Enjoy a holiday in your very own castle! Modelled on Balmoral Castle, this delightful house is spacious enough for all the family.. Ground Floor:
Living room: TV, Sky Movies, DVD Player, Open Fire
Dining room: Books
Kitchen: Breakfast Area, Electric Oven, Induction Hob, Aga, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher
Living room 2: TV, Sky Movies, Open Fire
Utility Room: Fridge/Freezer, Washing Machine
Living Room 3: TV, Wine Cooler
Wet Room: Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Super Kingsize (6ft) Bed, TV, Sky Movies, Dressing Area Ensuite: Bath, Cubicle Shower, Toilet
Bedroom 2: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV, Sky Movies
Bedroom 3: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
Wet Room: Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet
Second Floor:
Bedroom 4: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV
Bedroom 5: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV
Bedroom 6: 2 x Kingsize (5ft) Beds (Flexible Sleeping Only), TV, Sky Movies. Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Fuel for open fires available locally. Travel cot and highchair. Large, enclosed lawned garden with 2 summerhouses, garden furniture, bar with TV and karaoke, and gas BBQ. Hot tub. Bike store. Private parking for 5 cars. No smoking.. A romantic ‘castle’ in the heart of the Cairngorms; grandeur and cosy are hard to find together but Craigendarroch House combines the two with ease. In truth, a traditional Scottish baronial Villa modelled on Balmoral Castle, Craigandarroch House with turrets and tower was designed by the architect William Smith who also designed Balmoral, a short drive up along Royal Deeside. You’ll find Craigendarroch House traditionally and stylishly decorated with all the convenience of contemporary living for a comfortable family holiday. Every attention to detail has been made, with comfortable seating and dining in the delightful garden, luxury bed linen and towels and even indoor and outdoor bars. From the moment you come through the gates up the sweeping driveway you’ll appreciate the traditional Scottish architecture with the stunning backdrop of Craigendarroch Hill behind the house. Any sprightly visitors must make the effort to walk up and admire the views from the top – a strenuous but short (30-minute) climb.
Whilst the house has all the convenience of being central to the delightful and busy town of Ballater, it also provides total privacy inside and out. Ballater and the surrounding area has a wealth of restaurants and coffee shops, some within easy walking distance, with the benefit of having the Highlands right on your doorstop for exploring further.
The house is exceptionally well maintained, with six large bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms and three further family bathrooms, all with modern fittings and tastefully decorated. Full central heating throughout is extremely efficient – you will be lovely and cosy in winter and there is an open fire in drawing room. The home benefits from large rooms for all the family, but there are smaller rooms for a quiet game of chess or reading in the snug or conservatory. Overlooking the front garden, the drawing room is large and sunny with seating for whole family, ideal for relaxed entertaining with its large fireplace. There is also a formal oak panelled dining room with wall-to-wall books. There is an indoor bar with TV and wine/beer fridges, perfect for having a wee dram while watching Scotland win the rugby!
There is certainly plenty to explore in the stunning surrounding countryside with the glorious river and mountain landscape of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, leisurely walks can be enjoyed along the banks of the river while the adventurous can tackle the region’s famous mountains. There are good opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee Centres during the winter months. Golf is available in Ballater itself, as well as Braemar and Banchory. There are castles and gardens at Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar which are all well worth a visit.
Slightly further afield, the coastal and whisky trails offer the chance to explore the area’s heritage through stunning scenery. In August and September, Highland games are prevalent in all the towns and villages throughout the region. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.
Free WiFi
There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property.
Suitable for up to 2 pets
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Charming, spacious, family home on Royal Deeside - close to amenities
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Charming, spacious, family home on Royal Deeside - close to amenities
The guest will be charged 50% amount for a cancellation after the reservation is made.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number AS00473P
About the area
Ballater
Ballater is home to this cottage. The Butterworth Gallery and Grampian Transport Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Deeside Activity Park and Alford Valley Steam Railway.
How much does it cost to stay at Craigendarroch House?
As of 8 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Craigendarroch House on 15 May, 2026 start from S$1,413, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Craigendarroch House?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Craigendarroch House?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Craigendarroch House?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Craigendarroch House located?
Situated in Ballater, this cottage is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Ballater Golf Club and within 9 miles (15 km) of Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve and Balmoral Castle. Cairngorms National Park and Royal Lochnagar Distillery are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Absolutely beautiful house, lovely comfy beds and so much space! Lots of great features such as hot
Absolutely beautiful house, lovely comfy beds and so much space! Lots of great features such as hot tub with summer house attached, separate bar complete with karaoke machine, and secure enclosed garden at the back to keep kids and dogs safe. Hosts super helpful. Ballater area lovely for walking, with coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance from the house.
Kirsten Husselbee
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Laura Abel
4 Jul, 2025
Craigendarroch House is a beautiful house! Plenty of space for large families or groups.
Craigendarroch House is a beautiful house! Plenty of space for large families or groups. Very clean and tidy. The hosts were brilliant to deal with. Would recommend this accommodation without a second thought.
We booked the property for a 60th Birthday with family, the house and gardens were immaculate and perfect for our stay. The hosts checked with us before and during our stay to ensure we had everything that we needed. This is a fantastic house in a beautiful village with everything on your doorstep. A fantastic stay that was just too short.
Alan S.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Lianne Waterston
9 Jul, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Craigendarroch House is truly exceptional! From the moment w
My friends and I booked this house for a weekend away and it really was perfect for our needs.
My friends and I booked this house for a weekend away and it really was perfect for our needs. So many lovely bedrooms to fit everyone and the variety of living spaces were great for a sociable weekend. The house was really central for walking into the village for shops, bars and restaurants but had a country feel with such beautiful views surrounding the house. The house was really well equipped with everything we needed for the weekend and I would definitely be happy to stay again. Thank you to the hosts for being so helpful too.
Sarah Dawson
About the host
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