A dynamic couple who meticulously transformed a once-derelict Perthshire inn into a thriving four-star destination are now setting their sights on an ambitious new venture in Callander. Having put their beloved Loch Tummel establishment on the market, Jade and Alice Calliva are poised to inject fresh energy into a historic Callander hotel, envisioning it as a premier wellness retreat in the heart of Scotland.
Their journey began in 2016 when the Callivas relocated from London, seeking a different pace of life and a shared project. They discovered the picturesque property near Loch Tummel in a state of disrepair. With a blend of personal savings and significant community backing, including a highly successful crowdfunding campaign that rallied support during uncertain times, they painstakingly restored the inn. Over nearly a decade, it blossomed into a cherished spot for both local patrons and visitors exploring Perthshire’s stunning landscapes, earning a reputation for quality and charm.
The pair recently transitioned their personal residence to Crieff, marking a symbolic shift as they look towards their next chapter. While their Perthshire inn continues to flourish and remain profitable, Jade Calliva acknowledges that they have achieved all they set out to accomplish with the property. The decision to list it, inviting offers over £525,000, is a considered step towards broader aspirations, rather than an urgent necessity. He remains optimistic about the resilience of the hospitality sector, confident that it will rebound stronger despite current economic headwinds. A Grand Vision for Callander’s Historic Gem
The couple’s current focus is firmly on the future, with a compelling offer placed on a well-known historic hotel in Callander. This potential acquisition represents a significant expansion of their entrepreneurial journey. Their plans for the extensive 20-acre property are nothing short of transformative: they intend to overhaul the existing structure and reimagine it as a cutting-edge wellness retreat.
The vision aligns perfectly with the growing demand for health and well-being tourism, a market Jade Calliva believes is ripe for innovation. This ambitious undertaking is projected to span approximately two years from development to reopening, promising to be a colossal project – an ‘inn on performance-enhanced steroids,’ as he enthusiastically describes it, given the sheer scale compared to their previous endeavour. Shaping a Collection of Scottish Boutique Hotels
The lessons gleaned from a decade of hands-on management and marketing in Perthshire will be invaluable in navigating this new challenge. Despite the inherent uncertainties that accompany such large-scale investments, the Callivas are driven by excitement and a profound belief in their capabilities. Their ultimate goal extends beyond a single property: they aspire to cultivate a collection of boutique hotels, each offering between 25 and 35 rooms, strategically located across four key regions of Scotland.
This strategy aims to diversify their offering while simultaneously building a trusted brand synonymous with quality and unique experiences. Ideally, they hope to integrate their original Perthshire inn into this future portfolio, ‘packaging it up’ as a foundational piece of their growing hospitality empire. This expansion not only signifies personal growth for Jade and Alice but also promises to contribute significantly to the tourism economy of Perth and Kinross, and indeed wider Scotland, by attracting discerning travellers seeking bespoke, high-quality stays.
Their story is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, adaptation, and a deep-seated confidence in Scotland’s enduring appeal as a prime destination for both rest and rejuvenation.
Their journey began in 2016 when the Callivas relocated from London, seeking a different pace of life and a shared project. They discovered the picturesque property near Loch Tummel in a state of disrepair. With a blend of personal savings and significant community backing, including a highly successful crowdfunding campaign that rallied support during uncertain times, they painstakingly restored the inn. Over nearly a decade, it blossomed into a cherished spot for both local patrons and visitors exploring Perthshire’s stunning landscapes, earning a reputation for quality and charm.
The pair recently transitioned their personal residence to Crieff, marking a symbolic shift as they look towards their next chapter. While their Perthshire inn continues to flourish and remain profitable, Jade Calliva acknowledges that they have achieved all they set out to accomplish with the property. The decision to list it, inviting offers over £525,000, is a considered step towards broader aspirations, rather than an urgent necessity. He remains optimistic about the resilience of the hospitality sector, confident that it will rebound stronger despite current economic headwinds. A Grand Vision for Callander’s Historic Gem
The couple’s current focus is firmly on the future, with a compelling offer placed on a well-known historic hotel in Callander. This potential acquisition represents a significant expansion of their entrepreneurial journey. Their plans for the extensive 20-acre property are nothing short of transformative: they intend to overhaul the existing structure and reimagine it as a cutting-edge wellness retreat.
The vision aligns perfectly with the growing demand for health and well-being tourism, a market Jade Calliva believes is ripe for innovation. This ambitious undertaking is projected to span approximately two years from development to reopening, promising to be a colossal project – an ‘inn on performance-enhanced steroids,’ as he enthusiastically describes it, given the sheer scale compared to their previous endeavour. Shaping a Collection of Scottish Boutique Hotels
The lessons gleaned from a decade of hands-on management and marketing in Perthshire will be invaluable in navigating this new challenge. Despite the inherent uncertainties that accompany such large-scale investments, the Callivas are driven by excitement and a profound belief in their capabilities. Their ultimate goal extends beyond a single property: they aspire to cultivate a collection of boutique hotels, each offering between 25 and 35 rooms, strategically located across four key regions of Scotland.
This strategy aims to diversify their offering while simultaneously building a trusted brand synonymous with quality and unique experiences. Ideally, they hope to integrate their original Perthshire inn into this future portfolio, ‘packaging it up’ as a foundational piece of their growing hospitality empire. This expansion not only signifies personal growth for Jade and Alice but also promises to contribute significantly to the tourism economy of Perth and Kinross, and indeed wider Scotland, by attracting discerning travellers seeking bespoke, high-quality stays.
Their story is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, adaptation, and a deep-seated confidence in Scotland’s enduring appeal as a prime destination for both rest and rejuvenation.