Rothes Glen

Rothes Glen is a luxury exclusive-use castle in the heart of Speyside, with a picture-perfect location that offers breath-taking views towards the glen.

Built by the Dunbar Dunbar family in 1893 and designed by the famous whisky architect Charles Chree Doig, Rothes Glen is an iconic Baronial-style Highland castle.

Whether it's opulence or comfort, luxury feasting or outdoor adventure you are looking for, Rothes Glen is the ideal place to enjoy the very best Scottish hospitality in the heart of whisky country.

Inside

Extensively refurbished to the highest specifications, Rothes Glen offers luxury accommodation for up to 28 guests in 14 en suite bedrooms.

As you walk in the main entrance, you are confronted with the opulent hall with Italian mosaic floor, crystal chandelier and sweeping staircase, all lit by the stain-glass lay-light. The hall leads you to the reception rooms, each packed with antiques, oil paintings and character.

There are formal drawing and dining-rooms, a library, large snooker room, tasting room and whisky vault as well as a magnificent recently refurbished kitchen and breakfast room. All the reception rooms have huge original windows with fabulous views, open fireplaces and panelled ceilings and are furnished to the very highest standard.

Dining can take place in the grand dining room, informal breakfast room or, when weather permits, on the outdoor terraces (bespoke picnics, sumptuous afternoon teas or light lunches can also be served wherever you choose). In the centre of the castle is a large courtyard which includes extensive seating and heaters, a game larder, stores for shooting, fishing and outdoor games, and heated dog kennels.

The 14 en suite king-size bedrooms have been fully refurbished and all are marvellously generous in size. Each bedroom is different and has been lovingly furnished and decorated to reflect the character of the castle. Every bedroom has a king-size bed, crisp cotton sheets, goose-down bedding and an abundance of fluffy white towels and luxury bath and body products.

All of the furniture and furnishings have been sourced from local antique shops, auction houses and the very best local businesses. Each bedroom has a large bathroom with under-floor heating, heated towel rail, huge shower and large bath with delicious white fluffy robes. There are ten grand bedrooms on the first floor, and a further four on the second floor, with an accessible bedroom suite on the ground floor, if required.

As you climb the winding staircase to the very top of the Rothes Glen tower, you reach the new whisky observatory. Wood panelled to mimic the inside of a whisky washback, you can sit and enjoy the stunning views with a dram and telescope or read next to the fire in one of the tweed armchairs

Excellent Wi-Fi is beamed across the glen, with newly refitted electricity and plumbing throughout.

Rothes Glen is fully staffed by a friendly local team who will look after your every need during your stay. The General Manager will arrange every detail, from transport and dining to fully bespoke trips and excursions. The in-house chef will prepare delicious breakfasts, lunches, teas and dinners, using the very best locally sourced fresh produce. Ghillies and guides are ready and waiting from local estates, should they be required.

Damian Riley-Smith, who owns Rothes Glen, is also the founder and owner of Whisky Magazine and has used his wealth of experience and extensive whisky contacts to ensure all the whisky cabinets are stocked with one of the best selections of whisky and other spirits in Speyside. The team can source unique tours, whisky and food-pairing tastings, access to closed distilleries and whisky personalities, blenders, ambassadors and distillery managers and book tailored whisky experiences, such as tastings and dinners with leading experts.

The Grounds

The gardens and grounds of Rothes Glen are extensive and private and have been lovingly restored. The formal private gardens include a terrace rose garden, mosaic topiary garden and extensive lawns for croquet, games or relaxing on one of the sun loungers.

Activities

There is an abundance of local seasonal activities available for guests to choose from, including shooting on local estates, fishing on the River Spey, and 4x4 safari adventures. Bespoke activity packages can be created.

History

Duncan Dunbar became, during his lifetime (1849-1891), the biggest private ship-owner in the world. He left his vast wealth to his sister, Phoebe, who with her husband Edward Dunbar-Dunbar, bought the Birchfield Estate in 1870.