A Luxury Scottish Highland Castle Oozing Charm
Rothes Glen has an exciting and rich history, dating back to the biggest private ship-owner in the world, Duncan Dunbar. Extensively refurbished in 2021, Rothes Glen is now a luxury, exclusive-use castle with accommodation for up to 28 guests, complete with traditional Highland hospitality.
Encouraged by the arrival of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire in 1848, the country houses and castles of the Highlands of Scotland came into their own during the months of August and September. It was considered fashionable to escape from London, and so began the Scottish Season. You can now stay here all year round!
The owner of Rothes Glen founded Scotland Magazine and Whisky Magazine, so you can expect Scottish heritage and a great whisky range throughout the house. On arrival, you receive a dram of the house whisky, and each bedroom contains a decanter and set of Glencairn glasses to enjoy during your stay. There are whisky cabinets with the house collection in the ballroom and tasting room available for purchase by the dram or decanter.
Rothes Glen is situated just to the north of Rothes, in the heart of the Spey Valley. Inverness Airport is 40 miles (1 hour) to the west, and Aberdeen Airport 58 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) to the east. Aviemore train station, with direct connections to Edinburgh and on to London, is 43 miles (1 hour) away. There is a private helicopter pad and unlimited parking with electric car charging points.
Elgin - 3 miles to the north - steeped in history with its 13th-century cathedral, has an impressive range of shops and visitor attractions, plus the Moray Firth nearby has sandy beaches, bird watching on the estuaries of the Spey and the Lossie, and sea fishing, dolphin watching and yachting anchorages. The Cairngorms and ski slopes of Aviemore and the Lecht are within easy reach. This is a very special part of Scotland.
‘Phoebe’ (above) is one of the beautiful king-sized guest suites at Rothes Glen. It is named after Phoebe Dunbar who, along with her husband, Captain Edward, built Rothes Glen as their summer home and shooting lodge in 1893. This gorgeous room not only has a double aspect, but also has a turret and fabulous en-suite bathroom with a free-standing, roll-top bath and was the original bedroom taken by Phoebe when in residence.
With 14 king-size and double en-suite bedrooms appointed to the highest standards of Scottish country luxury, this is a great property for family special occasions, summer getaways or a small corporate retreat.
There is an inner courtyard with table tennis and barbecue, off which are the stores, kennels, walk-in cold room, woodshed, golf, fishing and gun rooms. The dining room, drawing-room (with baby grand piano), library, ballroom (with full-size snooker table) and tasting room have all been redecorated and refurbished and their fine-paneled ceilings and fireplaces all restored.
The gardens and grounds are extensive and private. The house is approached by a cherry-tree lined driveway and, on the western side of the house, is a formal lawn, terrace and rose garden. In the meadow are some stunning specimen trees, which lead down to the private lochan accessed by a bridge. The property is surrounded by beautiful countryside offering a wealth of opportunities for outdoor pursuits, including walking, cycling, salmon-fishing, stalking and shooting.
This property is very special in so many ways. It will create memories that last a lifetime, and will leave you with a longing to return.
"I just wanted to reach out and say a huge thanks to you and your team for hosting us all. Your staff and team couldn’t have been more accommodating in making us feel comfortable, well fed, at home and looked after. It was the ideal spot and a place I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to stay at.” Josh, UK