Be king of your castle
Majestic bolthole has a romantic lochside setting, says Paul Drury
Love is in the air today – and what better way to celebrate St valentine’s Day than to plump for a prime property in one of the most romantic spots in Scotland. Living in this spectacular home, you and your true love will be able to meet on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond as often as you like.
For Lomond Castle has among the finest views of the country’s largest loch.
once known as Auchenheglish House, this victorian masterpiece suffered a serious fire during the 1970s before rising from the ashes as a number of apartments.
Apartment 1 appears to have fared well out of the conversion, its drawing room looking directly out over the water and – at certain times of the year – offering stunning views of now-capped Ben Lomond.
outside, there is a patio where – again, weather permitting – you can drink in some of the most breathtaking scenery in Britain.
Lomond Castle sits within Scotland’s first national park, The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
National Park. Nearby is upscale hotel Cameron House, sadly damaged by fire in December 2017.
The five-star resort has partly re-opened and plans for an extension that will add a ballroom and 68 bedrooms have been approved.
The loch is famed for its water sports, including windsurfing, sailing and water skiing, while keen golfers can choose from the Loch
Lomond Golf Club and the Carrick course, both of which are on the doorstep.
Twin cast-iron gates permit entry to the driveway and gardens at Lomond Castle, leading to the parking area at the front of the house. Double timber doors open to the grand hallway, with Apartment 1 on the left.
It has a good-sized breakfasting kitchen, with floor and wall units and tiled splashbacks, and doors leading to the patio.
The three double bedrooms all have en suite shower rooms and pleasant views over the gardens.
The Highland Boundary Fault crosses the loch, which means you can experience Highland and Lowland views at the same time.
Helensburgh is the nearest town, offering both a Waitrose and a buzzing foodie scene.
Award-winning restaurant The Sugar Boat is named after a nearby shipwreck – and for the romantics among you, they still have a few tables free at 5pm tonight.