JaneyEdwards
May 2017
The appeal of the Signal Box for us was our connection to the railway, having both worked with railway companies in the past. The photographs and reviews of the Signal Box beforehand were all very encouraging, and the booking process, arranging key collection with Mrs Russell and arriving/departing was all very flexible and easy. On arrival, the Signal Box looks stunning from the outside, and once inside, it is filled with every conceivable home comfort you could need, including being greeted by a delicious home made chocolate cake and fresh flowers and a thoughtful pint of milk from the owner, with lovely fresh decor and loads of space to relax throughout. We didn't use the television once as the views across to the surrounding hillls (snowcapped!), golfers in the distance, the arrivals and departures from the passing trains and the new born lambs in the field across the road provided plenty of entertainment and just made it the perfect time of year to be there and to enjoy nature. Sitting in the comfortable armchairs, on the couch or at the dining table all gave different views through the many windows around the top floor - whoever designed the Signal Box was inspired! The kitchen is fully equipped with every possible utensil and cooking equipment if you like self-catering, or a 10 min stroll to the start of Newtonmore main street gives options for dining out - would highly recommend the Glen Hotel at the start of the main street, excellent food and great service, and huge portions, and lots of craft ales and whiskies on offer. The sleeping and bathroom facilities are excellent, comfy bed, lots of storage space, great water pressure for the shower and the bathroom under-floor heating was a treat!! Lots of books and games on offer for visitors, and particularly loved the collection of railway and train books which obviously belonged to an enthusiast, and photographs of old Newtonmore station on the walls. Would recommend trying the Wildcat trail walk, about 7 miles and leaves from just beside the station, a circular walk taking you through different landscapes, along beside the River Spey and upwards for stunning views, farm fields, forest and waterfalls, as well as several other walks around the area of varying degrees of ease/difficulty depending on your fitness level and length of stay. The Signal Box is in a lovely quiet area beside the station, we slept like logs on both of our nights here! On our last morning the sun was shining and it was warm enough to sit outside the Box upstairs on the bench and enjoy the heat of the sun for a little while, before we sadly had to head for home. The time here was so relaxing and comfortable (especially when the log burning stove was on!), it felt like we had been there a lot longer than two nights. We both agreed that we can't wait to come back again, thank you Mrs Russell and family for a fantastic stay in amazing place :-)