Douneside House

The story of Douneside House began when Sir Alexander MacRobert, who had made his fortune in India, bought the Burnside Estate as a holiday retreat for his family. In the early 1900s, the house grew, with extra rooms and a tower added, giving it the grand, welcoming feel it has today. However, life wasn’t easy for the family, as Sir Alexander’s three sons all died tragically.

To honor their memory, Lady MacRobert set up the MacRobert Trust, which still runs Douneside House. She wanted the estate to stay a peaceful, special place, and today its profits go either back into caring for the house or to charitable causes. The family’s story has been captured in books like The MacRobert Trusts 1943–1993 and From Cawnpore to Cromar, The MacRoberts of Douneside, and was even featured on BBC Radio 4’s “Great Lives.”

Built in the late 1800s, Douneside House is a traditional Scottish-style home, with stone walls, distinctive roofs, and a mix of window styles that give it a timeless feel. At the center, a two-stage tower adds a striking feature to the front of the house, while a welcoming verandah supported by timber columns creates a beautiful entrance. Inside, timber-panelled lobbies, a carved central staircase, and elegant ceilings reflect the home’s rich heritage.

The main house offers 14 guest rooms, many decorated with antiques, historic photographs, or artefacts that echo the estate’s past. Several rooms have been thoughtfully adapted for wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that guests with mobility needs can enjoy a comfortable stay. Beyond the house, Douneside also offers a range of apartments and cottages, perfect for families or friends travelling together, and all are dog-friendly. The Casa Memoria building, a short walk from the main house, has four contemporary apartments, from studios to two bedrooms.

Two more ground-level apartments, Morven and Dounebrae, offer easy access to large patios for enjoying the outdoors. Guests can also stay in one of three nearby cottages: Pine, with two bedrooms, and Gatehouse and Alpha, each with three. All cottages have a small kitchenette, sitting area, and garden with patio, giving a cozy home-away-from-home feel. Throughout the estate, from the main house to the cottages and apartments, careful design and craftsmanship shine through.

The Conservatory

Dining at Douneside House is relaxed, seasonal, and closely connected to the estate itself. The Conservatory is filled with natural light, greenery, and views of the terrace gardens, making it a bright, airy space during the day and a warm, intimate spot in the evenings when soft candlelight sets the mood.

The kitchen focuses on fresh, local produce, much of it grown on the estate, turning vegetables, herbs, and fruits into creative, flavorful dishes that showcase the best of Aberdeenshire and Scottish ingredients. There’s also a carefully curated wine list to complement meals. The Conservatory serves lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and a popular Sunday lunch, so reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or during busy periods.

Opening hours:
Lunch:  12 pm – 2 pm (Wednesday to Saturday)
Dinner: 6 pm – 8.45 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Sunday Lunch: 12 pm – 4 pm

The Library

The Library Restaurant at Douneside House is a small, cozy spot that feels really special. It only seats 14 guests, so it is quiet and intimate, with candlelight, books, antiques, and a warm open fire, making it feel like stepping back in time.

The food is completely modern and creative, and the star here is the 3 AA Rosette tasting menu, a six-course seasonal journey using the best local and estate-grown ingredients. Two menu options are available, the tasting menu and the vegetarian tasting menu. You can add a wine or non-alcoholic pairing to match each course. The Library is open for dinner on select nights and needs to be booked in advance.

Opening hours: 6.30 pm onwards (Thursday to Saturday)

The Douneside Dining Club

The Douneside Dining Club is a small, intimate dining experience held at Douneside House for a limited number of guests. On these evenings, the 3 AA Rosette Head Chef prepares a seasonal tasting menu, with the Sommelier explaining the food and wine pairings. Vegetarian options are also available. Some nights include live music, talks from visiting winemakers, or other entertainment, adding to the experience.

It’s a great opportunity for travelers to meet other food lovers, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed, sociable evening. Reservations are essential because space is limited, and the setting provides a chance to enjoy locally sourced dishes while connecting with fellow guests in a historic country house.

MacRobert’s Reply Bar

At Douneside House, there’s a relaxed, laid‑back place to enjoy drinks throughout the day and into the evening called MacRobert’s Reply Bar. It’s often described as the social heart of the house, with comfortable seating and an open fire that makes it easy to pause and unwind after a walk or before a meal.

