Douneside House
Tarland, Aboyne AB34 4UL Scotland
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About
#2 of 11 hotels in Aboyne
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Douneside House is a truly special place in heart of The MacRobert Estate. Here you can expect a warm welcome, award-winning dining, and luxurious comfort in this most hospitable and unique country house. Set in seventeen acres of landscaped gardens, Douneside House makes the perfect base to explore the fantastic area of Royal Deeside. The Douneside Health Club is fully equipped with a gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. Outside is an all-weather tennis court and croquet, badminton, and putting on our splendid 2-acre lawn. Our Conservatory restaurant offers a range of menus including lunch, afternoon tea and, dinner. Our Library Restaurant serves its signature tasting menu on Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Douneside House is independently owned and run by The MacRobert Trust, a Scottish charity, originally set up by Lady MacRobert, based in Aberdeenshire.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Game room
Hiking
Books, DVDs, music for children
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Indoor pool
Heated pool
Yoga classes
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Personal trainer
Sauna
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Kids' meals
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Mini golf
Tennis court
Billiards
Fishing
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Children's playground
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Spa
Steam room
Baggage storage
Currency exchange
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Housekeeping
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Coffee / tea maker
Electric kettle
Cable / satellite TV
Walk-in shower
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English, French, Polish
Location
481Reviews5Q+A100Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
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Douneside has a unique history and offers guests a unique experience set amidst beautiful countryside. Country house style with a touch of old style Officers Mess, five star standard of furnishings in bed and public rooms, open log fires, one room lined with Harris Tweed. The food is cuisine not simply ‘food’ enormous thought and skill put into the presentation of every dish, most created from local produce. The excellent swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and gym more than matching the best of country clubs. The finest recommendation for any hotel is its staff, Douneside staff are exemplary in every way, warm and welcoming, highly professional …..strongly recommended.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
I have just returned from a wonderful residential event at Douneside. The hotel is marvellous-set in beautiful grounds with excellent facilities Even amongst the already high standards I would like to praise the hospitality, the food and the very high standards of housekeeping. Our party were looked after very well with the staff anticipating any issues and dealing with them unobtrusively and efficiently.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This hotel is still owned and operated by the MacRoberts Trust which can be googled for further information. The key to its uniqueness is that it feels like staying in a private family house but with all the essential services of food and beverages plus bathrooms brought up to modern standards. We previously visited in September 2018 when I was on a business trip to NE Scotland and my wife just loved the peace, calm and luxurious experienced offered. This year we received a mail shot form the hotel promoting their mid-week Autumn Break. Two nights with D, B and B for £360 per couple which seemed exceptional value, especially as the last night featured a 7-course tasting menu with all wines included. We flew to Aberdeen (Dyce), hired a car and arrived 45 mins later at the village of Tarland where Douneside House is located. Our room was at the front of the house facing south east with marvellous views over distant mountains. The furniture was old fashioned, as was the bed, but the bathroom was superb with a large walk-in shower. Delighted to note that a rubber safety mat was provided and there was a significant wall-mounted handrail in the cubicle for extra safety. Plenty of hot water made showering very popular. There is plenty of sightseeing on Royal Deeside at Ballater, Balmoral and Braemar so the time passed all too quickly. We cant wait to return to this hidden gem !…
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Our first time at this hotel, we were a little disappointed. The hotel and grounds are impressive. The views around the hotel are wonderful. The staff are friendly and helpful but sadly our room wasn’t what we expected. It was a little tired and small for two people and two large cases. The shower was probably the worst we have ever encountered, very slow trickle of water. The room wasn’t cheap so we also expected less scuff marks and webs. Dinner and breakfast in the conservatory was good. Some of the younger staff did seem a bit programmed and not as friendly as the older ones but that didn’t spoil our experience. The pool and gym area was really good, very relaxing. The walks around the hotel are brilliant, the views are stunning. We would return, but would be very careful to book a room that was a bit more updated and larger. …
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Douneside House, Owner at Douneside House
Responded 23 Oct 2023
Many thanks for sharing your recent experience following your stay with us and my sincere apologies that it didn't meet your expectations across all areas. We strive to ensure your stay is memorable for all the right reasons, and so we're sorry that it didn't happen completely on this occasion. One of the quirks (we hope also the charm..!) of an historic country house is that our rooms do vary considerably in size, shape and special features. We are always very happy to chat about the different options available, so we would always encourage guests to give us a ring when booking. Our rooms vary from "Small Cosy" to our "Deluxe suites" so there can be quite a difference in size. All should have decent water pressure though - we're on the case to resolve that issue. Noting that some of our team read guest reviews, I also just want to note that we are very proud of our younger team members, and many are completing their hospitality apprenticeship with us. We appreciate that confidence takes time to build in some cases, but I know all our team always want to be as helpful as possible - I hope you found this to be the case too. I really hope we have the opportunity to welcome you back again in the future. If you do, please do let me know, and I would delighted to chat about our rooms and recommendations. Kind regards, Melanie Operations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just back from a birthday lunch with a friend. We chose the 2 course set meal. Beef was so tender, delicious sides. Followed by whiskey creme brûlée. Fantastic seating with lovely views, fabulous polite and efficient service. We will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Douneside House, Owner at Douneside House
Responded 23 Oct 2023
