Fodderty Lodge

08/08/2024

Flowers in July:

Climbing rose performs again and again, bush roses are in their second flush, violas, pansies, yarrow, echinops, cosmos, honeysuckle and campanula all vying for attention.

18/07/2024

The poppies are back.

After renovating a flower bed, there's usually the arrival of the field poppy due to disturbing the soil and awakening the seed bed. I let them flower as the bees love them so. They don't usually return unless I disturb the soil again.

**ees

30/06/2024

Fodderty flowers - July

After the Spring riot of colour, the heavyweights show off their blooms. From deeply perfumed, vibrant pink roses, to bee-friendly nepeta and h**e.

Multiple foxgloves seedlings were moved to the boundary walls and make for an impressive display. Honeysuckle fills the evening air with its strong, sweet perfume. Pretty geraniums in a variety of colours provide good ground cover, and the stately, deep purple Monkswood rises above in tall spears of indigo. One of many clematis showing off its final blooms. And the bees are buzzing in the lime blossom flowers.

**e

21/06/2024

Another May gem - saxifraga granulata flore pleno (double meadow saxifrage). Usually found under avenues of lime trees in Holland, our saxifrage has found its home under our 180 year old lime tree in the garden.

We nurture this fairly rare plant as it can be quickly overwhelmed by more vigorous greenery, and we strim the area each autumn and early spring. Although we try not to strim areas, we do let the wildflowers grow under most of the trees.

And, to our surprise, we've found saxifrage popping up under our other lime and oak trees 🥰

06/06/2024

Bluebells of Fodderty Lodge.

Every May we are treated to a spectacular display of bluebells under the ancient sweet chestnut and sequoia trees.

We have a mix of English, Spanish and hybrid (see the white and pink versions!) bluebells and there's debate about whether to dig up the Spanish as they can overwhelm and spread. But we are rural and the bluebells don't seem to be spreading outwith our grounds. Once they're over, we mow a path through them to access the top lawns once again.

27/05/2024

If you can't beat them, join them!

In a 2 acre garden, it's hard to eradicate unwelcome plants like ground elder. We love the pretty white sprays of their flowers in summer but the greenery can become overwhelming.

We've radically reduced the amount of ground elder by digging it out, but knowing it will come back, we planted 100 allium purple sensation bulbs to punch above the green understory, and divided the existing persicaria (bistort) - all perfect for cut flowers arrangements. Combined with the blue siberian iris, it's a pretty purple haze.

I also like to leave last year's iris seed pods as they are very architectural during the winter months.

17/05/2024

Castle Leod opens its doors to the public from May 23rd at 2pm. Who wants to come and see us?!🏰😁

See below for a full list of our 2024 Open Days.

Tickets are available at the car park ticket booth.

17/05/2024

Delighted with the display of tulips under our fruit trees this year 👏

Bought nearly 600 Dutch tulip bulbs, planted them in November and crossed our fingers.

Such a rewarding view and they have lasted much longer than expected (prob due to so little rain and so much sun these past 2 weeks). Bearing in mind there can be frosts until end May, we've been so fortunate with the weather this year.

A beautiful way to celebrate our 5th anniversary at Fodderty Lodge ❤️

28/04/2024

We planted over 500 tulips under the cherry and apple trees last year, and although they are not in full bloom yet, the anticipation is unbearable. The fruit trees are about to blossom so it should be magical in about a week's time. Magic certainly approves!

Will be updating this profile with updates and details from the garden and house, creating a journal we can look back on with pleasure ❤️.

01/10/2023

We said goodbye to our last guests this morning and now the cottages are closed for bookings for the future.

Thank you for supporting us, staying with us, liking and sharing our posts. We hope that you pop by and say hi if you are passing - the Highlands is an amazing place to explore and we highly recommend a visit.

We will update our story on our personal page ( Mia Sabel ) - follow her there if you want to stay in touch.

Take care and safe travels.
🥰

29/09/2023

It's so hard to see reviews like these knowing we will be closing for good on Sunday. These are our last few guests now and we're so happy they've enjoyed their stay with us.

Don't know how visitors, workers and students will find affordable short term accommodation in Scotland now with the amount of self-catering and B&Bs closing (65%?) from 1 October 2023.

We're trying to find alternative accommodation for next year for a regular who stays with us twice a year for 2 weeks. The few places we've found are nearly double the cost we charge (trying to recoup costs of new licence?).

