once a former manse, or dwelling, its previous occupier Minister Lundy gave the habitation its namesake. But this is no monastic place of devout duty. Conservation architects GRAS ensured that the exteriors stay true to its original 17th-century Scottish form with stone walls and slate roofs, the interior has been energised with the crafted hand of both Scottish and Scandi design and is decked in art. Furniture is strikingly vintage, light fittings are gleaming copper, Danish furnishings are beautifully placed, and Nordic respect for functionality exists. There is a calm simplicity to the living rooms on the ground floor with gorgeous moss-green walls merging into the stone-flagged floors, contemporary frescos meeting original plaster moulding and vast windows that look right out onto the stop-and-stare Highlands. Materials focus on their tactile quality – deep velvet sofas encourage lounging and woven rugs ask to be snuggled up in. A seemingly random selection of objects are scattered around - the feel is of entering the enclave of an eclectic art collector. Cosy nooks contrast with more open spaces and a help-yourself bar means guests can create their own experience. 

Lundies House suits those who like the freedom and comfort of a private house with the convenience of a hotel. This guest house sits somewhere in the middle, where like-minded souls might meet after a day on the road or exploring wild hill climbs. This easily accessible yet reclusive stopover will give you a reason to pause and take in the stillness of your environment while revelling in the perfectly blended alchemy of Scottish and Scandinavian style.

Lundies House's bedrooms are designed to be dens of relaxation – where chilling out is practically mandatory. The three first-floor bedrooms have original wood floors, dating back to when the priest was in residence.  Marble fireplaces create a simultaneous feel of cosy and decadence. A pared-back colour scheme, including muted grey walls and natural linens, makes way for windows that look out onto the Kyle of Tongue. Slipper bathtubs are artfully placed in pools of light by the window to facilitate further viewing.  King size beds are adorned with neutral-tone throws, and copper light fixings add to the Scandi style. Pops of colour come from vintage chairs, generously re-upholstered in emerald-green, burgundy-red velvet or indulgent cream.

Up in the eaves lies a standalone apartment, the Flora Room. Ideal for those wanting a little more space and privacy, the top floor is a snug den where comfort and style make natural bedfellows. A series of rooms are slotted neatly within the rooftop space, including a tongue and grove walled bathroom where a bathtub fits cosily up against the window where bathers can admire the craggy Castle Bharrich. The bed, layered with natural fabrics, sits snugly into a window panorama of the Kyle of Tongue. Romantics, bed lovers and those who like to hibernate will be perfectly at home in this top-floor hideaway.

Lundies House also has an array of outbuildings, one of which contains three more rooms with slightly more modern décor. Exposed brick walls give a raw, minimalist feel, while large, steel-framed windows let light and views flood in. These three rooms also have the advantage of a courtyard. In warmer months, it can be used as a candle-lit alfresco area to dine under Scottish skies or a place to stare into the flames of the firepit with a whisky warming in your clasp.

A further building adds to Lundies House, this time a two-floor self-catering habitation with two bedrooms. The Bothan, described as a ‘modern version of a butler’s home on an estate’, feels homely and suits a family or small group. There’s a cosy courtyard with an open firepit. Inside is a bathroom, dining area and living room, using natural materials such as concrete terrazzo floor, wood-clad walls and brass fossettes.

The dramatic dining room sets the scene for a foodie adventure. The backdrop is a gorgeous wall mural by the French artist Claire Basler which shows grasses and wildflowers set against a heavy, leaden sky. Marble-topped tables accompanied by oak bistro-style chairs designed in Edinburgh are where diners can enjoy the Highland-meets-Nordic cuisine, generally served as sharing plates.

There’s an emphasis on the local whether that’s freshly shucked oysters and seafood, or locally sourced game. Nearby farms provide dairy and Lundies bakes its own sourdough daily. Fresh herbs and vegetables come from Lundies’ garden, and foraged ingredients often appear from the Tongue forests. A special experience might include an outdoor foodie evening where a three-course meal cooked on the grill includes slow-roasted cuts of meat, whole fish and griddled vegetables.

James Wilson is the Head Chef at Lundies, gaining experience in fine dining whilst working in Michelin starred restaurants such as Grön in Helsinki and Oaxen Krog in Stockholm. His food is simple, honest, tasty and unique. He enjoys being connected to nature, foraging and cooking with local fresh produce.

Lundies House is located in Sutherland, in the north-west of the Scottish Highlands, a remote but savagely beautiful area where sea lochs meet mountains and craggy castles dot the wide-open landscapes.

Nestled between some of the most famous bens in Scotland, Lundies House looks over stone walls towards the ruins of Castle Bharrich as the landscape opens into Kyle of Tongue and Tongue Bay.