Dear Fiona Thank you so much for choosing to celebrate at Douneside for your special birthday lunch. Our team are delighted to read that you enjoyed the food and service, it really does make our day to get such lovely feedback. My thanks again for taking the time to share your experience and I will hope to welcome you back soon. Kind regards, Melanie Operations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Was given a voucher by our daughter to stay at this beautiful place. Fascinating history explained on arrival. Warmly greeted by James ,and introduced to the staff as we made our way to our room ( after a brief tour ).Luckily the weather was reasonably good ,so we could enjoy the gardens ,which are quite magnificent. Had a lovely meal in the evening served by very attentive staff. Enjoyed a nightcap in the bar, then off to bed. My wife said she had the best sleep ever. Quite a statement for a lady who doesn't sleep particularly well. Hospitality as it should be. Thanks to all involved, we shall be back.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Douneside House, Owner at Douneside House
Responded 23 Oct 2023
Dear Jim What a fantastic review, we are delighted. We always enjoy explaining the history of Douneside on arrival (if guests would like to hear more). As we continue to be owned and run by The MacRobert Trust, a charitable trust, I believe our history and charitable status make us quite unique and hopefully adds an extra dimension to our guests' stay with us. ps we are very happy to share details of our mattresses with your wife - they are one of the best we think ! Look forward to welcoming you both back in future. Kind regards, Melanie Operations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Superb food and service made this a really special. One of my favourite places in Aberdeenshire to eat and to stay. The staff were lovely and made our evening a fabulous birthday dinner. I’d recommend Douneside to anyone - the cottages are fab to stay in too
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Douneside House, Owner at Douneside House
Responded 23 Oct 2023
Dear Chris We really enjoyed hosting your birthday celebrations and delighted that you all had a lovely time. We really appreciate your word of mouth recommendation too - it means a lot to us as a small, independent country house. We hope to welcome you back for your next special occasion (or just a trip away!). Kind regards, Melanie Operations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had lunch with friends here. The setting, ambience, food, and service reflects the quality of this establishment. This is a gem set in beautiful countryside. The staff are attentive and manage that balance of being friendly without being over familiar.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Douneside House, Owner at Douneside House
Responded 23 Oct 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely review and my apologies for my delay in replying. We're delighted that you and your friends enjoyed your lunch with us and really appreciate you taking the time to write about your experience. We hope to welcome you back to beautiful Royal Deeside soon. Kind regards, Melanie Operations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I had the pleasure of staying at Douneside House. I visited with my husband for an anniversary. We stayed at one of the cottages. I am one of those guests who are so very hard to please, I work hard for my money and want value for it. I was very pleased with the cottage. Crisp white sheets and fluffy towels, lovely fabrics, from curtains to cushions and throws, I have an eye for detail but obviously so does the decorating team. And extremely clean, this is a must for me. The Hotel itself is just a dream for me, as the Countryhouse Hotel is becoming a rare commodity, beautifully decorated public rooms and again opulent fabrics! The staff are well dressed, pleasant and knowledgeable. We had Afternoon Tea in the conservatory and it was delicious, the cakes and petit fours were melt in the mouth, well done to the chef, the tea was plentiful and a lovely serene atmosphere was enjoyed. We toured the gardens which I love and it was so relaxing. On the whole we were sorry to leave. As I say I’m the hardest person to please but Douneside has the lot, a 5* experience and we are returning in September. People say”keep up the good work”!but I think that platitude doesn’t apply here, from the staff members I encountered hospitality at its finest comes naturally! …
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from Douneside House, Owner at Douneside House
Responded 23 Oct 2023
Many thanks for your fantastic review of Douneside House and, most importantly, for your lovely comments about our team. Many of our team read our Tripadvisor, so I know they are always delighted when guests take the time to highlight particular areas, it makes our day. Our housekeeping Manager, Carolanne, was, as you can imagine, particularly delighted to read your review. Our housekeeping team are often our unsung heroes but they do a fantastic job behind the scenes. With my thanks again for your review and we will hope to welcome you back to Douneside again in the future. Kind regards, Melanie Operations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I visited for lunch in Winter and had promised ourselves we would return during warmer months for a night away. We loved every second of our stay. We arrived on a glorious sunny day, the setting is spectacular and the gardens are delightful. The service you receive from the charming team is second to none. We stayed on a dinner and breakfast package and enjoyed the dining throughout. The room was modest but very comfortable. We look forward to a return visit soon.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Douneside House, Owner at Douneside House
Responded 23 Oct 2023
Dear Hamish My apologies for the delay in responding to your lovely review. We were so pleased to welcome you back for your overnight stay with us earlier this year. The weather was perfect for your visit and I'm delighted you got to experience all Douneside and the local area has to offer. Hopefully we will get to welcome you back soon for a third visit? Our best wishes to you both, and I hope you survived the recent storms in the Northeast! kind regards, Melanie Operations Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$232 - US$301 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomScotlandAberdeenshireAboyne
NUMBER OF ROOMS
28
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Frequently Asked Questions about Douneside House
Which popular attractions are close to Douneside House?
Nearby attractions include Cambus O'May Forest (4.9 miles), Tomnaverie Stone Circle (1.6 miles), and Line Of Sight (2.4 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Douneside House?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an indoor pool, free wifi, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Douneside House?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Douneside House?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Commercial Hotel Restaurant, The Airedale, and Angie's Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Douneside House?
Yes, guests have access to an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Douneside House?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Douneside House offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a banquet room and conference facilities during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Douneside House?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, French, and Polish.
Are there any historical sites close to Douneside House?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Tomnaverie Stone Circle (1.6 miles).
Does Douneside House have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the park view available here.