Douneside House
A Hidden Gem in Royal Deeside
Discover expansive private gardens, miles of picturesque walks on your doorstep, and a warm, welcoming team ready to make you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Royal Deeside · Scotland
A country house hotel shaped by an incredible history
Owned by The MacRobert Trust, one of Scotland's most distinguished charitable foundations, Douneside House is a place with a remarkable story and a unique purpose.
Set in the heart of Royal Deeside, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, it offers a warm welcome in an exceptional setting.
Surrounded by beautifully tended gardens, the tranquillity of the landscape is reflected both indoors and out. Guests are invited to unwind, savour exceptional food and wine, and immerse themselves in Douneside's rich heritage and peaceful surroundings.
“A paradise for foodies and garden lovers in a tranquil corner of Aberdeenshire, this country-house hotel in the Howe of Cromar is a rare gem. There is a sense of peace and grace in public rooms, painted in gentle, traditional hues and filled with family portraits and mementos.”
- The Good Hotel Guide, 2026
Accommodation
Refined, characterful rooms and holiday cottages.
Our Rooms
Within the main house are ten individually designed bedrooms, each with its own character and sense of calm. Whether cosy, classic or deluxe, all are thoughtfully appointed, offering understated luxury and comforts.
Cottages
Within the grounds are nine holiday cottages and apartments, which vary in size and character. All offer full access to the main house and its facilities, including the restaurant, bar, indoor pool, tennis court and gardens. Dogs are most welcome.
“Family memorabilia covers the walls, with pictures of visiting royals in the Library, which is where we sit down to a quite excellent six-course tasting menu. It starts with lamb tartare tartlets, moves through sea bass ceviche to duck with artichoke, and frankly it is as good as anything I’ve tasted anywhere in the UK, never mind along my favoured west coast.”
- Andrew Eames, The Times, February 2026
Dine
Food and wine
at the heart of your stay.
Our kitchen follows the rhythm of the seasons, inspired by the produce of our walled garden, the farms of Aberdeenshire, and Scotland's coasts and hills. Menus evolve naturally throughout the year, celebrating the very best ingredients at their peak.
Two restaurants, each with its own character.
The Conservatory is bright and airy by day and softly candlelit by evening, with views across the Arts and Crafts-inspired terrace garden.
The Library offers a more intimate experience: an open fire, and a six-course menu from Thursday to Saturday evenings, accompanied by wines selected by a sommelier of rare distinction.
Ethos
We value our guests, our team, our community and the landscape that surrounds us. Every decision is guided by a commitment to caring for this special place and the people who are part of it.
✦ Our gardens enhance biodiversity while providing organic produce for our kitchens.
✦ Renewable energy from our on-site solar and biomass systems powers the House and Health Club.
✦ Timber from the MacRobert Estate's woodland fuels our biomass heating and keeps our fireplaces burning.
✦ Our apprenticeship programmes help nurture the next generation of hospitality and horticultural professionals.
✦ Our community fund supports local projects and initiatives, helping to sustain and strengthen the vibrant community that surrounds us in the Howe of Cromar, Royal Deeside.
The Estate
There is so much more to discover
The Gardens
Spanning 17 acres, the gardens feel like a world away. An infinity lawn with spectacular views across the Grampian Mountains; beautifully planted Arts and Crafts terraced gardens; an arboretum; rock-pool gardens and streamside plantings; the Spring Walk; a Victorian-style ornamental greenhouse and a walled kitchen garden.
Health Club
Alongside Douneside’s intimate charm, guests can enjoy an exclusive on-site health club with an indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Whether starting the day or unwinding after exploring Royal Deeside, it offers a peaceful space to relax, recharge and feel refreshed.
Open to all guests, seven days a week.
Discover
Balmoral Castle sits twelve miles north. The Cairngorms National Park begins at the estate gate. Castles, distilleries, hill walks and Highland villages are all within reach. Ceilidhs, Highland Games, folk music festivals and farmers’ markets reveal the rich culture and traditions of Scotland, making Douneside an ideal base from which to explore the very best of Royal Deeside
Guest Stories
What our guests say
★★★★★
“ The beauty of the gardens is uplifting, the huge infinity lawn, the naturalistic colourful planting following the burn and the quiet flower filled garden beside the conservatory.”
★★★★★
“ One of the most exquisite places on this planet, especially in Spring and Autumn times! the vegetarian tasting menu not to be missed - and the carefully curated expert wine selection.”
★★★★★
“ It is always a great joy in driving up the gravel path and realising the cares and stresses of the world have miraculously lifted from your shoulders on arrival. ”