Highly rated by guests who stayed at Douneside House
Private cottages
Hotel produce meals
Scenic infinity lawn
Unique afternoon tea
Live piper bands
"The tasting menu is superior to some Michelin star restaurants with innovative cooking."
Alexandra C from United Kingdom
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"Leisure facilities brilliant with pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, croquet, tennis court and a putting green."
Karen from United Kingdom
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"Lovely staff, gorgeous setting and stunning gardens, fabulous meals, serene, historic and heartfelt founder story."
Andrew from United States
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"The setting is beautiful, and the staff were very attentive, the food was outstanding, the gardens are sentimental."
Stewart from United Kingdom
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AA Hotel of the Year Scotland 2017/18 on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park
Dining
The Library is home to the North East of Scotland's only Three AA Rosettes restaurant, serving a six-course tasting menu from Thursday to Saturday. The Conservatory offers relaxed dining using produce from the estate's own walled kitchen garden and carefully sourced Scottish ingredients. Douneside House also provides intimate dining experiences in a unique library setting with a carefully curated expert wine selection.
Health Club & Leisure
Guests have complimentary use of the on-site Health Club, which includes a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. The estate also has an all-weather tennis court and a nine-hole golf course at nearby Tarland Golf Club. Additional facilities include a hot tub, personal trainer sessions, yoga classes, and fitness/spa locker rooms.
Accommodation
The main house offers ten individually designed bedrooms, each with its own character and views across the gardens or countryside. Nine cottages and apartments set within the grounds provide additional space and privacy while retaining full access to the hotel's facilities. Select cottages are pet-friendly, welcoming guests traveling with dogs.
Gardens & Grounds
The estate is surrounded by 17 acres of beautifully tended gardens and grounds, including a walled kitchen garden that supplies the hotel's restaurants. The gardens are partnered with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and feature an arboretum, babbling brook side garden, and a cutting garden. Complimentary walking trails through the grounds and surrounding countryside start at the estate gate.
Location & Activities
Balmoral Castle is about twelve miles away, and the Cairngorms National Park begins at the estate gate. Nearby attractions include Craigievar Castle, Tarland Golf Club, and hiking routes through Royal Deeside. The hotel offers access to exclusive wedding and event packages, as well as complimentary use of walking trails and cycles on the estate.
Highlights
Location: Edge of Cairngorms National Park, 12 miles from Balmoral Castle
Dining: Three AA Rosettes tasting menu in the Library
Rooms: 10 individually designed bedrooms + 9 cottages & apartments
Wellness: Health Club with heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym
Activities: Complimentary tennis court, golf at Tarland, walking trails
Gardens: 17-acre RHS partner garden with walled kitchen garden
Pet policy: Pet-friendly cottages available
Must-do experiences
Stroll through the gardens of Crathes Castle for stunning views.
Try the haggis at the Tarland Inn for authentic local flavor.
Visit the Aboyne Highland Games in August for a lively cultural event.
Discover the quirky art at the Fettercairn Distillery's visitor center.
Explore the local Tarland Market on the first Saturday each month.
Select your room type
Douneside House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
25 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Wheelchair Accessible One-Bedroom Apartment
2 persons
60 m²
1 King-size bed
Fireplace
Heating
room details
Classic Room Terrace
2 persons
22 m²
1 King-size bed
Balcony
Heating
room details
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Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Facilities
Douneside House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Luggage storage
Locker room
Electric vehicle charging station
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Water sports
Hiking
Cycling
Tennis court
Badminton
Golf course
Yoga class
Sports trainer
Fishing
Services
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Children's play area
Game room
Spa & Leisure
Indoor swimming pool
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Sink
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Douneside House Location
Douneside House, Tarland,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Tarland Golf Club
1.5 km
Landmark
Tomnaverie
2.52 km
Shopping Area
Marketvillage
1.29 km
Landmark
Tomnaverie Stone Circle
2.51 km
Landmark
The Tarland Way
1.71 km
Landmark
Tarland Trails
1.71 km
Camping
Tarland Camping and Caravanning Club Site
1.78 km
Landmark
Culsh Earth House
2.36 km
Landmark
Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post
2.55 km
Landmark
Queen's View
4.17 km
Landmark
Migvie Sculptured Stone
4.62 km
Landmark
St Finan's Kirk
4.56 km
Nearby
Lookout Point
150 m
Macrobert's Reply
200 m
Explore Tarland
Explore Tarland
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Lookout Point
2 minutes' walk
Breathtaking views await at Lookout Point, a picturesque spot ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.
Tarland Golf Club
18 minutes' walk
This scenic 18-hole golf course offers a challenging play amidst beautiful landscapes, suitable for all skill levels.
Tomnaverie Stone Circle
30 minutes' walk
An enigmatic prehistoric site featuring an ancient stone circle, perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
The Tarland Way
20 minutes' walk
A tranquil walking route that showcases the stunning natural beauty of the area, ideal for leisurely hikes.
Tarland Trails
20 minutes' walk
Engaging hiking and biking trails await in Tarland, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure amid nature.
Marketvillage
16 minutes' walk
Local market events showcasing unique crafts and fresh produce provide a vibrant cultural experience for all visitors.
Relaxation at Culsh Earth House
25 minutes' walk
A historical earth house site lends itself to quiet reflection and a touch of history for those seeking tranquility.
The New Inn
20 minutes' walk
A cozy dining spot offering traditional Scottish fare; renowned for its haggis and warm atmosphere. Reservations advised.
Tarland Bistro
16 minutes' walk
An inviting bistro serving international dishes with local ingredients. Vegan options available; ideal for casual dining.
Tarland Village Hall
20 minutes' walk
Hosts various community events throughout the year, including film nights and seasonal festivals, offering fun for all ages.
The Royal Observer Corps Monitoring Post
30 minutes' walk
A unique historical site that occasionally offers guided tours revealing the area's wartime history.
Getting around Scotland
City Centre
Tarland 18 min · 1.5 km
Airports
Aberdeen (ABZ) 73 min · 48.5 km
Dundee (DND) 167 min · 111 km
Bus
Bus stop 16 min · 1.3 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 23.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Dutch, Swedish
Number of rooms:
19
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Douneside House from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.6/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.4/10
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.6/10
Value for money
8.9/10
Pros
Attentive staff
Quality dining
Comfortable accommodations
Scenic grounds
Tranquil location
Cons
Inconsistent housekeeping
Dated decor
Limited lunch menu
Guest reviews
based on 275 reviews
9.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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