Suzy Hoodless

interior design, creative direction, brand identity

A highland haven

A highland haven A highland haven

Six years in the making, our design for this remote Highland lodge softens striking modern architecture with colours inspired by the local landscape.

Secluded in the midst of a huge, remote Highland estate, this eight-bedroom lodge was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects the studio has taken on.

The challenges on this project were many. When we started work, the house had no drive; a 13-mile road had to be built for access.

The client, who is Scandinavian, wanted a holiday retreat where she and her family could enjoy spectacular views of the neighbouring loch - and the lodge’s rambling gardens, landscaped by Jinny Blom.

As a means of softening the architecture, we took inspiration from the colours of the local sky and landscape, composing a muted palette of dove grey, dusky pink, pale blue and soft green.

Valuable antique tapestries – including an enormous 16th-century piece depicting the Battle of Zama – add texture and warmth.

Rare Scandinavian furniture – including a Finn Juhl Chieftain sofa – needed to be shipped from Stockholm and Copenhagen. But the obstacles were more than made up for by the experiences we had – not least arriving in this spectacular place at the estate’s own train station, with the family flashing torches to make a request stop.

Duration
6 years
Location
Scotland
‘The house is studded with statement pieces, but each is incorporated in an understated way.’ House & Garden
A highland haven A highland haven