Guests say
Cormack Lodge at Brodie Castle offers a comfortable stay with its well-fenced garden, cosy atmosphere, and ideal location for exploring the Northern Highlands. Guests appreciate the cleanliness, the provision of towels and linens, and the thoughtful touches like welcome trays. While some guests encountered maintenance issues and suggested improvements, the positive aspects such as the beautiful surroundings and the property's charm are consistently highlighted.
The majority of guests found the property to be clean and well-presented, with fresh flowers and a spotless environment upon arrival. However, a few guests mentioned a musty smell and an unfortunate incident with a mouse carcass, which slightly impacts the overall cleanliness score.
The location is highly praised for its beauty and convenience, with easy access to local walks and the grounds of Brodie Castle. The proximity to Forres and the enclosed garden are also appreciated, although the nearby fast road is noted by some.
Guests generally find the beds comfortable and the cottage cosy, especially with the wood-burning stove. However, there are comments about hard mattresses and uncomfortable dining chairs, suggesting room for improvement in this category.
While the kitchen is well-equipped and guests enjoy the garden, there are several mentions of maintenance issues such as broadband problems, lack of mobile reception, and a need for better TV reception. The absence of a comprehensive information pack and some basic kitchen items also detract from the facilities score.
Guests have noted considerate gestures such as milk and biscuits on arrival, and some have mentioned welcome packs. However, it should be noted that such gifts are offered at the discretion of the property managers and may not be a consistent feature for all stays.
About this property
Nestled within the dramatic grounds of the National Trust for Scotland’s 16th century Brodie Castle, is Cormack Lodge, an idyllic retreat for two to experience a holiday in Scotland like no other. Accessed via a winding narrow lane, you can enjoy spectacular countryside views as you make your way towards this idyllic dwelling. Step inside and discover the welcoming ground floor, filled with characterful period features and classic décor, with wooden furnishings and a rustic woodburning stove, along with a well-equipped kitchen, formal dining room and well-presented sitting room. Utilise the kitchen’s amenities and create a tasty home cooked meal, before heading over to the dining room to enjoy over a bottle of wine and good conversation, with some of the best views in the house on offer. Make the most of your wonderful outside space with your own private garden, where you can enjoy alfresco dining on the picnic seating and soak in the splendour of your surroundings up close. Find the lovely sitting room, where you can spend your evenings snuggled up with your loved one as the woodburning stove creates a romantic ambience. When you're ready for bed, walk over to the bright and airy double bedroom, boasting bedside reading lamps and ample storage. Prepare for an adventure-filled day in the sleek bathroom, sinking into the spacious bath or grabbing a quick handheld shower. Enjoy full access to the castle grounds, where you can take a romantic stroll on a tranquil evening or discover the history and culture of the castle itself, before stopping at the café for a hot drink. Cormack Lodge is a rural cottage, ideal for a cosy getaway in the Scottish Highlands. Note: This property can be booked with Refs. 1060406, 1066474 and 1060408, together sleeping 26 guests.
Forres is a historic town situated in the Scottish county of Moray, boasting various ancient castles, monuments, gardens and museums, as well as a selection of shops, pubs, restaurants, and the popular Malt Whisky Trail. Attractions nearby include a couple of fishing villages, Cawdor and Brodie Castles, Culloden Battlefield and Fort George, or watersports activities at Findhorn Beach. Forres is a rural holiday destination with easy access to Califer Hill Viewpoint, boasting views of Moray Firth, Findhorn and the far-reaching coast.
Accommodation
All ground floor.
One double bedroom.
Bathroom with bath, hand-held shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Dining room.
Sitting room with a woodburning stove
Oil-fired central heating and woodburning stove (Logs for the fire are not provided but can be bought at local stores).
Oven and hob, fridge/freezer, microwave, washing machine, TV, and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot available.
Off-road parking.
Electric vehicle charging points on-site in the main castle car park.
Private garden with seating and access to the shared castle grounds.
Holiday guests have access to the estate grounds outside of the regular opening hours.
Well-behaved dog welcome.
There are steps to bathroom and bedroom.
The opening times, visitor facilities and entry prices of all National Trust for Scotland properties and attractions can be viewed on their website here
Nearby points of interest
- Brodie Castle & Estate
- Cawdor Castle
- Fort George
- The Little Theatre
Reviews (39)
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Esme
We loved our stay and will definitely be back. Thankyou.
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Jon
The home-from-home touches including generous welcome tray, starter supply of logs, variety of books and impressive Christmas tree were much appreciated. The slight damp in the bedroom and bathroom were a minor inconvenience but not so noticeable after the property warmed up. Also had some difficulty closing the wood burner doors so it didnât burn as efficiently as it should have done. It still heated the living room very quickly. Would love to come back when the opportunity arises and definitely recommend to others.
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Chantelle
Great location for exploring the Moray coast and forests in surrounding locations. Fantastic welcome pack and NTS staff at Brodie Castle were always very responsive, helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend and will be back in the future. Bed was very comfortable. The lodge was perfect for us and our four legged friends.