Holiday Cottages
Gatehouse
Set at the entrance to the Douneside gardens, Gatehouse Cottage offers a relaxed and comfortable base for families and friends exploring Royal Deeside. With three en-suite bedrooms, a log burner, outdoor decking and easy access to the hotel's facilities, it combines the freedom of self catering with the benefits of a country house stay.
The setting
Surrounded by greenery, close to everything.
Gatehouse Cottage enjoys a unique position within the Douneside grounds, sitting at the entrance to the gardens with nature quite literally on the doorstep. Open the patio doors and step straight into the surrounding greenery, where mature trees, seasonal planting and estate pathways create a peaceful setting throughout the year.
Its location offers the best of both worlds. Guests can enjoy the privacy and independence of a self catering cottage while remaining only a short walk from Douneside House, making it easy to enjoy the pool, gym, dining and gardens whenever the mood takes you.
Whether you're travelling as a family, catching up with friends or bringing the dog along for the adventure, Gatehouse Cottage provides a comfortable base from which to enjoy both the estate and the wider Royal Deeside area.
Inside
Three en-suite bedrooms and space to gather.
Gatehouse Cottage has been thoughtfully arranged to accommodate up to six guests across three en-suite bedrooms, including two king bedrooms and one twin room. The layout works particularly well for families and groups who want to spend time together while still enjoying the privacy of their own space.
The welcoming living area centres around a log burner, creating a cosy place to unwind after a day exploring Deeside. Patio doors bring natural light into the cottage and connect the indoor living space with the surrounding gardens, while the decking area provides an inviting spot to sit outside and enjoy the peaceful estate setting.
A kitchenette offers flexibility for self catering stays, while Douneside's dining options remain close at hand for those evenings when you'd rather leave the cooking to someone else.
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
Beyond the Estate.
From Gatehouse Cottage, Royal Deeside unfolds in every direction. Wander through the Douneside gardens and woodland walks, spend an afternoon exploring the villages of Tarland, Ballater and Aboyne, or head further into the Cairngorms National Park for walking, cycling and wildlife watching. Balmoral Castle, Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve and Glen Tanar are all within easy reach, offering everything from gentle strolls to full days of exploration. Back at Douneside, the estate provides a quieter pace, where time can be spent enjoying the gardens, dining with friends or simply relaxing by the fire after a day outdoors.
Good to know
Questions Answered
Yes. Guests staying in Gatehouse 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 Gatehouse 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.
Gatehouse Cottage sleeps up to six guests across three en-suite bedrooms, with two king-size rooms and one twin room. It is well suited to families, friends and small groups staying together.
Yes. All three bedrooms at Gatehouse Cottage are en-suite, giving guests the convenience and privacy of their own bathroom facilities.
Yes. Gatehouse Cottage has a decking area within the Douneside gardens, providing a peaceful place to relax or enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months. A BBQ and the required equipment can also be provided on request.
Yes. The living and dining area features a log burner, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the autumn and winter months.
Gatehouse Cottage is located within Douneside’s gardens and is just a short walk from the main house and its 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 Gatehouse Cottage. Please contact the Douneside team before your arrival if you have any specific parking or accessibility requirements.
Gatehouse 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.
Gatehouse 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 Gatehouse 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.
You may also like
Other cottages
on the estate
3 En-suite Bedrooms · Sleeps 6
Dog Friendly
Alpha Cottage
Views across the arboretum. Ideal for families or groups to gather, catch up and enjoy all the hotel comforts on the doorstep. Alpha Cottage offers a comfortable base for a memorable stay in Royal Deeside.
2 En-suite Bedrooms · Sleeps 4
Dog Friendly
Pine Cottage
With a backdrop overlooking rolling farmland, a private garden perfect for BBQs, and an easy walk to the house, these are among the most popular dog-friendly cottages in Royal Deeside for families and couples.
3 En-suite Bedrooms · Sleeps 6
Dog Friendly
Gatehouse Cottage
Set at the entrance to the gardens, step out of the patio doors into Douneside’s surrounding greenery. Watch a world of nature from the dining room table, all of the hotel’s amenities within easy reach.
2 Bedrooms · Sleeps 4
Dog Friendly
Dounebrae
A stylish contemporary two-bedroom apartment with countryside views and a generous patio. Ground level with easy access to the gardens.
2 En-suite Bedrooms · Sleeps 4
Dog Friendly
Casa 21
A two-bedroom apartment across two floors of Casa Memoria, with views across the infinity lawn from the second-floor sitting room. Light, spacious and dog friendly. Enjoyed by families and groups of friends alike.
Studio · Sleeps 2 · Accessible
Dog Friendly
Casa 22
A ground-floor studio apartment with views across the infinity lawn and the Howe of Cromar. Fully wheelchair accessible with wet room facilities, offering a comfortable and relaxing stay within the heart of the estate surroundings.
1 Bedroom · Sleeps 2
Dog Friendly
Casa 23
A ground-floor apartment with a log burning stove and sun porch (great for dogs) overlooking the gardens. Warm and cosy, with a real sense of seclusion and peaceful comfort within the estate grounds throughout the seasons.
1 Bedroom · Sleeps 2
Dog Friendly
Casa 24
A first-floor apartment in Casa Memoria with its own private entrance and patio. Light, modern and quietly positioned within the Douneside grounds.
1 Bedroom · Sleeps 2 · Accessible
Dog Friendly
Morven
A thoughtfully designed accessible apartment with a private patio, kitchen and dining area. Ground level with easy access to all estate facilities.
Ready to book
Gatehouse
awaits
Check availability online or call the team on +44 (0)1339 881230 — we'll help you plan the right dates for your stay.