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Balloan House, Muir of Ord

Visitor Rating
Rating
★★★★★
Inverness-shire » Muir Of Ord
10
5
5

Balloan House is a grand five-bedroom former hotel in the Scottish Highlands near Inverness. This traditional property sleeps up to 10 guests and works brilliantly for family gatherings or friend reunions. Five spacious bedrooms mean everyone gets proper space to relax after days exploring the dramatic Highland landscape.

The property sits in the beautiful Scottish countryside with stunning views across the surrounding area. You're close to Inverness but far enough out to enjoy peace and quiet. The Highland setting offers mountains, lochs and forests right on your doorstep.

Inside you'll find five bedrooms sleeping 10 people across five bathrooms. The former hotel layout provides generous living spaces perfect for groups to gather.

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At Sykes Cottages
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About Balloan House

Balloan House is a grand five-bedroom former hotel in the Scottish Highlands near Inverness. This traditional property sleeps up to 10 guests and works brilliantly for family gatherings or friend reunions. Five spacious bedrooms mean everyone gets proper space to relax after days exploring the dramatic Highland landscape.

The property sits in the beautiful Scottish countryside with stunning views across the surrounding area. You're close to Inverness but far enough out to enjoy peace and quiet. The Highland setting offers mountains, lochs and forests right on your doorstep.

Inside you'll find five bedrooms sleeping 10 people across five bathrooms. The former hotel layout provides generous living spaces perfect for groups to gather. Large social areas let everyone eat together and spend evenings planning the next day's adventures.

Loch Ness sits just 8 miles away (15 minutes' drive) for monster spotting. Inverness Castle is 6 miles away (12 minutes). Culloden Battlefield lies 4 miles distant (10 minutes). Cawdor Castle makes a great day out at 7 miles (14 minutes).

Balloan House delivers proper Highland hospitality in a spacious setting. Perfect for groups wanting authentic Scottish experiences with room to spread out.

Check Prices & Availability »
At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

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Local Insights: Balloan House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Muir of Ord, Inverness-Shire

Weather & Local Conditions

13°C

Mainly clear

Updated: 11 Sep 2026, 3:17am

🌡️
12.50°C
Temperature
💨
21 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
87%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Balloan House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

29m

(95 feet above sea level)

Balloan House sits in a peaceful Inverness-Shire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
29m
Elevation
📍
Muir of Ord
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Muir of Ord are typical Inverness-Shire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 57.5474836° N | Longitude: 4.5350181° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Muir of Ord (Friday, 11 September 2026):

5:38am

Sunrise

5:51pm

Golden Hour

6:51pm

Sunset

🌅
5:38am
Sunrise
🌇
6:51pm
Sunset
📸
5:51pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:51pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Muir of Ord, you have approximately 13.21 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Balloan House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Inverness-Shire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 11 Sep 2026 | Location: 57.5474836, -4.5350181

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Balloan House

Spacious Former Hotel Layout

Five bedrooms and generous social spaces give groups plenty of room to gather without feeling cramped throughout your stay.

Highland Location Near Inverness

Perfect countryside setting with easy access to Inverness and major Highland attractions within 15 minutes' drive from the property.

Sleeps 10 Guests Comfortably

Large capacity means extended families or friend groups can all stay together under one roof for reunions and celebrations.

Traditional Scottish Property

Authentic Highland building with character features that give you a real taste of Scottish hospitality and traditional architecture.

Multiple Bathrooms Available

Several bathrooms mean no morning queues when getting ready for days out exploring the spectacular surrounding Highland landscape.

Close to Loch Ness

Just 15 minutes from Scotland's most famous loch where you can take boat trips and search for Nessie together.

