Skip to main content

A Tranquil Retreat at Braemorriston Lodge: A November Escape

By
Braemorriston Lodge nestled near serene, natural surroundings, ideal for a relaxing November getaway
A Serene November Getaway

November Escape at Braemorriston Lodge

Review for Braemorriston Lodge, Elgin, United Kingdom

Our November weekend at Braemorriston Lodge was truly exceptional, blending the charm of a historic sandstone cottage with the comfort of a beautifully modernised interior. As a bus driver, I’m used to bustling roads and cityscapes, so finding a place that balances tranquillity with easy access to local highlights was the perfect way to welcome the colder season. Our stay was also made particularly meaningful as we were in the area for family business—attending a nearby remembrance service in Forres. The location and surroundings, steeped in history, felt like the perfect place to pause, reflect, and unwind.

First Impressions & Location
Braemorriston Lodge sits in a prime location—close to Elgin Cathedral and local amenities, while still feeling secluded and peaceful. The late autumn setting was especially picturesque, with trees around the lodge showcasing their last golden leaves against the cool, crisp air. The garden, with its quiet atmosphere and outdoor fireplace, added a touch of warmth and charm to the setting, blending natural beauty with the comfort of a private retreat. Tucked away from the town’s hustle, the lodge offers a sense of escape, perfect for anyone looking to unwind in a serene environment.

The drive along the old military road (A939) from Forres to Grantown-on-Spey was one of the highlights of our journey. Winding through the stunning Scottish countryside, this historic route offers sweeping views of the Cairngorms and the tranquil beauty of the rolling hills. As we made our way through the crisp autumn air, the golden and auburn leaves on the trees created a vivid contrast against the clear skies. The A939, once a strategic military route, now offers a peaceful, scenic drive, perfect for anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of this part of Scotland. It was a fitting and reflective way to travel, adding a deeper sense of significance to our visit.

The Lodge Interior
Every corner of the lodge felt thoughtfully designed, furnished to high standards, and filled with personal touches. Visiting in November turned out to be a wonderful time to enjoy the lodge’s cosy interior, especially with the crisp days outside. The recent renovation is clearly a labour of love, preserving the building’s charm while adding luxurious, contemporary finishes. The bathroom was a real highlight, with an exceptionally deep tub and a powerful shower—an absolute haven for relaxation after braving the chill of a day out exploring.

Thoughtful Details & Comfort
Phil and Jackie, the owners, truly go the extra mile to make guests feel welcome. We appreciated the small but thoughtful touches, like extra pillows, hot water bottles, and plush linens—perfect additions for the colder season. The kitchen was well-stocked and open, making it easy to settle in, cook, and enjoy a bit of home comfort away from home. One of our favourite moments was warming up with a home-cooked meal as the evening set in early outside—a simple pleasure that felt just right for this cosy autumn retreat. While we would have loved the opportunity to meet Phil and Jackie in person, we truly appreciated their professional approach in allowing us to enjoy the surroundings in peace and privacy. They clearly know how to balance hospitality with guest comfort, giving us the space to relax and reflect.

WiFi & Amenities
The WiFi was fast and reliable, which was helpful for planning our outings around Elgin and the beautiful Moray coast, even in the shorter days of November. With a flat-screen TV and private entrance, the lodge feels like our own slice of peace and quiet—ideal for anyone looking to unwind completely.

Final Thoughts
Braemorriston Lodge is a superb escape, balancing charm, convenience, and a genuine sense of welcome. Visiting in November highlighted the lodge’s warmth and character, making it an ideal choice for the colder season. With Elgin’s attractions close by, the lodge’s serene setting offers a unique balance of accessibility and escape, perfect for travellers looking to unwind. Phil and Jackie’s warm hospitality, the beautifully designed interiors, and the private garden create a home-away-from-home that I can’t recommend enough. For a restorative, quiet escape, this hidden gem truly has it all.

On the Road Again: A Bus Driver’s November Escape to Braemorriston Lodge

After a week of navigating busy routes and keeping to tight schedules, it was a refreshing change to swap the bus for a peaceful retreat. Every journey, whether behind the wheel or on foot, offers new perspectives and stories. The beauty of Scotland’s countryside, the historic charm of Braemorriston Lodge, and the quiet moments of reflection made this escape a memorable one.

“From one journey to the next, whether it's behind the wheel or on a quiet retreat, every stop has something to offer. Until the next adventure, happy travels!”

___ The Bus Driver

Labels:
Location: 7 Braemorriston Rd, Elgin IV30 4DL, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Trump’s Tariff Tantrum: And We’re the Ones Driving the Fallout

By
When the markets crash, I don’t need Bloomberg to tell me. I see it on the faces at the bus stop. Tariffs go up, and suddenly everyone’s carrying packed lunches and stress. The billionaires aren’t panicking, they’re shopping. Economic Repercussions You can always tell when something’s up in the economy. Before it hits the headlines, it hits the bus. The bloke who used to chat about upgrading his car? Now asking if we’ve got any driver vacancies. The regular who used to buy a coffee for the ride? Cold flask. Same coat. Worn face. The fare dodgers are sneakier. The pensioners quieter. Everyone’s just… a little more tired. And me? I’m still driving the same route, dodging potholes the council can’t afford to fix, thanks to budget cuts brought on by yet another economic shake-up dressed in red, white, and blue. This time, it’s Trump’s tariff circus again. Round two. "America First" they said. More like markets last, small businesses folded, and guess who’s still getting richer? Y...
1 comment
Read more

The Supreme Court Ruling Arrives… Somewhere Between Murrayfied and Mayhem

By
A Supreme Court ruling. A laminated headline. And a furious debate over womanhood... on a Thursday morning city bus. When national policy hits the Number X12, guess who gets caught in the crossfire? Spoiler: it’s the one with the steering wheel and no legal training. The Bus Stop Becomes a Battlefield I was three minutes early at the Exchange stop, which, in bus-driver time, is essentially a miracle, schedulers must have made some improvements to the timetable. The clouds were low, the queue was long, and Carol was armed, with a newspaper clipping, laminated and annotated like it was a sacred scroll. “Driver,” she said, climbing aboard like she’d been summoned to Westminster, “are trans women still allowed on this bus? Because the Supreme Court says…” I’m Just the Driver, Not the Department for Defining Women Now, I don’t sit in the Lords, I don’t wear ermine, and I didn’t rewrite the Equality Act over my tea this morning. I drive the bus. That’s all. But Carol had clearly made me the ...
1 comment
Read more

Trumped by the Fare: When Coin Tosses Meet Trade Wars

By
Fare hikes arrive, Trump announces tariffs, and somewhere in the chaos, a man boards with last year’s change. I break the news with a smirk and a made-up tax. Confusion? Always, comedy? Guaranteed. When Small Change Meets Big Policy Some updates come with posters and emails. Others arrive via a baffled punter clutching three coins and a question mark. There’s something deliciously poetic about fare increases and global politics colliding at the exact moment someone’s rummaging through a lint-filled pocket for exact change. It always starts the same way: a familiar face boards the bus, throws in a few quid, exactly the same as they did in 2022, and expects time to freeze. Then they stand there. Expectantly. Waiting for a beep. A receipt. A miracle. Anything. “Sorry,” I’ll say with a gentle driverly shrug, “there’s been a slight fare adjustment.” Cue the blank look. The "Oh no, not again" furrowed brow. Sometimes the squint, as if the hopper might spit the coins back with an ap...
Post a Comment
Read more