Douneside House
This architectural gem – an Edwardian Scots Revival country house – in the fertile Howe of Cromar, with long views to the Grampians, is today a very special country house hotel. More
Good Hotel Guide Review
This architectural gem – an Edwardian Scots Revival country house – in the fertile Howe of Cromar, with long views to the Grampians, is today a very special country house hotel. It is owned by the charitable MacRobert Trust, set up by Lady MacRobert after the baronetcy died with her three sons in flying tragedies before and in WW2. There is a sense of peace and grace in public rooms, painted in gentle, traditional hues and filled with family portraits and mementos. Bedrooms are a blend of classic and contemporary style. One has a private roof terrace. Loveliest is the dual-aspect Lady MacRobert Suite, under a corner turret. There are dog-friendly apartments and cottages a short walk away. You can dine in the conservatory, looking out over landscaped grounds with stream, rock pools, infinity lawn and beech walk. Or in the intimate Library for a tasting menu with wine flight. Rare varieties of organic fruit and vegetables from the walled kitchen garden appear on Victor Navarro’s clever menus. Military guests are offered a discount, and all have use of the health club.
Hotel details
Address
Tarland
Aberdeenshire
AB34 4UL
Scotland
Telephone
01339 881230
Bedrooms
23. 9 in cottages, 4 apartments, 2 cottages suitable for disabled.
Open
all year excl. 2 weeks Jan, closed Mon, Tues Nov–Mar.
Facilities
bar, wine bar, piano lounge, library, 2 restaurants, in-room TV, wedding facilities, health centre (pool, tennis), 17-acre grounds, public areas wheelchair accessible, adapted toilet.
Background music
in bar, restaurants.
Children
all ages welcomed, cots free, extra bed £35, children's menu, play park.
Dogs
allowed in cottages, apartments (£25 per stay), not main building.
Credit cards
MC, Visa.
Prices
B&B doubles from £260, singles from £243. Dinner (Conservatory) pound;45–£55, tasting menu (Library, Wed–Sat) £85.
Other reviews
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Douneside House
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- Sunday Post: 10 of the best country house stays Scotland has to offer
- Scottish Field: Ten of the best hotels for golfers in Scotland
- The i: Ten of Britain’s best hotel gardens
- USA Today: 20 of Britain’s best hotels for walking
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