Holiday Cottages
Alpha
A spacious dog friendly cottage overlooking the arboretum, Alpha Cottage offers room for families and friends to gather, relax and enjoy the quieter pace of Douneside. With three en-suite bedrooms, self catering convenience and the hotel’s dining, pool and leisure facilities close at hand, it is a comfortable base for longer stays in Royal Deeside.
The setting
A spacious cottage beside the arboretum.
Alpha Cottage sits within the grounds of Douneside House, looking out across the arboretum and surrounded by the calm of the estate. It is close enough to the main house for dining, leisure facilities and time in the gardens, while still offering the privacy and ease of a self catering cottage.
This is a good choice for guests who want space to settle in, especially families, friends and those staying for more than a night or two. Days can begin slowly with a walk through the grounds, continue into Royal Deeside for castles, villages and countryside, and end back at the cottage with the comfort of having Douneside’s facilities close by.
Dogs are welcome too, making Alpha Cottage a practical and relaxed base for guests who want to explore the estate and surrounding area with their four legged companion.
Inside
Three en-suite bedrooms, room to gather.
Alpha Cottage has three en-suite bedrooms, giving families and small groups the space to stay together while still having privacy. The layout works well for guests who want the sociability of a shared cottage stay, without compromising on comfort or personal space.
The cottage has a welcoming sitting area and a small kitchenette, giving you flexibility throughout your stay. Breakfast can be kept simple before heading out into Royal Deeside, while evenings can be spent either dining at Douneside House or returning to the cottage for a quieter night in.
With its generous bedroom arrangement, arboretum outlook and close connection to the estate, Alpha Cottage is especially well suited to guests looking for a peaceful self catering stay with the reassurance of hotel facilities nearby.
Cottage and apartment dining
Award-winning Dining,
delivered to your door
Order from the kitchen and your dinner arrives warm at the cottage door between 5.30pm and 6pm. The same chefs, the same produce, the same standard as The Conservatory — eaten at your own table, by your own fire.
On the doorstep
From Garden Paths to Deeside Days.
Alpha Cottage places you close to the gardens, arboretum and estate walks of Douneside, while giving easy access to the wider Royal Deeside area. Nearby Tarland, Aboyne and Ballater offer village life, cafés, shops and local character, while Balmoral, Muir of Dinnet, Glen Tanar and the Cairngorms National Park provide memorable days out among castles, woodland, lochs and open Highland scenery. Whether your stay is built around walking, cycling, sightseeing or simply spending quiet time together, Alpha Cottage gives you a calm and comfortable base from which to enjoy this part of Aberdeenshire.
Good to know
Questions Answered
Yes. Guests staying in Alpha Cottage have complimentary access to Douneside’s indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym throughout their stay. The new Douneside Spa is due to open in early 2027.
Yes. Dogs are welcome at Alpha Cottage; however, we kindly ask that they are kept off the beds and furniture. Dogs should only be left unattended in the cottage if they are safely secured in a crate and do not bark.
Alpha Cottage sleeps up to six guests across three bedrooms, making it well suited to families, friends and small groups staying together.
Yes. All three bedrooms at Alpha Cottage are en-suite, giving guests the convenience and privacy of their own bathroom facilities.
Yes. Alpha Cottage has its own garden and patio, providing a peaceful outdoor space where guests can relax or enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months.
Alpha Cottage enjoys views across Douneside’s Arboretum, giving it a peaceful outlook surrounded by established trees and the wider estate grounds.
Alpha Cottage is located within the Douneside grounds, a short stroll from the main house and close to the pool and leisure facilities.
Yes. Cottage guests are welcome to reserve a table in The Conservatory or The Library. Cottage dining may also be available, with selected dishes delivered directly from the hotel kitchen. Advance reservations are recommended.
Yes. Parking is available for guests staying at Alpha Cottage. Please contact the Douneside team before your arrival if you have any specific parking or accessibility requirements.
Alpha Cottage has a minimum stay of two nights.
Daily housekeeping is available at an additional charge. Please enquire when booking if you would like to arrange servicing during your stay.
Alpha Cottage is available from 3pm on the day of arrival. Check-out is by 11am on the day of departure.
We kindly ask guests to leave Alpha Cottage in good condition, with rubbish placed in the bins, dishes washed and the cottage left clean and tidy.
For every cottage guest
Everything the hotel offers,
included as standard
Indoor Pool
The heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym are open to all guests, rooms and cottages alike, at no extra charge.
The Gardens
Seventeen acres of RHS Partner Garden. Walled kitchen garden, arboretum, Arts and Crafts terracing and an infinity lawn.
Award Winning Dining
Dinner in The Conservatory or The Library is open to all guests. With a option to have dinner delivered directly to your cottage.
Complimentary Golf
Complimentary golf at nearby Tarland Golf Club. This welcoming 9-hole course offers an enjoyable round surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Royal Deeside.
Tea and Scones
Join your fellow guests every day at 4pm in the Piano Lounge for complimentary tea and freshly baked scones. A home away from home treat on us.
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Ready to book
Alpha Cottage
awaits
Check availability online or call the team on +44 (0)1339 881230 — we'll help you plan the right dates for your stay.