The Revival of a Highland Fishing Lodge – Restoration Rooted in Comfort and Character

Nestled in the wild, wind-brushed beauty of the Scottish Highlands, overlooking the glimmering waters of Loch Shin, this former Victorian fishing lodge has been lovingly revived to capture the romance of its past while providing a deeply comfortable base for its next chapter. This wasn’t about reinvention, it was an evolution. A thoughtful restoration led by Harriet Sale, where nothing was overdone and everything was considered.

Built in the 19th century, the house had extraordinary bones: thick stone walls, commanding gables, and soul-stirring views. But it needed more than a facelift, it needed to feel alive again. This project was always about striking a delicate balance: retaining the lodge’s essence while infusing it with quiet luxury, colour, and the warmth of modern living.

Designing for Story, Not Spectacle

Rather than impose a shiny new narrative, we worked with the grain of the house. Each decision was designed to enhance what was already there. It’s a philosophy that runs through every detail, from preserving original doors and windows to celebrating the rich grain of the timber staircase. This was not about chasing trends, but about restoring atmosphere.

Walls were wrapped in characterful wallpapers with historical resonance, from leafy botanical murals to traditional block-prints that feel both grounded and lyrical. Elsewhere, deep velvets, leopard-print ottomans, and antique kilims add layers of texture and personality. The result? A house that feels inviting, lived-in, and full of stories waiting to be told.

A Lodge Built for Both Stillness and Sociability

This lodge is owned by two brothers in their early 30s who share a deep passion for salmon fishing. They wanted a house that could welcome muddy boots and whisky by the fire, but also offer comfort, beauty, and somewhere to truly unwind. We restored just over a third of the property for this first phase, with the remainder to follow once the fishing season ends.

The drawing room, with its roaring fire and framed Highland landscapes, is a masterclass in cosy grandeur. The dining room is cheerful and sunny, with fresh botanical fabrics and unfussy furniture, ready for breakfasts before a long day on the river or suppers stretching long into the night. The bedrooms and bathrooms are each their own world: soft, layered, and as soothing as the landscape outside.

View from Lairg Lodge across Loch Shin

Letting the Landscape Lead

The interiors were always in dialogue with the surroundings. Outside, a sea of rhododendrons bloom in blush, gold, and cream. Inside, that same palette gently weaves through rooms, echoing the wild garden views. Whether looking out to the water, across to the distant mountains, or through dappled woodland, every window is a painting in motion.

And this landscape isn't just backdrop, it's part of the house’s rhythm. The house is a basecamp for adventure, restoration, and tradition. It’s about long walks, loch swims, fly rods and picnics, and then coming home to hot baths, slippers, and sofas deep enough to disappear into.

Evolution, Not Revolution

Above all, this was a restoration defined by care. It’s easy to rip out and replace, but far more rewarding to work with what already exists, to respect the history, honour the architecture, and add comfort and joy without overpowering the spirit of the place.

There’s a quiet confidence to this lodge now. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it offers it: a place to breathe, belong, and be still - while the river runs on.

See more of this project harrietsale.com/highlands