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DOUNESIDE HOUSE, Tarland

•
9.4|Perfect
Check rooms and rates
From$286 /nightOnly on Our Website -10%
Check-in
16Oct
Check-out
17Oct
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

About the Hotel

Douneside House, Tarland
-
Close to Cairngorms National Park
Perfect
9.4
9.8
/10
4.9
4.8
/5

AA Hotel of the Year Scotland 2017/18 on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park

Accommodation

The main house contains ten individually designed bedrooms offering views of the gardens or surrounding countryside. Nine cottages and apartments provide extra space and privacy. Guests with dogs can stay in the self-catering, dog-friendly apartments.

Dining

The Library houses the only Three AA Rosettes restaurant in North East Scotland, serving a six-course tasting menu from Thursday to Saturday. The Conservatory serves relaxed meals using produce from the estate's own walled kitchen garden alongside locally sourced Scottish ingredients. The on-site sommelier leads the seasonal Dining Club events held twice a year, focusing on expert food and wine pairings.

Leisure

All guests have complimentary Health Club access, which includes a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, and hot tub. The grounds feature an all-weather tennis court, a putting green, and a croquet lawn. Complimentary golf is available at the nearby Tarland 9-hole golf course.

Gardens & Grounds

The hotel is set within 17 acres of gardens that are an RHS partner garden. The walled kitchen garden supplies organic produce for the kitchens, and the ornamental greenhouse, brook side garden, and arboretum offer various landscapes. Walking paths lead to the infinity lawn, herbaceous borders, and a remote summer house.

Location

Douneside House sits on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, 12 miles from Balmoral Castle. Craigievar Castle, Tarland Golf Club, and the villages of Royal Deeside are within a short drive. The estate gate opens directly onto National Park trails for hiking and cycling.

Highlights

Location: Edge of Cairngorms National Park, 12 miles from Balmoral Castle

Rooms: 10 main house bedrooms and 9 cottages and apartments

Dining: Only Three AA Rosettes restaurant in NE Scotland

Wellness: Complimentary Health Club with indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym

Grounds: 17-acre RHS partner garden with organic walled garden

Pet Policy: Dogs welcome in self-catering apartments

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the scenic Tarland Woods for stunning views.
  • Try the delicious Cullen Skink at the local café, The Steading.
  • Visit the Tarland Farmers' Market on the first Saturday of each month.
  • Explore the historic Aboyne Castle and its beautiful gardens.
  • Discover the rich heritage at the nearby Museum of Scottish Rural Life.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Deluxe Double Room
    2 persons
    25 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Wheelchair Accessible One-Bedroom Apartment
    2 persons
    60 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Fireplace
    Heating
  • Classic Room Terrace
    2 persons
    22 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Balcony
    Heating
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
October 2026 - October 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay
Facilities: Perfect
9.3/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Concierge desk
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Electric vehicle charging station

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Water sports
  • Hiking
  • Cycling
  • Tennis court
  • Badminton
  • Golf course
  • Yoga class
  • Sports trainer
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Private parking is possible on site for free.

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu
  • Children's play area
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

Douneside House features Aberdeenshire's only three rosette awarded restaurant, offering a culinary experience steeped in local flavors and sustainable farming. Guests can enjoy elegant dining surrounded by beautiful scenery, with a focus on seasonal ingredients cultivated right on the property.
  • Restaurant #1

    Scottish fine dining
    Ambiance
    An intimate setting in the Library, encouraging communal dining among guests while being enveloped in the warmth of the house's rich history.
    Key Offerings
    A seasonal 6-course menu that highlights locally sourced produce, complemented by a diverse wine flight featuring selections from renowned winemakers. Guests will also experience the flavors of over 80 varieties of organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown onsite.
    Reservation
    Yes
    Hours vary.

Douneside House Location

Douneside House, Tarland
Explore Tarland
Explore Tarland
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Tarland Golf Club
18 minutes' walk
An 18-hole golf course offering picturesque views and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all levels.
Tomnaverie
Tomnaverie
30 minutes' walk
An intriguing archaeological site featuring Neolithic stone circles with significant historic importance.
Culsh Earth House
Culsh Earth House
25 minutes' walk
A remarkable ancient burial site showcasing the rich history of the region, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Marketvillage
Marketvillage
16 minutes' walk
A quaint village offering local crafts and produce, ideal for a leisurely stroll while appreciating local culture.
Hiking at Lookout Point
2 minutes' walk
An easy walking trail leading to stunning elevated views, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Tarland Camping and Caravanning
20 minutes' walk
Campsite offering various outdoor activities, including biking and bird watching, ideal for families and adventure seekers.
The Commercial Hotel
5 minutes' drive
Casual dining spot featuring local fare and international dishes. Reservations recommended for weekend evenings.
The MacRobert's Reply
3 minutes' walk
An inviting pub known for hearty meals and local ales. Offers vegetarian options in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Tarland Theatre
5 minutes' drive
Local theater featuring weekly performances and events for a family-friendly atmosphere, often showcasing regional talent.
The Cairngorms National Park Visitor Centre
10 minutes' drive
Educational center with interactive displays about local wildlife and landscapes, offering family-friendly workshops and events.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Tarland 18 min  ·  1.5 km
  • Airports
    Aberdeen (ABZ) 73 min  ·  48.5 km
    Dundee (DND) 167 min  ·  111 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 16 min  ·  1.3 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP 23.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Dutch, Swedish
Number of rooms:
19

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Douneside House from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Douneside House offers a wonderful atmosphere, with guests frequently praising the beautiful gardens and the fine views. Many found the spacious and clean apartments to be ideal, providing ample room and access to numerous activities like swimming, tennis, and fishing, with well-marked trails for exploring the local area and hills directly from the hotel. The main building exudes an upscale feel, featuring dining options and comfortable rooms, with some guests noting that certain main courses, though tasty, could be difficult to cut, and a few experienced poor breakfast service on their second day.
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Cleanliness
9.6/10
Comfort
9.6/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Facilities
9.3/10
Pros
Attentive staff
Stunning estate
Delicious meals
Cons
Power cut
Noisy radiators
Guest reviews
based on 275 reviews
9.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Douneside House
What are the check-in and check-out times at Douneside House?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at Douneside House?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What dining options are available at Douneside House?
The restaurant offers lunch, afternoon tea, table d'hote, and tasting menus showcasing local produce.
What sort of amenities does Douneside House provide in its rooms?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and luxurious toiletries.
How far is Douneside House from Aberdeen Airport?
Douneside House is 40 km from Aberdeen Airport, approximately a 46-minute drive.
What wellness facilities are available at Douneside House?
Guests have access to an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and a fully-equipped gym.
What are some nearby attractions to Douneside House?
Nearby attractions include Cairngorms National Park, Craigievar Castle, and Tarland Golf Club.
What activities can guests enjoy at Douneside House?
Guests can engage in tennis, mini-golf, hiking, cycling, and fishing in the area.
What type of breakfast is offered at Douneside House?
A Full Scottish breakfast is available each morning for an additional charge.
Does Douneside House have any dedicated areas for children?
The property features a children's play area as well as a children's menu.
How far is Douneside House from the center of Tarland?
The center of Tarland is approximately a 20-minute walk from Douneside House.
What type of accommodations are available at Douneside House?
Douneside House offers elegantly furnished bedrooms, as well as contemporary guest apartments and holiday cottages.

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