Some Highland houses are designed to disappear quietly into the landscape, but Mountain Bear Lodge was never intended to be one of them.
Built from enormous Douglas fir logs imported from Canada, this remarkable lodge stands around a mile outside Nethy Bridge with panoramic views towards the Cairngorm Mountains.
It is a striking property, but there is considerably more to the story than its architecture.
Mountain Bear Lodge was conceived from the beginning as a place where families and groups could come together for Highland holidays and special occasions.
The site was bought in 2004, construction began the following year and the first paying guests arrived in 2006.
Two decades later, the lodge is being offered for sale as both a substantial six bedroom property and an established holiday business with an existing income stream.
The experience begins in the huge main living room, where a cathedral style vaulted ceiling, exposed timber beams and floor to ceiling windows make full use of the views towards the Cairngorms.
At its centre is an impressive Tulikivi wood burning stove clad in soapstone, designed to absorb heat from the fire and continue radiating it into the room.
Alongside the living area is an Alpine inspired dining space built around the idea that everyone staying at the lodge should be able to sit together around one large table.
That tells you quite a lot about what Mountain Bear Lodge was designed to do.
This is a house for gathering.
The adjoining kitchen is equipped accordingly, with a range cooker, two dishwashers, wine fridge and generous preparation and storage space capable of dealing with a considerably larger crowd than the average family kitchen.
There are six bedrooms in total, allowing the lodge to accommodate up to 14 guests across double rooms, twin and bunk accommodation.
Four bedrooms have en suite facilities, while the remaining rooms are served by something rather more memorable than the average family bathroom.
The spa suite contains a double Jacuzzi, walk in shower, twin wash basins and sauna, with underfloor heating beneath the bathrooms.
Outside, a large deck wraps around the south and east of the lodge, with several rooms opening directly onto it.
An eight person hot tub provides another place to take in the surroundings, while nearby stands an octagonal barbecue hut complete with central fire pit and seating around its walls.
There is also a separate owner’s cabin, allowing personal belongings to be stored securely when guests occupy the main lodge.
The property sits within almost half an acre of natural gardens, with Scots pine and silver birch helping it settle into its woodland surroundings.
For somebody buying Mountain Bear Lodge as a business, however, the wider landscape is every bit as important as the building.
Nethy Bridge sits within the Cairngorms National Park between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey, with Abernethy Forest and Loch Garten nearby.
Walking, mountain biking, climbing, skiing, golf, fishing and watersports all help make this part of the Highlands a genuine year round destination rather than somewhere dependent upon a few weeks of summer trade.
Aviemore is around 12 miles away, while Nethy Bridge itself has everyday amenities including a shop, Post Office, primary school, hotels and golf course.
The lodge could equally appeal to somebody looking for an extraordinary private Highland home, but its history and design are firmly rooted in hospitality.
It was built to bring people together, give them somewhere memorable to stay and make the Cairngorm landscape part of the experience.
After welcoming guests for 20 years, Mountain Bear Lodge now offers somebody else the opportunity to take that idea forward.
The property is being marketed by Rettie
The asking price, full property details, photographs, floor plans, Home Report where available, business information and viewing arrangements can all be found on the official listing.
Click here to view the official listing