Wish you all luck in finding somewhere (reasonable) to stay in Scotland next year.

And if you are a friend, you know you can always stay in one of our own bedrooms if you need a wee break (sorry, still no dogs).

20/09/2023

LAST MINUTE AVAILABLITY
10% off 3nt stay
Contact us directly for this deal

Last few nights left!

24-28 Sept
£115 pn, min 3 nts, less discount
Lodge Barn, 2 bed, slps 4 (1 dbl, 1 twin)

20-28 Sept
£140 pn, min 3 nts, less discount
Honeysuckle Cottage, 3 bed, slps 6 (1 dbl ensuite, 1 dbl, 1 twin)

Fodderty, near Dingwall - perfect base to explore the Highlands

Last chance to stay in our self-catering holiday cottages before the end of September. We will be closed from 1 October for the foreseeable future.

Please be aware, it may become difficult to book self-catering or B&B accommodation in Scotland from 1 October 2023 due to a predicted 65% of owners deciding, like ourselves, not to apply for a short term let licence.

03/09/2023

LAST MINUTE AVAILABLITY
10% off 4nt stay
Contact us directly for this deal

Last 4 nights left!

24-28 Sept
£115 pn, min 3 nts, less discount

Lodge Barn, 2 bed, slps 4 (1 dbl, 1 twin)

Fodderty, near Dingwall - perfect base to explore the Highlands

Last chance to stay in this fab self-catering barn conversion before the end of September.

01/09/2023

Last chance to book a holiday/staycation at Fodderty Lodge Cottages before we close on 1 October 2023. We've really enjoyed hosting guests over the past 5 summers and although it's been quite a roller coaster ride, we're happy that many, many people have had memorable visits here.

East Wing 1 bed slps 2 £85pn - fully booked

Lodge Barn 2 bed slps 4 £115pn - avail 20-28 Sept

Honeysuckle Cottage 3 bed slps 6 £140pn - 15-28 Sept

Min 3nt stay. 5% discount 7nts.

Please help us to fill our last remaining weeks.

And please share if you can.

01/09/2023

Just on our doorstep, the Peffery Way is a great way to walk/cycle/wheel to Dingwall, and also Strathpeffer (2 fences to be climbed). Now on WalkHighlands as a circular route via Knockfarril 👍

WalkHighlands
"Was great to get a chance to check out the new Peffery Way yesterday. This 6km path links Dingwall and Strathpeffer. We've amended our Knockfarrel circuit from Dingwall as the new Way makes for a much better return route. Congrats and thanks to all who have been involved in creating this path."

Climb through farmland to explore the iron age fort of Knockfarrel, a fantastic viewpoint overlooking Dingwall and the Cromarty Firth.

25/08/2023

Castle Leod is open today until Monday 2-6pm, last entry 4.45pm.

Discover a bit of history of our area.

Castle Leod Public Open Days 2023 and Private Tours

May 25, 26, 27, 28
June 8, 9, 10, 11
July 6, 7, 8, 9 and 20, 21, 22, 23
August 3, 4, 6 and 25, 26, 27, 28
September 14, 15, 16, 17

Opening Hours 2-6pm last entry 4.45pm

TICKETS are available at the car park ticket booth

Payment in cash only (pounds sterling)

ENTRY £10 - in aid of the Castle Leod building trust

Concessions and children over 12 years £8

Under 12 years free

Grounds only ticket £5

Outwith these ‘public’ open days, private tours for small parties may still be available by special arrangement with the Trust.

Private tours are conducted by The Mackenzie Clan Chief, John Mackenzie, Earl of Cromartie, or by approved tour guides.

For more information contact [email protected]

13/08/2023

Another favourite open garden to visit this Sunday - with added bonus of a Charles Dowding GQT. See you there 🥰

2-5pm £6 entry (goes to charity Flourish)

05/08/2023

The August schedule is out! Get your tickets at https://cromartycinema.com/films/, the human box office 12-2, or at the door.

05/08/2023

Our local Highland games are on at Castle Leod today. Hope to see you there!