Getting To Balloan House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Balloan House by car, take the A9 towards Inverness then follow the A82 westbound. The property is easily accessible from major Highland routes and offers convenient off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, Inverness station is the nearest major hub approximately 6 miles away. From there, it's a short taxi ride to your Highland base.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Inverness station (6 miles)
Easily accessible from the A9 and A82

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Loch Ness
Distance: 8 miles
IV3 8LA
Culloden Battlefield
Distance: 4 miles
IV2 5EU
Cawdor Castle
Distance: 7 miles
IV12 5RD
Loch Ness Shores Trail
Distance: 8 miles
IV3 8LA
Abriachan Forest Walks
Distance: 5 miles
IV3 8LA
Beauly Firth Coastal Path
Distance: 3 miles
IV5 7PW
Inverness City Centre
Distance: 6 miles
IV1 1JQ
Eastgate Shopping Centre
Distance: 6 miles
IV2 3PP
Tesco Superstore Inverness
Distance: 5 miles
IV2 3TW
Inverness Bus Station
Distance: 6 miles
IV1 1LT
Inverness Airport
Distance: 8 miles
IV2 7JB
Beauly Village
Distance: 4 miles
IV4 7EH
Loch Ness
Distance: 8 miles
IV3 8LA
Culloden Battlefield
Distance: 4 miles
IV2 5EU
Cawdor Castle
Distance: 7 miles
IV12 5RD
Loch Ness Shores Trail
Distance: 8 miles
IV3 8LA
Abriachan Forest Walks
Distance: 5 miles
IV3 8LA
Beauly Firth Coastal Path
Distance: 3 miles
IV5 7PW
Inverness City Centre
Distance: 6 miles
IV1 1JQ
Eastgate Shopping Centre
Distance: 6 miles
IV2 3PP
Tesco Superstore Inverness
Distance: 5 miles
IV2 3TW
Inverness Bus Station
Distance: 6 miles
IV1 1LT
Inverness Airport
Distance: 8 miles
IV2 7JB
Beauly Village
Distance: 4 miles
IV4 7EH

Is Balloan House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The Scottish Highlands offer brilliant adventures for children. Loch Ness monster hunting makes an exciting day out just 15 minutes away. Culloden Battlefield provides fascinating history lessons about Scottish heritage. The surrounding forests and hills offer space for outdoor games and exploration. Inverness has family-friendly attractions including museums and parks within easy reach of the property.
Groups Will Love...
The former hotel layout at Balloan House creates perfect group accommodation. Five separate bedrooms mean everyone gets their own space after busy days exploring. Large social areas let the whole group gather for meals and evening entertainment. Multiple bathrooms prevent morning bottlenecks when 10 people need to get ready. The traditional building's generous proportions suit extended families or friend groups brilliantly.
Pet Friendly
Pet policies for Balloan House should be confirmed directly with the property owner before making your booking. The Highland location offers excellent walking opportunities if dogs are permitted. Nearby forests and loch shores provide fantastic exercise routes. The property's countryside setting would suit active dogs well. Contact the owner to discuss bringing your pet along for the holiday.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Balloan House

The Lovat Beauly

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: IV4 7BS

The Dores Inn

Located 9 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: IV2 6TR

Café 1 Inverness

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: IV1 1LT

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Balloan House

How many people does Balloan House sleep?
The property sleeps 10 guests across five bedrooms. Multiple bathrooms ensure comfortable accommodation for larger groups throughout your stay.
Is Balloan House pet friendly?
Pet policies should be confirmed directly with the property owner before booking. Contact them to discuss bringing your dog along for the Highland adventure.
What sleeping arrangements are available?
Five bedrooms provide flexible sleeping arrangements for up to 10 guests. The former hotel layout offers various room sizes suitable for couples and families.
How far is Balloan House from Inverness?
Inverness sits approximately 6 miles away with a 12-minute drive. You'll have easy access to city amenities whilst enjoying peaceful countryside surroundings.
What attractions are nearby for groups?
Loch Ness is 8 miles away taking 15 minutes by car. Culloden Battlefield sits 4 miles distant and Cawdor Castle is 7 miles from the property.
Is there parking at the property?
Off-road parking is available at Balloan House for multiple vehicles. Groups travelling by car will find convenient parking right at the property.
What facilities does Balloan House have?
The property features five bedrooms, multiple bathrooms and spacious social areas. The traditional building offers generous living spaces perfect for group gatherings.
What can groups do in the area?
Visit Loch Ness for boat trips and monster spotting adventures. Explore Culloden Battlefield, tour Cawdor Castle or enjoy walking trails through stunning Highland scenery.

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