Donglen House (1)

Donglen House Scotland

Where your heart’s in the Highlands

Sometimes a house just stands out as being something just a little bit special. And there is no doubt this fantastic, exclusive-use castle, located in the stunning Cairngorms National Park in Scotland, falls into that category. With origins dating back to the 17th century, this is a property you are bound to fall in love with. It was once owned by the Bodyshop’s Anita Roddick, and later by Sir Billy Connolly.

Accommodating up to twenty-four guests in sumptuous, individually styled bedrooms (each with its own private bathroom), the splendour of the house is epitomised by the opulent drawing room at its heart. This is a great place to relax with a book, or to sit by the log fire while you chat with family and friends over tea and marvel at the exceptional oak-panelled walls and the ornate plaster ceiling. You could even unwind of an evening with a lively ceilidh band and a dance.

Chef to Concierge Collection

Donglen House is part of our Chef to Concierge Collection, our selection of exclusive-use properties that come with a talented team of staff, including a private chef.

Topleft Bottomright

Guest Reviews

If you'd like to visit a stately manor that will make you feel like a prince and a princess, this is the place. Where royalty has visited and celebrities have slept. This beautiful home rests on acres of lush landscaping and is decorated to fit a king. We visited neighbouring castles and were not disappointed. We packed our bags and said goodbye to the incredible staff and the wonderful owners. We promise to return. This is truly a one-of-a-kind place on Earth.

Jeanne, USA

Immaculately presented to the highest standards

Get a real taste of Scotland in the wonderfully unique dining room where you can enjoy a candle-lit banquet, or simply relax with an informal family meal. With seating for all of your twenty-four guests, the tartan décor is bound to be a talking point. With a private chef and discreet staff, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the wonders of the exceptional local cuisine.

Fond of a wee dram? The whisky library provides a leading selection of single malts and Scottish gins. You can also discover the delights from nearby distilleries: The Glenlivet or Royal Lochnagar. Or you can venture slightly further afield to Speyside, Aberlour, Strathisla, Ben Riach or Glenfiddich to name a few. Why not host your own private whisky (or gin) tasting with an expert whisky tutor?

What to expect

Donglen House Bedroom

We’ve tried to think about everything to make your stay at Donglen House just perfect. In all of our big houses to rent, we provide all the essential features to cater for a large group. Here’s a list of all the practical provisions we have at the house. If there’s anything you can’t see here but need, just ask as we’ll see what we can do.

  • Luxury bed linen, bath towels, bathrobes and slippers
  • Complimentary luxury Aesop toiletries
  • Wi-Fi internet
  • Impressive formal dining room
  • Games/billiards room with full size snooker table and Sky TV
  • Whisky library with a leading selection of single malts collected over many years 
  • Open fires in public rooms
  • 18 acres of private woodland and manicured lawns boasting access to a glorious Victorian walled garden, an Italian formal garden and private lochan fed by the celebrated River Don
  • Private woodland sauna
  • Argentinian barbecue, fire pit and stretch tent cover for outdoor dining
  • Outdoor table tennis table, croquet lawn, children’s activity area and a private stretch of the River Don to cast your fishing line

Pricing

Prices Include:

  • Full staff, including overnight butler
  • Full concierge services, including activity planning (see list of activities below)
  • Tea, coffee, bottled water, sort drinks and fresh fruit
  • Complimentary selection of pre/post dinner drinks in the whisky library 
  • Flowers throughout the house

Exclusive Hire Prices

2024: £8,500 per night + VAT (£10,200 per night).

2025: £9,200 per night + VAT (£11,040 per night).

Catering fee: Catering, including three meals a day, starts from £150 per person, per day.

All menus are tailored to your requirements and can include full Scottish breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea or a picnic on the hill, a family style or formal dinner, using the best ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible. 

Activities

Donglen House Activities

A wide range of activities can be arranged, on or near the estate (additional charges apply). These include (but are not limited to):

Onsite laser clay shooting, archery, falconry display, Highland games on the lawn, whisky or gin tasting from an experienced tutor, castle and history tours, beauty treatments, 4x4 off road safari with picnic lunch, foraging, horse riding, bespoke tartan or tweed design consultation and cookery classes with local produce.

Location

In the perfect spot to explore the Scottish Highlands. To the west lies the Queen’s own Highland retreat at Balmoral, while the stunning route north leads to the promise of whisky in the picturesque Spey Valley.

House FAQs

Call to book

01242 383476