I’ll never forget the drive up to our holiday spot near Inverness – we’d piled into the car from Edinburgh, full of Christmas tunes and mince pies, but about halfway, the sat-nav decided to throw a wobbly and sent us down a narrow, icy lane that wasn’t even on the map. Hearts in mouths, we reversed out laughing, me muttering about trusting technology less next time. But as we finally crested the hill towards Munlochy, just 1.3 miles from the property, the anticipation built – fairy lights twinkling in the distance, the Black Isle countryside dusted in that perfect fresh snow, promising a proper festive getaway.

Pulling up the long drive, framed by snow-laced trees, we were gobsmacked by the first impressions. This magnificent holiday home rose up like something from a Highland fairy tale, the conservatory glowing warmly against the crisp December dusk. Stepping through those glass doors into the games room felt like entering a cosy bubble – we ditched the bags and straight away had a go on the pool table, the L-shaped sofa begging us to flop down with mugs of mulled wine while the TV flickered with old festive films.

The whole place screamed Scottish luxury with a seasonal twist. The sitting room, bursting with tartan cushions and throws, had windows framing the frosty fields outside, and that fireplace was our saviour on chilly evenings, crackling away as we swapped stories. Come mealtime, the huge dining area with its central table was magic – a massive Christmas tree decked out in lights and baubles dominated the space, turning every gathering into a proper Yuletide feast. The kitchen was a dream for whipping up breakfasts of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs (we even hired the cook one night for a full-on turkey dinner, lazy sods that we are), and the utility room came in handy for drying out our wellies after sloshing about in the garden snow.

With nine king-size bedrooms, all zip-linkable for twins and each with en-suites or private baths, plus cracking countryside views, we all had our pick – mine overlooked the rolling hills, waking me to hoar-frosted vistas that made you grateful to be snug inside. The seasonal chill made the hot tub pure bliss; bubbling away on the half-moon patio under a starry sky, steam rising like Highland mist, was the highlight after days out. We picnicked on the lawn (braving the cold for sausage rolls), the kids loved the climbing frame turned snowy playground, and the tennis court? Well, that stayed pristine under its white blanket – perfect excuse for more indoor games.

Venturing out, the winter shaped everything – a short hop to Munlochy Bay for seal-spotting (they were bobbing about like festive decorations), or into Inverness for the Christmas market’s hog roasts and mulled cider stalls, all within easy reach. Loch Ness was a misty, mythical drive away, the cold sharpening the thrill of hunting Nessie legends. Reflecting on it now, that week forced me to slow down amid the tinsel and turkey – away from the usual rush, wrapped in Scotland’s winter hush, it was a reminder that the best holidays are the ones that recharge your soul. If you’re after a festive base near Inverness, this spot’s a cracker.