
The Secret Loch
Key Highlights
- The lakeside sauna has been named Best Sauna in the Country House Awards, thanks to its spectacular setting on a private 40-acre loch in Moray. Combining panoramic views, restorative heat and invigorating wild swims, it's the ultimate Scottish wellness experience.
- After action-packed days spent on the nearby beaches, enjoy evening sundowners on the terrace while admiring the calm surroundings
- A wide variety of experiences and activities can be arranged for you so that you can enjoy an action-packed escape without even leaving the grounds
- While guests will feel a million miles away from any hustle and bustle, the town of Elgin, home to a wide variety of helpful shops and restaurants, is just 15 minutes away!
- Set within popular Speyside, this home makes a fantastic setting for those wanting to tour all the famous distilleries in the region!
- Guests looking to reset and recharge will love the wellness-focused setting, from forest bathing and wild swimming to the lochside sauna and yoga studio hidden among the trees.
House Interiors
Ground Floor
- Drawing room
- Study
- Dining room with seating for 10 guests and an additional table for 2 guests
- Fully-equipped kitchen with AGA, oven, microwave, dishwasher and fridge/freezer
- Bedroom with king-size bed and Loch views
- Family bathroom with roll top bath and handheld shower over bath
- Boot room with stove and washing machine and tumble dryer
First Floor
- Master bedroom with super-king four poster bed and en-suite bathroom with roll top bath and handheld shower over bath
- Bedroom with twin beds and en-suite bathroom with roll top bath with shower over bath (can be set up with a super-king on request)
- Bedroom with double bed
- Family shower room
Annexe (side of house)
Ground Floor
- Kitchenette with seating for 6
- Family bathroom with bath with shower over bath
- Cloakroom
First Floor
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with twin beds
- Family bathroom with roll top bath with handheld shower over bath
The sixth bathroom is in the eaves of the house.
Outside Grounds
- Terrace
- Seating
- Barbecue
- Large grounds
- Loch with boats
- Jetty
- Parking
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV
- Gym/Yoga studio
- Sauna
- Hairdryers
- Washing machine & dryer
- Iron & board
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 4
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 5
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 6
2 Single Beds
This characterful home has been lovingly owned by the same family for over a hundred years. Today, it manages to seamlessly combine its original charm and period quirks with updated family-friendly interiors. The Secret Loch can comfortably accommodate up to twelve guests across its six well-appointed bedrooms which are a mixture of doubles and twins, ideal for families or groups of friends. On the ground floor is the main living accommodation which comprises of a beautiful drawing room with garden access, a dining room with seating for ten and a fully equipped kitchen which boasts its own Aga for the Winter months. Also on the ground floor is the first of the bedrooms, a king-size room with Loch views and a dedicated bathroom just along the hall. Upstairs are a further three bedrooms, a super-king and a twin room, each with en-suite bathrooms as well as a small double room and family shower room. The remaining accommodation can be found in the annexe side of the home which comprises of a small kitchenette, a double and a twin room and two family bathrooms.
Outside, there are multiple terraces and seating areas, the perfect setting for morning cups of coffee while admiring the wildlife and stunning Loch scenery. Surrounded by 800 acres of woodland, there is plenty of opportunity for walks from the front door.
The Secret Loch makes the ultimate destination for a truly Scottish experience. Subject to availability and for an additional charge, a wide variety of experiences can be arranged at the home, including, a traditional welcome by estate pipers, private whisky tastings, murder mystery events and highland dress hire. For fans of outdoor pursuits, a number of activities can be arranged on the estate grounds, including, highland games, clay shooting, archery and team building activities.
Situated between Aberdeen and Inverness and just fifteen minutes from the town of Elgin, guests will enjoy a relaxing escape while a variety of excellent attractions and amenities are still within easy reaching distance.
- Those travelling with young children should ensure they take care when playing outside near the edge of the Loch.
- Quiet and non-intrusive estate caretakers live on-site in a cottage next to the house. They are happy to help if guests have any questions or needs.
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Cooking Classes Available
- Yoga Classes Available
- Spa Treatments Available
- Transfers Available
- Breakfast Available
- Butler Available
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Extras available at this property (additional cost, subject to availability):
- Pre-Stocked Fridge
- Cooking Classes
- Yoga Classes
- Spa Treatments
- Transfers
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Chef/Cook
- Maid Service
- Butler
- Estate activities: Highland Games, blind Range Rover driving, game shooting (Oct - Feb), clay shooting (rifle and pistol), archery, team building activities, water sports
- Remote activities: Munro walking led by local expert. Silent option available, bike rental with a guide, clay pigeon shooting, canoeing / Kayaking, shooting, stalking and guided trout fishing
- Estate Pipers
Choose to be greeted by a piper upon entry to the estate, or even book a performance of a band for an evening in the private grounds. The pipers will also perform at dinner upon request, led by the Pipe Major of the prestigious Gordonstoun School. Or enjoy a private performance on Estate grounds by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers - a world famous group known for performing pop and rock classics with a notably Scottish twist - all performed on bagpipes. As you should expect, playlists can be performed upon request.
