Cloisters
Fort Augustus Abbey is a Grade A listed building sitting in 20 acres of private grounds on the shores of Loch Ness now converted into apartments and homes known as The Highland Club. To reach the Aonach Mor apartment which sleeps 4 (Raven Wing) you walk through a number of corridors into the grand cloisters, then up a modern stair case to the top floor.
We were met outside by one of the owners, Clare, and she showed us around the luxury apartment with obvious pride, and rightly so. With the oak floors, confortable furnishings, well-equipped kitchen and lovely bathrooms you are set for a comfortable stay.
Open Plan Living
Clare and her husband have the flat well equipped for a luxury stay, with Royal Doulton dinner service, cut glass wine and whiskey glasses, coffee machine (not sure how to work it, tho! but we brought our own anyway) with ground coffee, tea bags, sugar and instant coffee provided along with a pint of milk in the larder fridge and freezer, as well as a selection of DVD’s, CD’s and surround sound system and selection of board games and information about the area you really are not left wanting for anything! Anyone for tennis? There are tennis rackets and balls to use in the tennis court too!
The only downsides to the apartment are the guests in the twin room have to travel a little to the end of the hall, whereas the ideal design would be to have that room next to the bathroom as the double room
Master Bedroom
has an ensuite, and the doors are rather heavy and noisy when they close so all are disturbed if someone from that room gets up in the night, also there is no wardrobe in the twin room, although there is space in the hallway cupboard to hang some things. Those are not the fault of the owners, of course. Pack lightly to save trips to the apartment, it’s a bit of a trek from the entrance up to the flat!
Otherwise, it’s a lovely, confortable and homely apartment with views in a lovely estate on the shores of Loch Ness.
18/11/08 – Update: Received email from Clare to inform that instructions are now provided for the coffee machine and noisy doors have been sorted! How’s that for fab service and customer care? 5 stars!
18/1/09 – Received newsletter from Clare and pleased to note that the apartment has been accredited with 4 stars from the Scottish Tourist Board for self-catering accommodation, and the apartments have been freshly decorated.
The Abbey
