Silver Birch Lodge, Inverness-Shire, Scotland

Silver Birch Lodge is a unique eco lodge built from untreated larch. The property was architecturally designed to ensure a carbon neutral built and also positioned to ensure the maximum solar gain. The property utilises the latest green technology including a ground source heat pump and solar panelling. Materials used in the built include insulation made from sheep’s wool and recycled newspapers, and reclaimed slates have been used on the roof.

The property sits in area of private woodland which has been planted and landscaped with only indigenous species including rowan and birch. A lochan built by the owners in the garden provides the heat that is drawn to the ground source heat pump, currently this is producing four times the amount of energy that is required for the lodge, therefore highly efficiency. The lochan also benefits from having its own hide where the wildlife can be watched without disturbance. Inside the interior is just as unique, equipped and furnished to a high standard, natural materials having been used throughout. Bespoke hand crafted furniture from locally sourced elm sits alongside oak furniture and the oak kitchen manufactured in Scotland.

Technology wise this property has it all, under floor heating, Flat Screen HD TV, Blu-Ray DVD, wifi internet access and a multi room sound system. On the ground level the property is open plan, at one end a spacious lounge is comfortably furnished and benefits from large floor to ceiling windows which allow access to the outside decked area which overlooks the lochan. At the other end the kitchen is equipped with top quality appliances. A bathroom completes the facilities on this level.

From the hall an oak and glass staircase leads to the mezzanine area with the whirlpool bathroom. On the top level are the bedrooms, a master and a twin. The master complete with a king size bed benefits from having an outside covered balcony area with seating. Both bedrooms are light and airy and have high ceilings which add to the ambiance of this unique property. A shower room completes the facilities on this level. The property has been awarded a Five Star Rating by Visit Scotland.

Facilities

• Lounge - comfortable sofas, wood burning stove, HD TV with Blu-Ray DVD player, ipod docking station. Dining area with hand crafted elm table. Direct access from lounge to decked area overlooking the lochan.

• Well equipped kitchen, halogen hob, electric fan oven, microwave, coffee machine, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/drier.

• Mezzanine floor containing a whirlpool bath.

• Master bedroom with king-size hand crafted bespoke bed, access to outside balcony area, offering views across the lochan and towards the Moray Firth.

• Shower room - corner shower, wc, whb.

• Twin bedroom with bespoke hand crafted beds. Included in the price

• Quality duvets, luxury bed linen and towels.

• Complimentary toiletries.

• All heating and logs for the wood burner.

• Parking for two vehicles.

Guests with Children

Due to various factors relating to safety at this property, children under sixteen are not allowed.

How does Silver Birch Lodge minimise its impact on the environment and contribute to a sense of place?

The lodge has been architecturally designed to ensure a carbon neutral build and the property utilises the latest green technology including solar panels and a ground source heat pump. The building is fully insulated. All appliances are A rated. Bins are provided for separate recycling categories. All cleaning products are eco friendly. Toiletries supplied are all locally sourced.  The furniture has been made locally from elm trees grown on the owners’ own land. The slates on the roof have been reclaimed and the surrounding woodland is planted with only indigenous species including Rowan and Birch.