- Private Whisky Tasting
Enjoy a private tasting session in the dining room delivered by Stephen Rankin, the director of Prestige for Gordon & Macphail. He’ll lead you through a pre-dinner masterclass on the world-famous Gordon & MacPhail whiskies, allowing you to taste some of the most outstanding and rarest whiskies ever bottled.
- Tailored Genealogy Talks
Dive into your own family history with the help of a local historian. This will need to be booked 3 months in advance to provide a detailed genealogy talk devoted only to your own family tree.
- Castle Murder Mystery Event
Take part in your own ghostly murder mystery experience in the halls of Loch Na Bo House. A perfect addition to parties looking to add a uniqueness to an experience.
- World Class Therapies, Guided Exercise & Entertainment
Reiki, hot rocks, massages, ear candles, reflexology, aromatherapy, meditation, tea leaf reading,
angel cards, tarot cards and more can be arranged upon request. We also provide on-site work out sessions, Yoga, breathing and guided meditation with experts.
- Opera Singing Waiters
A brilliant surprise for any experience. 3 performers sing after the main course for 30-40 mins. Songs are available upon request.
- String Quartet Performance At Dinner
A quartet will play for 2 to 3 hours with a 45 minute break in between. As with the singing waiters, they’ll perform requests if given in advance.
- Fiddler, Accordion & Piano Private Performance
The trio will perform for 2 to 3 hours with a 45 minute break in-between.
- Highland Dress Hire
Perhaps for your Ceilidh dance, or just for Burns Night dinner, we can provide full Highland Dress for all guests upon request. We can also look to match the garb with your own family tartan. Please do specify this in your enquiry with us.
- Trips, Tours and Cruises
Be it a cruise across Loch Ness, a day at a famed Scottish Golf course or a guided tour of Urquhart castle, we can arrange for your time with us through generational links to the local community.
- Guided Nature Walks with Ornithologist and Ecologist Roy Dennis, OBE
Bring yourself closer to nature as you walk ancient ground with an expert. Author and Naturalist Roy Dennis will be at hand to reveal the immense detail of the world around you in the Scottish highlands. His insights are sought by scientists across the globe for his work in conservation and the reintroduction of wildlife. We’d like to offer you a private guided walk with him.
Weddings & Events Information
Ask a questionIndoor Capacity - 12
Outdoor Capacity - 100
Wedding Ceremony
Intimate ceremonies can take place in the house. Outside, ceremonies can take place within the 800 acres of grounds. There are many locations to choose from, and marquees are welcome. Please note there will be an additional fee for legal civil ceremonies.
Wedding Reception
A reception with over 100 people can be hosted using a marquee in the private grounds. There are many wonderful, beautiful locations. Small wedding receptions of 20 guests can be hosted in the walled garden or in the house. Dancing can take place if a suitable marquee is hired.
Additional Fees for Events
Please enquire for prices.
Restrictions on Decorations and Themes
There are no restrictions. You are welcome to bring your creative ideas! Fireworks are allowed.
Wedding Planning
The owner advises clients to bring their own wedding or event planner.
Catering
There is no in-house catering. Clients may choose their own caterers.
Wedding Packages
Weddings are offered exclusively as a comprehensive package. Please enquire for full package details and pricing.
Where To Stay
The house can house up to 12 guests, and there is plenty of nearby accommodation for the remaining guests, such as small B&Bs and hotels in the local town - 15 15-minute drive away from the estate.
Venue Accessibility
There is limited accessibility via public transportation. There is complimentary parking on-site. There is limited wheelchair accessibility, please enquire for details.
Venue Back-Up
Tents can be set up outdoors for rain.
Wedding Suppliers
A list of recommended vendors, such as photographers, florists, and DJs, can be provided, though you are also welcome to use your own suppliers.
Flexibility on Duration
Yes, please enquire for details.
Children
Children are welcome, but there are no childcare services available.
Security Measures
The venue uses surveillance cameras to monitor the premises.
Noise Restrictions
There are no major noise restrictions; parties can extend late into the night.
Other Information
This venue has a relaxed attitude towards the event day – the owners are happy for clients to come and go as they like.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit. Please enquire for details.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.