The Grange

Set on a quiet road high above Loch Linnhe with its gardens terracing down to a terrific view across the loch to the hills, The Grange has a countryside feel yet is just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Fort William. Built in 1884 for a wealthy lady, The Grange, with gracefully sloping roofs and curved turrets, has a feminine feel that is continued indoors in the tasteful way Joan has decorated her home. The sitting room and the dining room, where breakfast with a great variety of choices is served, are comfortable, enjoyable spaces. The gorgeous bedrooms each have a loch view. I loved Rob Roy (where Jessica Lange stayed during the movie shoot), a lovely room with a luxurious bathroom with tub and shower, but for style and view, the Garden Room surpassed it. If you don’t fancy carrying your luggage up stairs, opt for the ground floor Terrace room with its own patio and bathroom with claw-foot tub and shower. Guests often walk to the pier to enjoy a seafood dinner at the Cranogg Restaurant. Countless possibilities exist for touring by car, but a favorite non-car excursion is the steam train ride from Fort William to Mallaig through some of Scotland’s most fabulous scenery (summer only).