Challenger Lodge

4.9★

9 Guests
4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets Yes

Features

Hot tub
Off road parking
Ground floor accommodation
Ground floor bedroom
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Games Room
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Perfect Score Award

This property is highly rated by our customers!

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

All reviews
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18 Customer Reviews

"We had a fantastic stay at Challenger lodge."

Great for walking the far North Munro's which were all within an hours drive. Hope to visit again in the future.

Reviewed by Stuary5.0★Sep 2024
"We had a wonderful stay at the Lodge, clean, spacious and blissfully quiet."

A great base for exploring the north Highlands and seeing wildlife on your doorstep. Spotted Red deer, Golden Eagles, Buzzards and Kites without having to move from the comfort of the sofa. Our only suggestion is to pack some towels with you. Although they provide two per person they were only hand towels and guest size towels - they don't cover much!

Hi Hannah Thank you for leaving a positive review. I’m so glad you were able to see so much wildlife. The Estate and the wildlife is its own 5 star attraction. I will take your advice on the towels and start implementing them very soon. I hope you visit us again in the near future. Property Owner

Reviewed by Hannah4.7★Aug 2024
"Lovely property in a superb location."

If you are looking for peace and tranquility then this is your spot. Had everything you needed for a comfortable stay. Would definitely like to stay at the Challenger Lodge again.

Reviewed by Sharon5.0★Aug 2024
"Outstanding house!"

(And we've been to many!). Just sitting in the living room soaking in the beautiful and peaceful view was a holiday in itself. The house was clean and exremely comfortable, everyone wanted to take the beds home!

Reviewed by Eli5.0★Aug 2024
"Best location I‘ve ever been for vacation!"

Thank you so much for the positive review. I’m so happy you enjoyed the Estate and the Lodge. It is such a beautiful majestic area and we at Challenger are very lucky to call it home. I hope you are able to return again, and please now that you have seen the area in summer, come and see the Estate in autumn and winter. It’s a brand new landscape all over again! Property Owner

Reviewed by Stephan5.0★Aug 2024
"We had an amazing time at the Challenger lodge."

The house is in such a beautiful location, I could stay there forever. Loved having my morning coffee whilst enjoying the amazing view. Loved taking my dog out for a walk around the estate. If you are looking for peace, quiet and being close to nature look no further. The lodge itself is very comfy and beautifully decorated. There is everything you need and more. We also enjoyed sitting in the hot tub and just enjoying the sheer beauty of the nature around us. On arrival we were greeted with home made bread and local eggs, which was lovely, and bread was truly delicious. Even our dog received a little welcome pack, which was such a sweet gesture. She loves her new ball. It was perfect, thank you.

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I know it takes time and effort…much appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed the Lodge and the hot tub. Better still I’m so glad your dog also enjoyed his family holiday. We like to keep our four legged guests happy as well. Please come back soon, and try the Lodge during the winter season as the scenery with the snow it’s just as beautiful. Property Owner

Reviewed by Monika5.0★Jul 2024
"We had a fantastic stay, six of us, two adults, four kids."

We did arrive half an hour early due to how far we'd travelled which we apologised for but was told that was okay by the owner when they appeared just before the check in time. Loads of space here, kids had their own rooms, toilets are plentiful and the view is amazing. Would highly recommend staying here and we hope to return.

Reviewed by Liam5.0★Jul 2024
"The property was excellent and has amazing views."

All the decorations and fittings were modern and worked without any issue. There were 5 of us and a dog and we had plenty of space. We received a nice welcome from the owners and are all very happy with our stay. The lodge is in an excellent location to explore the Highlands with most places being within an hour's drive. We would happily recommend Challenger lodge and will be looking forward to returning next year

Reviewed by Nishanth5.0★Jun 2024
"What a wonderful stay at Challenger Lodge."

It is in the most wonderful, peaceful location with fabulous views from pretty much every window. It has very comfy beds, is so spacious, plenty of room for everyone and the 2nd upstairs living area was very useful, as was the second fridge (especially for our beer and wine!). Lots of fun was had in the pool room. We had deer visiting us most mornings and evenings and saw Hen Harriers, an Owl and Black Throated Divers within a mile of the lodge. The owner was very responsive to any queries we had and could not be more helpful. We loved our stay at Challenger Lodge and would not hesitate to recommend. We would love to return one day.

Thank you so much Tracey for your beautiful feedback. I and all the people who work at the Challenger Estate try so hard to make it as beautiful and peaceful as possible. I feel so privileged that you were able to view the Hen Harrier at Challenger a very endangered species. I’m so glad you were able to make some wonderful memories and certainly hope you come back and make more. I certainly will pass on your lovely comments to all that work here and cherish the wildness of the Challenger Estate. Shanta Property Owner

Reviewed by Tracey5.0★May 2024
"We had the loveliest week at Challenger Lodge, we’d"

Reviewed by Katie5.0★May 2024
"We had a great stay the most beautiful tranquil setting in the middle of nowhere superb"

Reviewed by Kevin4.7★May 2024
"Myself, partner, daughter, friend and her son spend a great Monday to Friday in the Challenger Lodge."

The space was great and we don't think the pictures really did it justice as it felt a lot bigger in person. It had everything we needed and the pool table was a great addition and great quality too. The surrounding area was awesome and I can imagine it looks stunning in summer. Very remote but modern inside. Would definitely recommend. Karen

Reviewed by Karen5.0★Apr 2024
"The Challenger Lodge is a beautiful home, in a stunning location."

If you'd like to go away and switch off from the world in the middle of nowhere - but with a village within reach - this is the place for you. (It does have wifi, but still very much feels like your out in the beautiful hills - and can switch off if you like) The games room was used a plenty, and the hot tub is a fantastic addition to the lodge. The kitchen became a perfect dance floor - as did the living room. Everything you could need for a trip away - and you can bring your furry family too! The owners were so friendly and helpful. Thank you again for having us, we can't wait to come back

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We aim to make The Lodge a warm and comfortable space to enjoy a restful holiday. I hope you come back and spend time again at Challenger as we believe it such a beautiful and restful haven to be shared. Property Owner

Reviewed by Jenni5.0★Dec 2023
"We had a lovely christmas at challenger lodge."

The facilities were good, comfortable and spacious and the surroundings were magical especially as we had a white christmas! The only down side was that the hot tub was not useable and there was no dryer- with 6 kids it was missed. Definately would recommend and stay again.

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. All feedback is always welcome. Apologies for the inability to use the hot tub that was a delay on our part. As for the dryer we took your advice and we have installed one. I hope you return to Challenger as it would be lovely to welcome you back to this wild Scottish estate. Property Owner

Reviewed by Lisa4.1★Dec 2023
"We enjoyed our stay here."

The place is very spacious. Beds were comfortable. Nice big tv and wood burner for cosy nights after walking from the front door to the lochs. The pool table provided plenty of fun!! Very clean house and the views were beautiful!!

Reviewed by Jane5.0★Oct 2023
"We had an excellent weeks holiday at Challenger Lodge which we found ideal as a base for exploring the North coast of Scotland."

Our party consisted of three adults and one dog and had plenty of space since the accommodation sleeps up to 9 persons. Challenger Lodge is spacious, well appointed, classily decorated and clean. The property is set in a secluded location with open views out to the loch and surrounding hillsides yet only 5 minutes by car to the town of Lairg where there is a Spar supermarket, fish & chip take away, hotel with bar and petrol station. There are several local wooded walks, both on the estate and in the local area with one good walk to a very private Loch Craggie along a logging road. A welcoming pack of basic essentials was much appreciated on arrival and the owner Shanta, who was visiting the estate during our stay, thoughtfully brought a dog bowl, dog bed and dog treats. We will be looking to make a return visit in the near future with other members of the family as the property is excellent value for money.

Reviewed by Colin5.0★Sep 2023
"Perfect retreat for escaping the rat race."

Secluded but close enough (5 min drive) to local village for supplies, fuel, chips! etc.. Perfect base to travel out from to explore the Highlands, in a week we managed Castle of Mae, John o Groats, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin castle, the North coast road to Durness, Glenmorangie Distillery. Barn owl was a regular visitor, we heard the deer around but they were too shy to show their faces. Property was spot on, enough hot water to fill Loch Shin, WiFi all over the house fast enough to feed several Netflix hungry tired offspring with more gadgets than NASA .. So much space inside that the 8 of us could find seclusion when needed easy enough. The only downside was leaving, will be back again as soon as I recover from the 10 hour trip from the Midlands..

Thank you for your generous feedback. It's gratefully acknowledged and we're pleased that you and your family had an enjoyable stay. Hope to see you return in the winter season when the snow filled landscape is spectacular. As you noted we're particularly proud of the high speed internet (150 MB/S) we have at the property - one of very few in the highlands. Property Owner

Reviewed by Mark5.0★Aug 2023
"It is a fantastic house / estate We enjoyed every minute of our stay."

The house has a spacious kitchen well stocked. two fridges an extra freezer in the garage. great pool room. nice size lounge. bedrooms are comfortable. It was great one morning to see 6 deer in the garden. (Best to look from the upstairs windows then they won't notice and run away) Definitely to be recommended.

Reviewed by Yomtov5.0★Jul 2023
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Summary

Four bedrooms: 1 x family room with three single beds, 2 x king-size, 1 x ground-floor king-size
Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, double basin, heated towel rail and WC
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
2 x cloakroom
Kitchen/diner
Utility
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Games room
Sunroom and Swedish woodburning Hot Tub
Gas central heating
Electric oven and ceramic hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine
Smart TV, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Travel cot and highchair
Ample off-road parking
Garden with furniture
One well-behaved pet welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 1.9 miles, pub 2 miles
Note: No stag/hen parties
Note: Loch Dola is free to use by guests as long as they request permission from the owner of Challenger Lodge with four days' notice, a property contact number will be provided pre arrival if you need to call to arrange permission - please do also note that fishing is not permitted on a Sunday and there can be no bank fishing, although a boat can be hired from the Lairg Angling club
Note: Fishing in Loch Craggie is only allowed with a permit, obtained from the Lairg Angling Club
All wildlife is to be strictly left alone and watched only from afar
Wood can be supplied for the hot tub and wood burner at an extra charge
Holiday Let licence number is HI-00158-F
This property only accepts a Friday changeover.

The property

Lairg 2.2 miles.

Nestled in an idyllic location with views to the surrounding Lochs and mountains, Challenger Lodge is a wonderful break for a family of nine and their canine companion.

Easily accessible from the village of Lairg, the property comes with plenty of outdoor space with furniture, and off-road parking.

Head inside and discover the kitchen/diner, appointed with all the mod cons needed for a week away, whilst the dining area is ideal for hosting mealtimes.

After a day of walking, look forward to curling up on the sofa and catching up on your favourite shows from the wall-mounted Smart TV, whilst the woodburning stove crackles in the background.

Challenge each other to a game of billiards or take the evening outside as you sit at the furniture and enjoy a warm night.

The first bedroom lies downstairs and offers a king-size bed serviced by a shower room, ideal for those guests with limited mobility.

Head upstairs to find a family room with three single beds and two further king-size bedrooms, each neutrally presented and a good amount of storage.

Challenger Lodge invites families for a remarkable escape to the Highlands.

Note: This property can be booked with Ref. 1128585, together sleeping 13 guests

EPC Rating: Band E

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: HI-00158-F

Challenger Estate

These two cottages sit in a rural position, surrounded by an abundance of native wildlife on the The Challenger Estate, a privately owned estate with over 1000 acres of wild moorland. There is an abundance of wildlife to be seen. The Red, Roe and Sika Deer can be seen early mornings and at dusk. Their path cuts right across the garden of the Baddhu Cottage and towards the mountain behind Challenger Lodge. When you walk towards the mountain you will see settlements of sheep farmers and crop farmers from the 17th century. You will also see that people have lived on the Estate for over 5000 years. When you walk further, you can see the old homestead, as well as foundations of roundhouses from the Bronze and Iron Age period. Right in front of Baddhu Cottage is an Iron Age burial cairn, believed to be a person of status which can be noted by the large rock as a marker. If you want an easier walk, take the road to the right after the cattle grid and it’s a very easy 10km walk to Loch Craggie, which is owned by The Challenger Estate. Here you will see some of the United Kingdom's most endangered birds and wildlife, if you are patient. The highly endangered Hen Harrier with only 545 breeding pairs in the whole of the UK, we at Challenger Estate are proud to say we have four pairs that make Challenger their home during the breeding season. As you walk towards Loch Craggie you will pass the smaller Loch Dola which too is owned by The Challenger Estate, with its clean crystal waters serving as a healthy breeding ground for trout. Walk past Loch Dola and follow the signs to Loch Craggie, you will walk on the trail of The Pines. The forestry commission owns the forestry but you are welcome to walk the trail to Craggie. Craggie is privately owned by the Estate and is around 2.2 miles round. Loch Craggie is recognised as the cream of the lochs in this area, indeed one of the best in the Highlands. It is famous for both its mayfly hatch and the quality of its trout. Brown trout average around the 1lb mark, with many better fish in the 2-3lbs range caught each season. On Loch Cgraagie the bird life is extensive. The waters at Loch Craggie are as clean and crystal clear as Loch Dola. Fishing at Loch Craggie is strictly by permit only, which can be obtained from the Lairg Angling Club. For an unforgettable stay in Scotland, look no further than The Challenger Estate.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £450.

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About the location

LAIRG

Inverness 50 miles.

Located 50 miles north of Inverness, Lairg is centrally placed for touring the remote and beautiful Northern Highlands. The area has much to offer the visitor, from fine golf courses to outstanding fishing, some of the finest hill walking and mountaineering country in the land and the grand castle at Dunrobin, the home of the Earls of Sutherland. The castle, overlooking the sea, boasts a magnificent formal garden inspired by the grandeur of Versailles in France. Golfers can enjoy a round at local courses in Bonar Bridge, Golspie and Ullapool as well as at the world famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Lairg provides a convenient base for trips to the West, North and East coasts with breath-taking scenery in every direction. Walkers are within range of the most northerly Munro in Ben Hope as well as the iconic mountains Suilven, Arkle and Foinavon. Whisky enthusiasts can enjoy visits to nearby distilleries such as Balblair, Clynelish and Glenmorangie. Keen fisherman are situated at the southern end of the lovely Loch Shin and have a wide choice of scenic trout lochs in the local area. In the immediate area are several other outdoor adventure activities including falconry, bird watching and photography, woodcarving, geology, kayaking, or even dry stone walling. For the true Highland experience you won’t find much better.

Note: Loch Dola is free to use by guests as long as they have permission from the owner of Challenger Lodge, four days' notice is needed and a property contact number will be provided pre arrival if you need to call to arrange permission - please do also note that fishing is not permitted on a Sunday and there can be no bank fishing, although a boat can be hired from the Lairg Angling club.
Note: Fishing in Loch Craggie is only allowed with a permit, obtained from the Lairg Angling Club.
This property only accepts a Friday changeover.

Sustainable Property

Features

Reviews & Ratings

Perfect Score Award

How it works

"We had a fantastic stay at Challenger lodge."

"We had a wonderful stay at the Lodge, clean, spacious and blissfully quiet."

"Lovely property in a superb location."

"Outstanding house!"

"Best location I‘ve ever been for vacation!"

"We had an amazing time at the Challenger lodge."

"We had a fantastic stay, six of us, two adults, four kids."

"The property was excellent and has amazing views."

"What a wonderful stay at Challenger Lodge."

"We had the loveliest week at Challenger Lodge, we’d"

"We had a great stay the most beautiful tranquil setting in the middle of nowhere superb"

"Myself, partner, daughter, friend and her son spend a great Monday to Friday in the Challenger Lodge."

"The Challenger Lodge is a beautiful home, in a stunning location."

"We had a lovely christmas at challenger lodge."

"We enjoyed our stay here."

"We had an excellent weeks holiday at Challenger Lodge which we found ideal as a base for exploring the North coast of Scotland."

"Perfect retreat for escaping the rat race."

"It is a fantastic house / estate We enjoyed every minute of our stay."