Cairngorms Castle
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Overview
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So who wouldn’t enjoy feeling like a King or Queen of a Castle for a week? Cairngorms Castle offers you a once in a lifetime opportunity to do just that. You will create ever lasting memories in this classic Victorian castle located within the stunning 200 acre Cairngorms Castle Estate on the southern fringe of the astounding Cairngorms National Park. The Estate is situated in one of Scotland’s most rugged and spectacularly beautiful glens. You can relax and unwind with friends and family in this fascinating, historic eight bedroomed castle.
Cairngorms Castle has a wonderful history which is all part of your experience. The first map showing a building on the site was published between 1747 and 1755. The origins of the estate appear to have been Cairngorms Cottage which was built as a hunting lodge and inhabited by the Shaw family from the late 1700’s. Cairngorms Castle was built in the early 1860’s, commissioned by Lord Clyde, Queen Victoria’s banker and designed by Her Majesty’s architect from Balmoral. The estate sold in 1867 at a traditional ‘Roup’ for a reduced price of £10,000 as advertised in the Times! Guests enjoy beautiful scenery and the freshest of air on this dreamy estate. You can fish for rainbow and brown trout or take a trip out on the estate’s private loch in the five person dinghy or fish for salmon or stroll along the River Shee which runs through the estate. Skiers and snowboarders enjoy the close proximity of the famous Glenshee Snowsports Centre ten miles away and walkers love the sensational 64 mile CateranTrail, the second stage of which passes through the estate. You can take a beautiful moorland route to the Tail’s highest point between Strathardle and Glenshee enjoying breathtaking views of the lush glens and rugged peaks. Cairngorms Castle is also a wonderful base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park with its choice of 55 Munros, four of which are the highest mountains in the UK. Those less active can enjoy the very scenic, spectacular drive along the 90 mile Snowroads stretch, starting at nearby Blairgowrie and driving to the Highland town of Grantown-on-Spey.
Guests enter this beautiful estate via a formal driveway which leads to the castle. As you walk through the imposing entrance of Cairngorms Castle and arrive in the spacious reception area you will feel the warm and welcoming ambience. This castle feels lived in and very comfortable. The main corridor runs the entire length of the ground floor with its traditional library, formal dining room, informal breakfast room, kitchen and drawing room running from it. The grand main staircase takes you to seven bedrooms and a small flight of stairs takes you to the remaining three bedrooms.
You will find very generous spaces filled with lavish furnishings, heavy drapes and wonderful artwork. Ancient nods from the past offer atmosphere and character. The library offers a wonderful selection of classic books and beautiful, traditional furnishings. The decor in every room is warm with lots of rich colour, all accessorised with tartans, quality drapes and beautiful ornaments, lamps and paintings. The formal dining room, in sunshine yellow, boasts a magnificent table and chairs for all 20 guests. It provides spectacular views of the estate and enjoys access to the terrace. The informal yet stylish breakfast room leads to a brilliantly equipped, newly refurbished kitchen. It offers a fabulous range of appliances for delicious feasts and hearty Scottish breakfasts including two dishwashers, a glasswasher, two electric cookers, a microwave, coffee maker and a handy larder. The chefs in your group will enjoy the space though you may want to hire a private chef for some of your meals. At the far end of the corridor is the bright and airy drawing room where you can enjoy the Sunday newspapers, roaring fires and evening drinks. It is a wonderful, comfortable space with sumptuous sofas and fabulous estate views.
Upstairs you will discover seven spacious and beautifully finished bedrooms off the generous landing, five of which enjoy their own classical bathrooms. Three of the bedrooms also enjoy astounding views of the southern Cairngorms. A small flight of stairs takes you to three further bedroom suites, all with private bathrooms and astonishing countryside views. The master bedroom suite enjoys a fabulous four poster bed draped with gorgeous tartan and dressed with quality linens. There are two double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, two twins with a shared bathroom, four twins with en-suite bathrooms and one room boasting a superb zip and link bed that can be set up as a twin or a superking bed. It also enjoys an en-suite bathroom.
