Dalnaglar Castle

• Sleeps: Up to 20
• Bedrooms: 10
• Minimum stay: 3 nights

Surrounded by the rugged mountain-and-woodland scenery that Scotland is justly famous for, Dalnaglar Castle is a fine, historic retreat that sleeps up to 20 guests.

With the magnificent Cairngorms National Park in striking distance, Dalnaglar Castle, which was commissioned by Queen Victorias banker, is the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a ‘royal’ experience amongst the neighbouring mountains and terrain enjoyed by the British Royal Family whilst at Balmoral Castle. The famous town of Braemar, home of the ‘Braemar Gathering’ (reputedly the best Highland Games in the world) is only a 30 minute drive away.

The invigorating Cateran Trail – part of which passes through the estate – is ideal for testing out your walking boots. There’s salmon fishing on the estate via the River Shee and there’s a private lochan which is stocked with trout. In the winter months, for those looking to brush up on their ski-skills, Glenshee Snowsports Centre is just ten miles away.

Yet if you’d rather breathe out and unwind, the 19th century castle offers plenty of scope to do just that, with spacious rooms that are designed and furnished for your relaxation. There’s a games table for those with a competitive streak, plenty of board games, a library stacked with classic tomes and even a smart TV and don’t worry about connecting to the outside world, there’s enough Wi-Fi for everyone.

The castle’s driveway and striking front entrance make for an unforgettable arrival, straight into the welcoming reception area.  Here you’ll find comfy seating that’s ideal for catching up on life with your favourite people.

Wander along the main corridor, which spans the entire length of the ground floor, to discover a traditional library stacked with classic tomes, a formal dining room for banqueting in scenic style, and a breakfast room for casual chats over coffee.

The sleek kitchen comes equipped with two electric cookers, a microwave, and a coffee maker (not forgetting two dishwashers and a glasswasher, to make light of those post-dinner clear-ups!) Meanwhile, at the end of the corridor awaits a beautiful drawing room, complete with a focal fireplace to snuggle around.

At a glance

• A 19th century castle retreat sleeping up to 20 guests, set within a naturally elevated 200-acre estate in the heart of Glenshee, on the southern fringe of the Cairngorms National Park.
• Catch up in the welcoming reception area, relax in the well-stocked library, or chat with loved ones in the beautiful drawing room, with its focal fireplace.
• There’s a formal dining room with stunning views and access to the patio, and an informal breakfast room for morning coffee.
• The 9 bedrooms are a mix of doubles and twins, some with their own bathrooms and others boasting magnificent Cairngorms views.
• Ideal for lovers of the Great Outdoors, you can take a walk through the estate, private lochan, 9 Munro mountains within Glenshee, or test out your ski skills at Glenshee Snowsports Centre, just 10 miles away.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly
• Large Groups

More information

Head up the main staircase to choose from seven elegant, individually-styled bedrooms; some boasting their own private bathroom, and others with incredible views over the Southern Cairngorms. Another en-suite bedroom can be found at the top of a small flight of stairs.

Your favourite bedroom claimed (there’s a mix of doubles and twins, to suit groups of family and friends), it’s time to watch the sunset and surrounding nature from the furnished terrace and expansive grassed garden. Showcasing soothing views over a shimmering pond, there’s plenty of wildlife to spot, including the resident roe deer.

Get lost in the charms of the Cairngorms, or if you’d rather sightsee by car, the stunning 90-mile Snowroads stretch takes you through the East Cairngorms, all the way to the Highland town of Granton-on-Spey.

Things to note

Up to 2 well-behaved dogs are welcome by prior agreement, for an additional fee per dog. A travel cot, highchair and stairgate are available on request.