An eight-bedroom mansion on the shores of Loch Ness for the price of a one-bedroom flat in South London
Foyer's Bay is a majestic 19th century home set in beautiful grounds beside Loch Ness at a price which might prove irresistible for those looking to escape to the country. Or from the country. Either way.

In these confusing times, when nobody quite knows what sort of country – or indeed continent – we’re living in, the idea of jacking in the metropolitan life and moving to a remote, idyllic spot seems ever more appealing. Who needs 24-hour rolling news when you can look outside and see red squirrels playing on the lawn? Who could summon the will to fret about trading blocs when a hike in the mountains, lakes and forests beckons? And why bother about the untangling of half a century of financial and political symbiosis when you could mix a hot toddy and sink into a comfy armchair by the fire?
Opting out seems all the more straightforward in the case of Foyer’s Bay House, a glorious, eight-bedroom Victorian mansion situated a few yards from the shores of Loch Ness, for sale at the staggering price of £490,000. That’s roughly the cost of a pied-a-terre in Kennington of the sort used by most MPs staying in London to ‘manage’ our future relationship with the world.
It wouldn't be entirely straightforward, since Foyer's Bay House could do with a bit of work. It’s presently run as a B&B, with fittings and furniture to match; it could certainly be kept as such, but could equally be changed back into a grand country home.
As well as the wealth of rooms there is a separate stone byre, a conservatory and a balcony from which you can gaze across the acres of gardens and try to spot Nessie.
Scottish weather being what it is, the balcony won’t always be an option – but the large lounge will be just as welcome a spot, with its bay window overlooking the front garden again enjoying the lovely views and an open fire sitting upon a tiled fireplace with an ornate wooden hearth.
It’s the sort of place you’d just love to have guests. There’s a bar in the corner of the lounge, while the attached conservatory has a small kitchen area to make this an ideal house for entertaining. Or escaping from the world. Or perhaps a bit of both.
Foyer’s Bay House is for sale via Bell Ingram at £490,000 – see more pictures and details.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
The Castle of Mey: Inside the Queen Mother's beloved home
A visit to Scotland in the first months of her widowhood encouraged The Queen Mother to buy and restore a
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
'The watch is Head Boy of men’s accessorising': Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin's Summer Season style secrets
When it comes to dressing for the Season, accessories will transform an outfit. Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey and Tom Chamberlin, both stylish summer-party veterans, offer some sage advice.
By Country Life Published
-
Lewis Hamilton, Claude Monet and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 29, 2025
Tuesday's Quiz of the Day looks back at Lewis Hamilton's first win and ponders on the meaning of greige.
By Toby Keel Published
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealed
New research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of England
Come for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
By James Fisher Published
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producers
Stormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in Kent
North Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
By James Fisher Published
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streets
This six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
By James Fisher Published
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive street
Winnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
By Lotte Brundle Last updated