Outside this dreamy castle, you can enjoy the expansive, lush grassed garden with its delightful views over the pond and surrounding natural beauty. You can wander along the rivers and around the loch, fish, enjoy the dense forest and be captivated by the stunning mountain and heather views. You will enjoy much wildlife including roe deer which are especially popular with the young ones. The site of the castle is elevated in the heart of Glenshee overlooking the flat-water meadows of Shee Water which meander into the wooded vale. The views are simply astonishing.
Cairngorms Castle is within easy distance of Braemar, Pitlochry, Dundee and Perth. The peace, tranquility and beauty of this magical estate is perfect to refresh your mind, body and soul.
What you should know…
- There are additional charges for fishing and using the estate dinghy. Please let our Concierge Team know if you are interested in these or any other activities as they can be pre-arranged
- Only two of the ten bedrooms share a bathroom in the castle. There is no queuing to get ready in the mornings or evenings!
- Guests are welcome to take up to two well-behaved furry friends for a small fee
Property Features
Ground Floor
- Drawing room with fireplace
- Library with selection of books
- Fully-equipped kitchen with two dishwashers, a glasswasher, two electric cookers, microwave, coffee maker and larder
- Dining room with seating for 20
First Floor
- Bedroom with twin beds that can be made up as a superking, and en-suite with bath and hand shower.
- Bedroom with a superking sized bed, that can be divided into twin beds if requested, and ensuite with bath and hand shower.
- Bedroom with twin beds that can be made up as a superking, adjacent small sitting room with a double-sized sofa bed, and bathroom with bath and hand shower located just outside bedroom.
- Bedroom with a double bed in a lovely four poster frame with drapes, and en-suite with corner bath and hand shower.
- Bedroom with twin beds that can be made up as a superking.
- Bedroom with twin beds that can be made up as a superking.
- Bathroom with a bath with hand shower.
Second Floor
- Private suite, with 2 bedrooms divided with privacy drapes:
- Bedroom with double bed.
- Bedroom with twin beds.
- Family bathroom that has a bath with hand shower.
Exterior Grounds
- Terrace
- Large gardens
- Pond
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV
- Washing machine
- Travel cot, highchair and stairgate available on request
- Starter pack of logs
- Parking for 8 cars
Location
About the surrounding area of Cairngorms CastleThe magnificent Cairngorms Castle is located in the heart of Glenshee, a spectacular glen. Its elevated position above the meadows of Shee Water offers the most breathtaking mountain scenery and very fresh air. It is situated on the southern fringe of the Cairngorms National Park, just 2 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Glenshee translates as ‘The Valley of Peace’ and is known fondly by the the locals as ‘the fairy glen’. The area is famous for its fantastic variety of activities including walking, angling, shooting, golf, cycling and also winter sports. Mountain biking, falconry and pony trekking are also available. The fantastic Glenshee Snowsports Centre is just ten miles from the castle. If that is not enough to get the adrenaline flowing, Nae Limits offer an impressive range of water and land adventures including white water rafting, river tubing and quad biking.
The scenery is absolutely spectacular. The 64 mile Caterlan Trail passes through the estate and takes you to the highest point of the trail with sensational panoramic views of the mountain peaks and deep green glens. The Cairngorms National Park offers scenic drives and 55 Munroes to climb. They are ideal for beginners and experienced hill walkers alike. Kayakers and canoeists enjoy the challenging network of rivers. Instructor led beginner sessions can be arranged.
Golfers are not left out. There are over 100 fantastic courses including Braemar, the highest course in Scotland and possibly the most beautiful. The Cairngorm Mountains rise up each side of the course. The championship courses at Rosemount and Blairgowrie and the world famous Gleneagles, St Andrews and Caroustie are all within easy reach.
The Cairngorms Castle Estate enjoys a fishing stretch of just under a mile with excellent salmon and trout fishing for novice and experienced fishers on the River Shee. The Shee Water is located at the head of the River Ericht tributary of the whole Tay system and has had a consistently strong run for 40 years. The Ericht has a fish counter on it which regularly sees 10,000 to 15,000 fish through in a season which usually runs from May to August. There is also rainbow and brown trout fishing in the estate’s private loch with the estate’s dinghy available for guests to enjoy.
