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About
Douneside House is a luxury country house hotel set in the heart of Royal Deeside, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Surrounded by 17 acres of beautifully tended gardens and grounds, it offers a peaceful base from which to explore this remarkable part of Scotland. Within the main house are ten individually designed bedrooms, each with its own character and views across the house, gardens or surrounding countryside. Nine cottages and apartments are also set within the grounds, offering additional space and privacy while retaining full access to the hotel’s facilities. All guests can enjoy complimentary use of Douneside’s Health Club, including the heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. The estate also includes an all weather tennis court and extensive gardens to explore. Dining is an important part of the Douneside experience. The Conservatory offers relaxed dining using produce from the estate’s own walled kitchen garden alongside carefully sourced Scottish ingredients. The Library provides an intimate fine dining experience and is home to the North East of Scotland’s only Three AA Rosettes restaurant, serving a six course tasting menu from Thursday to Saturday. Douneside House was once the family home of the MacRoberts and is today owned and operated by The MacRobert Trust, a Scottish charitable foundation. The house retains a strong sense of its history while offering warm, contemporary hospitality. Balmoral Castle is around twelve miles away and the Cairngorms National Park begins at the estate gate. Castles, distilleries, walking routes, cycling, golf and the villages of Royal Deeside are all within easy reach.
163 Reviews
- Cleanliness
- 9.9
- Staff
- 9.8
- Location
- 9.9
What Guests Say
- “Very Good. Portions pitched well. Sensible level of choice. Liked the use of self-serve jams rather that environmentally questionable…”
- “Friendliness of staff Location Nice touch tea and scones on arrival”
Top Amenities
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Free Internet Access
- Spa
- Fitness Center
- Accessible Rooms / Facilities
- Hot tub/Whirlpool
- Non-Smoking Rooms
Room Options
Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.
Exclusively for Priceline members Details
1/2Standard Double Room
- Crib(s)
1/4Three-Bedroom Cottage
- Additional toilet
- Body soap
- Carpeting
- Chocolate or cookies
1/1Classic Double or Twin Room
- Additional toilet
- Body soap
- Carpeting
- Chocolate or cookies
1/4Two-Bedroom Cottage
- Additional toilet
- Body soap
- Carpeting
- Chocolate or cookies
1/3Classic Room with Terrace
- Additional toilet
- Balcony
- Body soap
- Carpeting
1/4Apartment - Ground Floor
- Additional toilet
- Body soap
- Chocolate or cookies
- Closet
1/4Deluxe Double Room
- Additional toilet
- Bath or Shower
- Body soap
- Carpeting
1/4Wheelchair Accessible One-Bedroom Apartment
- Accessible bath/shower
- Accessible room
- Accessible toilet
- Additional toilet
1/2Cozy Small Double Room
- Additional toilet
- Body soap
- Carpeting
- Chocolate or cookies
1/2Cozy Small Double or Twin Room
- Additional toilet
- Body soap
- Carpeting
- Chocolate or cookies
1/3Suite
- Crib(s)
- Private bathroom
1/4Two-Bedroom Apartment - Split Level
- Additional toilet
- Body soap
- Carpeting
- Chocolate or cookies
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What Guests Loved
Based on 163 reviews
Pros +
- Very Good. Portions pitched well. Sensible level of choice. Liked the use of self-serve jams rather that environmentally questionable mini-portion jars and such-like.
- Friendliness of staff Location Nice touch tea and scones on arrival
- Beautiful place, great staff and first class food.
Cons -
- More lounging facilities in the spa area: it's warm around the pool and pleasant to lounge there.
- Dinner was a bit slow service No slippers or robesNo steak on the menu , need a plain option on the dinner menu
- Nothing despite the awful weather.Would have appreciated when I booked being advised that we could have received complimentary tea & scones when checking in !
Very Good. Portions pitched well. Sensible level of choice. Liked the use of self-serve jams rather that environmentally questionable mini-portion jars and such-like.
More lounging facilities in the spa area: it's warm around the pool and pleasant to lounge there.
Friendliness of staff Location Nice touch tea and scones on arrival
Dinner was a bit slow service No slippers or robesNo steak on the menu , need a plain option on the dinner menu
Beautiful place, great staff and first class food.
Nothing despite the awful weather.Would have appreciated when I booked being advised that we could have received complimentary tea & scones when checking in !
