The Tranquil Otter

We booked all the lodges out with our family and got married at Gretna Green the Tranquil Otter couldn't be anymore it is perfect this was the dream get away with family and the most perfect wedding we can't wait to come back on our anniversary's thanks to all the team for making our stay wonderful ♥️

This is a stunning location and the lodge we stayed in (Fieldfare) was excellent. It had everything we needed, was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The boat was a real treat and we really enjoyed getting out onto the water. We loved being able to watch the birds from the jacuzzi, which was huge for a 2-person lodge, and being able to sit in bed with a tea in the morning and look out over the lake. However, due to the closeness of the lodges, the tranquility of your stay is dictated by how quiet the guests in the other lodges are. Judging by the reviews, it seems we were *extremely* unlucky to stay at a time when more than one of our neighbours had decided this was the perfect place to sit and get drunk in a hot tub from the moment of waking up until late into the night, with loud music, screaming and shouting. After a very stressful few months, the intention of coming here for a short 2 night stay was to enjoy the peace and quiet that's advertised, and instead I had to make a noise complaint as soon as we arrived. While things initially calmed down, the noise ramped up again first thing the next the morning and I had to continue to battle to get the tranquility I paid for (bearing in mind it's made very clear when booking and is indicated within the lodges that you should not be able to hear other guests and they should not hear you - it's not a 'get drunk and do whatever you want' kind of place). We went for a walk around the lake to get away from the noise and could still hear them on the other side, it was inescapable. To give full credit to the owners, who were unfortunately not there during our stay to witness for themselves the disturbance or enforce their own rules, they did everything they could remotely to help, and they did succeed in restoring quiet from one lodge, only for another lodge to then become increasingly disruptive as the evening wore on. At this point, our stay was almost over and we didn't want to continue having to complain, we just wanted to try to enjoy what little time we had left. I ended up sleeping with ear plugs in to block out the sound of our neighbours' music - I don't even have to do that when going to bed in my city centre flat. Our dogs also struggled with the noise levels, and were unsettled during the trip. I felt so deflated upon leaving yesterday that giving 4 stars feels generous, but it would be unfair to award less than 4 for such a lovely place, and it is clear that others have had the experience I wanted for us. I do also acknowledge that the behaviour of guests is mostly out of the owner's control. However, given the clear marketing of peace and tranquility, it's disappointing that this is not really enforced properly at all times. It's a real shame, as were it not for our noisy and inconsiderate neighbours, it would have been the perfect place.

What a lovely place! We (2 adults, 16 and 10 year old plus our dog) visited in October, weather was mixed but the Lough always looked fantastic. Great to take the boat out and get closer to the Swans and ducks. Hot tub was used every day, usually after a big walk. We had a really clear night and the star gazing was amazing! Log fire lovely at night too. The lodges are well kitted out, really comfortable beds and recliner sofa. Definitely hoping to return at some point!