Interview: Anna Low

Anna Low is the co-owner of the beautiful Highland boutique hotel Foyers Lodge

I grew up on a farm in rural Aberdeenshire and have always loved Scotland’s countryside. However, following a school trip to see Les Misérables at Edinburgh Playhouse, I became hooked on theatre and subsequently moved to London at 16 to pursue a stage career. For 12 years I performed in a variety of plays, musicals, and concerts on tour, in the West End and for companies such as The National Theatre and RSC. Those with a keen eye will notice the theatrical parallels running throughout the interiors at Foyers Lodge.

In my early 30s I diversified and began working on international cultural programmes, including the London 2012 Festival, part of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Having lived and worked all over the world, by 2015 I was ready to return to Scotland and put all my experiences to effective use by building a business with my husband Phil. We bought Foyers Lodge – which was in a sorry state – in 2016 and have spent years bringing the building back to life, fulfilling a dream by creating a peaceful retreat overlooking Loch Ness where grown-ups can relax and unwind.

Foyers Lodge is closed to guests during winter, giving us the opportunity to conduct maintenance and make improvements throughout the building. I’ve already visited Strichen Antiques and Curios to pick up additional antique garden furniture for the summer – this year we’ll be offering picnic lunches in the garden, so I’ve been eyeing up the tasty delights offered by Highland Fine Cheeses and other local producers. To burn off the festive bulge our Drawing Room bar has become a makeshift studio where I practise my ‘Sleek Technique’, a ballet fitness programme co-created by my friend Flik – we shared a dressing room while performing in the musical Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre.

We haven’t travelled abroad this winter, but Phil and I are looking forward to spending time with our fellow refurb enthusiast pals Stef and Simo at Kilmartin Castle in Argyll and Bute and you can bet I’ll be stepping out in my new Campbells of Beauly tailored coat, my favourite Christmas gift. Make-up will be minimal, but I cannot live without my Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer with SPF30, £55, and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Blush, £27, John Lewis.

Foyers Lodge, recently listed at No. 17 in the UK’s ‘Top 50 Boutique Hotels’, re-opens on 17th March. Hood readers can enjoy 15% off the cost of their accommodation between then and 9th April 2023 by using the promo code ‘HOOD2023’ when booking direct here.