02/08/2023

This is a beautiful, isolated beach to explore. You can even go horse riding there ❤️

01/08/2023

What's on in August:

3-4 Aug - Castle Leod open 2-6pm
3-4 Aug - Black Isle Show
4-5 Aug - Moy Country Fair
5 Aug - Strathpeffer Highland Gathering
5 Aug - St Boniface Fair Fortrose 12.45-4pm
6 Aug - Strathpeffer Pavilion carvery 12.30-5pm
7 Aug - Summer Bank Holiday) Scotland)
7 Aug - Castle Leod open 2-6pm
10 Aug - Strathpeffer pipe band, Beauly Square 8.30pm
12-13 Aug - Celebration of the Centuries
Fort George 11-5pm
15 Aug - Strathpeffer pipe band, Strathpeffer Square 8.15pm
19 Aug - Kirkhill Gala 11.30-3pm
19 Aug - Culbokie Community Market 10-12pm
19-20 Aug - Inverness WASPS market 10-6pm
25-28 Aug - Castle Leod open 2-6pm
26 Aug - Classic car rally Fortrose 12-4 (starts at Dingwall Mart 10am)
26 Aug - North Kessock Community Market 10-12.30pm
27 Aug - Strathpeffer Pavilion carvery

29/07/2023

We've had a couple of cancellations:

East Wing 1 bed is now avail 22 Aug-2 Sept, 8-11 Sept

Lodge Barn 2 bed is also avail 22-27 Aug and 3-30 Sept

Honeysuckle Cottage 3 bed still avail 20 Aug-28 Sept

Why not treat yourself to a staycation in the Highlands?

Get in touch or check availability and book here: https://tinyurl.com/7j3f2p4m

Please share 🥰

25/07/2023

This is a super day out - look out for evidence of beavers or some sparkly sundew on one of their walks

13/07/2023

Lovely garden to visit this weekend 🥰

11/07/2023

Amazing clouds with rain over Ben Wyvis.

Being prepared for all seasons in the Highlands is key - today was forecast for 80% rain. But it looks like it was just on the Ben this time 😉

08/07/2023

A small window of availability late summer months in our 3 cottages before we close for good on 1 Oct (unless the STL licence deadline is extended again).

Minimum stay 5nts for Lodge Barn and Honeysuckle Cottage for July/Aug, Sept is 3nts.

East Wing also has 1 slot left this summer (min 4nts).

Sorry no pets or smoking on the premises/grounds.

East Wing, 1 bed cottage, 1dbl slps 2+1, £85pn
27 Aug-2 Sept

Lodge Barn, 2 bed barn conversion, 1 dbl 1 twin slps 4, £115pn
22-27 Aug
3-30 Sept

Honeysuckle Cottage, 3 bed cottage, 1dbl ensuite 1dbl 1 twin slps 6, £140pn
20 Aug-28 Sept

Check availability and book directly here:
https://tinyurl.com/7j3f2p4m

Please share.

22/06/2023

Somewhere nice to eat on Sun 2 July.

Tables can now be booked for our next Sunday Carvery on 2nd July. Please use this link https://tableagent.com/dashboard/strathpeffer-pavilion/ or call 01997 420124.

22/06/2023

It's not called Honeysuckle Cottage for nothing 😉💐🌼

The smell is amazing! The honeysuckle is in full force today.

We've still got availability from 20 Aug - 28 Sept.

3 bed: 1 dbl ensuite, 1 dbl, 1 twin £140pn
Discounts for 7 or 14nt+ stays

Sorry no pets or smoking on the premises or grounds.

Message for more info.

17/06/2023

View of Knockfarril and Fodderty cemetery from the garden last night 🥰

Now the sky only dims overnight - midsummer is approaching ☀️

We still have availability over summer - you can relax in our 2 acres of ground and breathe in the peace and quiet.

13/06/2023

We're struggling with bookings early and late summer on our 2 and 3 bed cottages and therefore we have dropped our minimum stay to 4nts for Lodge Barn and Honeysuckle Cottage for the rest of June (July/Aug is still 5nts, Sept is 3nts). East Wing also has 2 slots left this summer.

Sorry no pets or smoking on the premises/grounds.

Lodge Barn, 2 bed barn conversion, 1 dbl 1 twin slps 4, £115pn
22-27 Aug
3-30 Sept

Honeysuckle Cottage, 3 bed cottage, 1dbl ensuite 1dbl 1 twin slps 6, £140pn
20 Aug-28 Sept

East Wing, 1 bed cottage, 1dbl slps 2+1, £85pn
26 Aug-2 Sept, 8-11 Sept

Check availability and book directly here:
https://tinyurl.com/7j3f2p4m

Please share.