The bar offers a thoughtful selection of drinks, from signature cocktails or a glass of Champagne to a classic whisky by the fire. The whisky list brings together malts and blends from across Scotland’s regions, giving you a chance to try something new or enjoy a familiar dram.

Opening hours: 12 pm until late (daily)

Afternoon Tea

At Douneside House, the afternoon tea in the Conservatory is a relaxed way to enjoy a mix of savoury and sweet treats while taking in views of the gardens. It features a variety of finger sandwiches like turkey with brie and cranberry, smoked salmon with lemon cream cheese, and a pork and apricot sausage roll.

Sweet options include chocolate and orange bites, spiced pumpkin buns, and fruit and plain scones served with clotted cream and jam. A selection of teas and coffees is included, with the option to add a glass of sparkling wine or prosecco.

Opening hours: 2:30 pm to 4 pm (daily)

Douneside House offers two main options for weddings, depending on the size and style of the celebration. The Library wedding is intimate and private, perfect for small groups. It takes place in the cozy, candlelit Library Restaurant, where up to 14 guests can celebrate in an atmospheric setting surrounded by books, antiques, and a fireplace. This option is ideal for couples looking for a personal celebration with close family and friends, and the team can help with tailored menus and drinks to make the evening special.

For larger weddings or a full celebration, Exclusive Use of Douneside House is available. This allows couples and their guests to enjoy the entire estate, including the main house, conservatory, gardens, and cottages. It provides flexibility for ceremonies, receptions, and multi-day stays, making it possible to have a fully immersive wedding experience. Catering can be arranged in the Conservatory, Library, or other areas of the house, and the estate’s outdoor spaces are perfect for drinks, photography, and garden gatherings. Both options allow for personalized touches, from menu planning to décor, ensuring each wedding feels unique.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At Douneside House, there’s plenty to do for guests of all interests. The Health Club offers a swimming pool and a variety of classes led by qualified instructors, from yoga, aqua, and step workouts to low-impact strength training, plus swim lessons for children. Guests can also enjoy tennis on the all-weather court or a round of golf at nearby Tarland Golf Club.

Throughout the year, Douneside House hosts a variety of events and themed weekends. The Highland Dinner and Dancing weekend is a black-tie affair with an à la carte dinner, a champagne reception, a four-course gala, and live ceilidh dancing. The Annual Garden Charity Day opens the estate’s gardens to visitors with live music, plant sales, and home baking, all supporting charity. There are also guided garden tours, a Braemar Gathering weekend for Highland festival lovers, and A Walk on the Wine Side, which combines scenic walking with wine and seasonal dining.

For walkers and cyclists, the Tarland Trails offer scenic mountain biking routes, while the Beech Belt Trail and Tomnaverie Stone Circle make for magical walks with history and incredible views. A short drive takes you to Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, where woodland trails, wildlife, and the dramatic Burn O’Vat rock formation make for a perfect day out. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the private lochan on the estate or book a bespoke trip with local suppliers.

The Charity Garden Light Trail and Santa’s Grotto at Douneside House is a seasonal event open to visitors. It offers a festive evening walk through gardens decorated with lights and music. Children can visit Santa in a small grotto tucked into the walled garden, while the Conservatory hosts a Christmas Tree Festival featuring trees decorated by local community groups. The event is family-friendly and supports a charitable cause, with tickets usually available in advance.

At the end of the year, Hogmanay at Douneside House provides a traditional Scottish New Year celebration. Guests can enjoy Champagne and canapés, followed by black-tie dining and live ceilidh music. At midnight, a fireworks display on the infinity lawn marks the New Year, offering a festive and memorable way to welcome the year ahead.

Douneside House can host a wide range of private and corporate events. The venue is suitable for milestone birthdays, family gatherings, anniversaries, engagement parties, and other celebrations, as well as business meetings or corporate retreats. There are flexible spaces both indoors and outdoors, and the team can help with planning and coordination to suit the size and style of your event. For more information or to discuss your specific requirements, it’s best to get in touch with the team directly.