Another popular excursion is a trip to a distillery. Gin lovers adore the Persie Gin Distillery which is just six miles from the castle. Chocoholics can treat themselves at the award-winning Chocolatier Iain Burnett’s gift shop.
The nearby towns of Blairgowrie and Pitlochry are very attractive. They are an easy drive and offer excellent amenities and plenty of attractions, including the Fish Ladder and Festival Theatre in Pitlochry.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Dundee Airport
(51km) |
||
| Nearest Town/City |
Blairgowrie
(24km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Kirkmichael
(14km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
The Kirky Bar & Restaurant
(14km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
Tesco Superstore, Blairgowrie
(24km ) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Blairgowrie Golf Club
(27km) |
||
Region
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in the Highlands
Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey to the Scottish Highlands with Oliver's Travels, where fabulous, characterful homes await in this rugged and enchanting slice of northern Scotland. Mist-shrouded mountains, deep-blue lochs and ancient castles are the name of the game. It is like stepping into a fantasy novel, but with fewer dragons and more kilts!
First up on our Highland hit-list is Ben Nevis, standing at a whopping 1,345 metres. Climbers and hikers worldwide flock to its trails, ready to conquer the mountain and be rewarded with the most incredible views. If you are not up for an epic uphill battle, fear not! The Great Glen Way offers a more chilled stroll along the Caledonian Canal, connecting Fort William and Inverness. It is like a leisurely stroll through nature, with bonus canal vibes.
Now, who hasn't heard of Loch Ness? Home to historic castles such as Urquhart Castle, this legendary spot invites you to channel your inner detective and search for Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Nessie might be shy, but the views are anything but! You will enjoy ruins, mystery and just maybe, a friendly monster waving from the depths.
Inverness, the unofficial Highland capital, is where historic charm meets modern pizzazz. The River Ness weaves through the city, tickling the feet of Victorian buildings. It is a sophisticated dance of old and new. You can stroll along the riverbanks, explore Inverness Castle and soak up the local vibes at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Heading west is the hidden treasure of Plockton which boasts landscapes so picturesque, you will think you are in a watercolour painting. Whitewashed cottages add a touch of charm and the sheltered bay is the perfect spot for daydreaming. You can take a boat trip to nearby islands or just bask in the coastal serenity. In Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal plays meet and greet with Loch Ness, boating and water-based antics abound. The locks of Fort Augustus are like a watery staircase, a fascinating engineering marvel that turns boat journeys into a spectacle.
The Highland Folk Museum near Newtonmore invites you to step back in time. This living history museum spills the secrets with reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters and demonstrations of age-old crafts. Another wonder, Eilean Donan Castle is a real-life fairytale fortress perched on a tiny island where three lochs have a meet-up. It is so postcard-perfect that even Hollywood could not resist its charm. History buffs and Instagram enthusiasts, this one is for you!
Of course, we cannot forget the whisky. The Highlands are the holy grail for whisky aficionados. Glenlivet and Glenfiddich distilleries open their doors for guided tours, where you will learn the magic behind crafting Scotch whisky. Sip, swirl and savour – it is a Highland happy hour!
Whether you are scaling castles, conquering peaks, fishing, boating or just lounging by a loch, the Scottish Highlands invites you to a land where nature and history come together in a brilliant way. It is a timeless tale that leaves you in awe. Step into the magic as adventure awaits!
Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide – so read on and enjoy!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesIt has to be a child’s dream to stay in a magical castle with turrets, huge doors and roaring fireplaces. Cairngorms Castle is a brilliant place for a family reunion and celebration. The living spaces are amazing and the grounds absolutely spectacular. Children have a ball racing around the estate and discovering the loch, the pond, the forests and the beautiful gardens. It is such a wonderful holiday being out in the fresh air. They also enjoy seeing the wildlife including red and roe deer, squirrels and buzzards. Just imagine the games of hide and seek you can play!