The staff were so welcoming and we felt they went the extra mile to make us feel welcome and make sure we have a good time. The rooms were beautiful, the food was delicious. The jacuzzi wasn't working which was a shame but otherwise it was lovely.
The jacuzzi wasn't working which was gutting as we chose this hotel for the use of the spa, but these things happen.
Spotless clean, beautifully decorated
No indoor connection to the spa complex
A beautiful hotel full of character and history. Fantastic food and very friendly helpful staff.
Zero
Facilities, staff and food were all fantastic. Attention to detail was exemplary.
Great location, beautiful grounds, very clean and comfortable accommodation
Stunning grounds, spectacular view from the front, lots of paths in the gardens to walk. So many flowers! Beautiful decor throughout the house, we especially liked the history artefacts. The restaurant was light and airy and the food was delicious!
Everything was great for us!
LocationPeace and quietGreat food
Cosy , cheerful, very comfortable apartment .Love the log fire , altho weather so good , didn’t have the need to use it. Loved the extended grounds, floral scents and organic grow your own garden.
Dogs are welcomed in self contained apartment , disappointed my pooch wasn’t permitted in hotel main building , tho understandable if folk have allergies and hygiene reasons.
Beautiful hotel, particularly liked the seperate apartment within the hotel grounds.
The apartment was a little chilly in the evening even with the log burner on.
More like a lovely cosy country house than an hotel.
We were there to visit Balmoral Castle so it was a little further away than we would have liked.
The staff were exceptionalFood excellent Gardens and hotel excellent
The room was very small, difficult to get to the bathroom, which was exceptionally small.We were there 5 nights very hot and uncomfortable.
This place is absolutely magical. We had such a wonderful time here. The estate is stunning and impeccably maintained. I was especially taken by the furniture and décor—there’s so much soul and history in every detail. It’s the perfect setting to truly relax and reconnect with nature. The restaurant offers delicious meals paired with outstanding service. Every member of the staff is friendly, professional, and genuinely attentive—they go above and beyond to make sure your stay is perfect. The tennis court, swimming pool, and golf course are a fantastic bonus. I’ll definitely be coming back!
Glorious setting with lovely gardens to wander round. Breakfast very tasty. All staff very helpful. Particularly liked the history information of the MacRobert family. The welcoming Teddy bears were fun.
Nothing!
First class on both counts. Plenty of strategically placed seating areas, both inside and outside the whole property. Very impressed and hope to return.
Although good, the coffee could have been of a better quality and less insipid.
Definitely the most wonderful place we stayed at in the UK. The grounds are spectacular and the walks through it and the surrounds were indeed a highlight. The staff were always wonderfully attentive and friendly, and James helped select some amazing wines to accompany the wonderful meals we had there. We stayed there three nights but wished it could have been longer to truly enjoy all the facilities on offer.
Douneside House was one of our favorite stays in Scotland! The staff were warm and welcoming, and the cottage was clean, comfortable and cozy. Breakfast was delicious, with a generous spread of both continental options and cooked dishes. What truly set the experience apart were the stunning gardens, relaxing pool, steam room, and hot tub at the health club— all of which made our visit exceptional. Delightful hospitality! Thank you!
Douneside House was one of our favorite stays in Scotland! The staff were warm and welcoming, and the cottage was clean, comfortable and cozy. Breakfast was delicious, with a generous spread of both continental options and cooked dishes. What truly set the experience apart were the stunning gardens, relaxing pool, steam room, and hot tub at the health club— all of which made our visit exceptional. Delightful hospitality! Thank you!
Amenities & Policies
Amenities
Swimming & Soaking
- Swimming Pool
- Hot tub/Whirlpool
- Indoor pool
Fitness & Spa
- Fitness Center
- Spa
Food & Drinks
- Restaurant
Media & Technology
- Free Internet Access
Transportation
- Accessible parking
Health & Safety
- Health Services
- Daily disinfection
Accessibility
- Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
Kid Friendly
- Family Friendly
General
- No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
- Personal trainer
- Yoga classes
Guest policies
| Check-in | After 3:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check-out | Before 11:00 AM |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi is available. |
| Children & Extra Beds | Children of all ages are welcome. Children of age 0 to 2 can stay with cot, subject to additional charges. |
| Pets | Pets are not allowed. |
| Room Rates | All rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted. |
Location
Douneside House, Tarland
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