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Douneside House Tarland,
Aberdeenshire AB34 4UL, Scotland

Accommodation

Luxury Rooms and Cottages in Deeside

Ten individually decorated bedrooms in the house and nine private cottages within the beautiful garden and grounds. Every guest has full access to the indoor pool, gardens and three AA rosette dining.

Deluxe bedroom with views over the gardens and infinity lawn at Douneside House

Rooms

Ten Rooms, each entirely its own

No two rooms at Douneside are the same. Each has been individually decorated, drawing on the character of the house — its history, its views, its quiet connection to the estate and gardens below.

Three categories: Small Cosy Double, Classic, and Deluxe. Breakfast is included. The pool is yours. The gardens begin at the door.

Exterior of Pine Cottage in the ground of Douneside house estate

Cottages

Nine Cottages within the Grounds

Everything a luxury hotel provides, with a little more space. Every cottage guest has full access to the indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, tennis court and the full seventeen acres of grounds.

Dog-friendly cottages available. Balmoral Castle twelve miles north. The Cairngorms begin at the estate gate.

"Nestled within the magnificent MacRobert Estate in the heart of Royal Deeside, Douneside House is proudly owned and operated by The MacRobert Trust, a grant-giving charity with a long-standing commitment to supporting communities and charitable organisations across Scotland and beyond. This unique relationship lies at the heart of everything we do, setting Douneside apart as a country house where exceptional hospitality is matched by genuine purpose."

- Gillian Currie, CEO, The MacRobert Trust.

A Beech tree walk on the grounds of Douneside House

Why stay at Douneside

Luxury accommodation,
surrounded by Royal Deeside

Whether you choose a room in the house or a private cottage within the estate, every stay at Douneside is shaped by its surroundings. Nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside, the estate offers a peaceful base from which to explore one of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes.

Spend your days walking through the Cairngorms National Park, visiting nearby Balmoral Castle, discovering charming villages such as Ballater and Braemar, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of our gardens and woodland. Return to award-winning dining, the indoor pool, sauna and steam room, before settling in for another relaxing evening.

Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a walking holiday, a family break or a special celebration, Douneside combines the warmth of a country house with the comfort of luxury accommodation, creating a stay that feels both restorative and unforgettable.

For Every Guest

Everything included,
whichever you choose

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. 

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. 

The Health Club Swimming pool at Douneside House Royal Deeside

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

Plan your stay

Every stay supports
something greater

Douneside House is operated by The MacRobert Trust — a Scottish charitable foundation established in 1943. Every room booked, every cottage rented, every dinner served supports charitable causes across Scotland and the UK. The warmth you find here is not accidental.

Guest Stories

What our guests say

★★★★★

" For three short whiles, we lived as we might like if we had the means to do it: beautiful surroundings, tranquillity, order, grace, well fed and watered, unobtrusive and friendly service."

★★★★★

" Can't praise this gem of a place high enough. Grounds are lovely for walking even in February. Warm cosy atmosphere throughout the house with a lovely history. "

★★★★★

We have just returned from our daughter’s wedding here. Genuinely a beautiful place to stay with a very calming atmosphere. We couldn’t have asked for more. Special memories made. ”