The Cairngorms is a fantastic location for activity holidays. The hill walking and river activities are amazing and there are so many activities to keep little one enthralled and immersed in its great outdoor playground. All set in spectacular Scottish scenery, there are many award-winning attractions including open air museums, castles, distillery tours, wild animals and rollercoasters. The Highland Folk Museum is no ordinary museum, it is a recreated life size village that was used in the television series Outlander. You can explore the living tradition of the Highland Games at The Braemar Highland Games Centre. If you have Scottish roots, you will love the museums dedicated to local Clans and the Jacobite uprisings, telling the tales of a bloodthirsty past.
The Landmark Forest Adventure Park packs a punch and offers thrill-seeking children a massive adrenaline rush. The Highland Wildlife Park offers a fantastic zoo experience. Older children love the Aviemore Kart Raceway. Castles are also a great option. Although you are staying one, it is wonderful to look at others. Baemar, Balmoral and Blair Castles are based in the Cairngorms.
This area is brilliant at all times of the year but in the winter, the big attraction is the snowy weather. The Cairngorms National Park plays host to 3 out of Scotland’s 5 ski centres, Glenshee, Cairngorm Mountain and the Lect. On snowy days, visitors love to hit the slopes by ski, snowboard or even snowshoe. The scenery is absolutely incredible so even if you are not participating, you can enjoy the views with coffee or hot chocolate in hand at the cafes on the slopes. The Glenshee Snowsports Centre is just moments from the castle. Daily tickets and equipment hire can be booked online. Glenshee has the most comprehensive network of ski-lifts in Scotland with 3 chairlifts, 4 T-bar surface lifts and 15 Poma style platter lifts. They are self loading but lift attendants are there to help. The centre offers ski lessons and a special Ski Academy for children from 5 years old to 15 years from beginners to advanced skiers. There is coaching from 2-4 hours daily including performance training, race training and coaching. Children love it
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | £500 charged to the client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to a full inspection |
| Arrival time | 4.00 pm |
| Departure time | 10.00 am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £500 charged to the client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to a full inspection |
| Arrival time | 4.00 pm |
| Departure time | 10.00 am |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit |
| Internet access? | Yes, Wi-Fi is included in the rental price |
| Changeover day | Friday or Monday |
| Minimum stay | Please note that there is a 3-night minimum stay, this may be increased across peak dates |
| Pets welcome? | A maximum of 2 well-behaved dogs are allowed for an additional charge of £35 per dog, per stay. Please request at the time of booking |
| Smoking Allowed? | Smoking & Vaping are not permitted |
| Property Licence Number | PK12085P |
| EPC Rating | F |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Mid-Week Price From | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25th 2024 - Dec 28th 2024 | - | - | - | - | £10,749 |
| Dec 28th 2024 - Jan 4th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £10,749 |
| Jan 4th 2025 - Feb 15th 2025 | £4,569 | £4,838 | £5,107 | £4,999.00 | £6,449 |
| Feb 15th 2025 - Feb 25th 2025 | £5,374 | £5,913 | £6,452 | £5,999.00 | £7,524 |
| Feb 25th 2025 - Mar 29th 2025 | £4,569 | £4,838 | £5,107 | £4,999.00 | £6,449 |
| Mar 29th 2025 - Apr 14th 2025 | £5,374 | £5,913 | £6,452 | £5,750.00 | £7,524 |
| Apr 14th 2025 - Jun 28th 2025 | £5,107 | £5,913 | £6,719 | £5,750.00 | £6,988 |
| Jun 28th 2025 - Sep 14th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £8,599 |
| Sep 14th 2025 - Oct 18th 2025 | £4,838 | £5,913 | £6,988 | £5,999.00 | £7,524 |
| Oct 18th 2025 - Nov 2nd 2025 | £5,913 | £6,988 | £8,063 | £6,999.00 | £7,525 |
| Nov 2nd 2025 - Dec 20th 2025 | £5,374 | £5,913 | £6,452 | £5,999.00 | £7,524 |
| Dec 20th 2025 - Dec 27th 2025 | - | - | - | - | £10,749 |
| Dec 27th 2025 - Jun 28th 2026 | - | - | - | - | £10,749 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
