Aldourie Castle encapsulates every dreamy vision one might have of the Scottish Highlands. Settled upon 500 acres of wilderness, on the banks of the legendary Loch Ness, where the untamed nature and prevailing Caledonian history collide, this estate lends itself at the most romantic retreat you and your clan can escape to, in one of the most beautiful destinations in Scotland.
Its 300-year old Baronial bones, dating back to 1630, have been earnestly nurtured and restored over time. With additional outhouses and authentic character dwellings added in recent years to complement the estate’s surroundings. Ancient woodlands meeting wildflower meadows, sprawling mountains and meandering rivers that fringe the Loch Ness. Manicured herb and vegetable plantations adjacent tranquil walled-gardens. All adding to that endearing romance that’s irrefutably at the helm of your Highlands experience.
Accommodating as many as 24 of your favourite people, Aldourie Castle beckons the nature-lovers, wilderness-walkers, falconry-enthusiasts, archery-aficionados and clay pigeon shooting-pros. Lest we forget those that love to fish. With the beautiful boathouse resting upon the gentle lapping tides of the loch, there are water adventures aplenty on the grounds of the estate. Of course there will also be ample time to simply sit still in the drawing rooms, the languid lounging spaces, the abounding gardens and the heavenly suites that are as comfy as your own little country cottage. With all of the luxuries you’ll expect of a regal experience. Retiring in the living spaces that are all in keeping with the statement of refined Scottish country interiors.
All of your feasting endeavours will be catered to by the resident chef. Five-star meals around the clock that will be served on the tranquil grounds of the estate. If not beside the fireplaces in the country kitchen or formal dining rooms, then in the gardens or at the boathouse. With its endless entertaining spaces available to you and your clan, Aldourie Castle is a wonderful place to host special, milestone celebrations and multigenerational gatherings. There also might be the odd occasion when some of you might like to venture off the estate for some golf, at one of the revered, world-class links golf courses. With the grounds generously extending their cottage dwellings to accommodate as many as 40 guests, you might want to make a month of it! Days of Scottish dancing, yoga retreats, whisky tasting, and learning all about its distilleries can be hosted in the beautiful outhouse, that has been authentically renovated for those unique Highland adventures.
Whatever’s on the cards for your stay, however finely-tuned you like your itineraries to be, Aldourie Castle will answer to your call for the Scottish wilderness. The essence of its abounding nature and peaceful existence. You’ll also be reminded on conservation, and the relationship we are obliged to have with the magnificent history the Highlands so generously shares with its patrons.
What we love!
- Sitting on the banks of the Loch Ness, envisaging that mystery of the water flowing into the formation of a magnificent creature, surrounded by the tranquility of the estate.
- Aldourie Castle is the flagship property of the Wildland portfolio in the Scottish Highlands. The chefs, housekeepers, gardeners, property caretakers and dedicated team of staff go to great lengths to ensure every dietary requirement is met, your itineraries suit the whole clan and each experience is an authentic, lifelong memory of Scotland.
- After dinner drinks in the billiards rooms, playing snooker and amping up the Scottish countryside competition.
What you need to know…
- Aldourie Castle comprises of a number of accommodation dwellings. Accommodating as many as 40 guests at maximum capacity. The estate is nestled deep in the Scottish Highlands, 8 miles from Inverness, only a 30-minute drive from Inverness airport.
- The custodians of Aldourie Castle are extremely active with protecting Scotland’s living landscapes. Conservation is at the helm of their practice and that’s what makes it all the more exciting.
- An ideal stay at Aldourie Castle would be a week-long holiday. If not longer, to fully maximise on the abundance of activities and of course stillness and relaxation.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie