Grand living in Royal Deeside
From its vantage point high above Ballater, you can soak up views across royal Deeside from the windows of baronial Darroch Learg – a handsome turreted Victorian mansion.
- Feeling royal by association (Balmoral's close by).
- Polished Highland plush.
- The chance to land a salmon or bag some pheasants.
Hit the Spot
High above the Highland town of Ballater.
Amenities
There's a grand drawing room for sipping a local dram, and an excellent conservatory restaurant.
Good to know
This is Scotland's prime huntin', shootin', fishin' country.
Essential info
Check in
15:00Checkout
12:00Minimum Stay
NoClosed
Closed JanuaryParking
There is free guest parkingAirport
Aberdeen – 40 milesTrain
Aberdeen station – 40 milesPet Friendly
Dogs welcomeChildren
WelcomeLocation
56 Braemar Rd, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5UX, United KingdomBedtime
Bedrooms
12 rooms and suites
Special features
Two rooms have four-posters and all are very comfortably appointed. There's wi-fi internet downstairs. Oakhill is a separate house next door with a further five bedrooms – tailor made for private parties.
Pillow Talk
Master rooms are the plushest. Try the four-poster and Dee Valley views of Invercauld, or the romantic charms of Lochnagar.
Eat & Drink
Dining in
The restaurant – candlelit at night – opens out into a sunny conservatory with modern art and linen-dressed tables, capturing the evening sun on long summer nights. Come here for modern Scottish cooking: chef David Mutter's menus include a wood pigeon, shallot and foie gras pie, Royal Deeside venison served with summer greens, goat's cheese and gnocchi, and warm white and dark chocolate cake with crème fraiche.
Breakfast
Full breakfast is served until 9.30am (weekdays) and 10am (Sundays). Try local smoked haddock or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.
Room service
Available morning and evening.
Activities
See & Do
You're within reach of Balmoral Castle, nine Scottish National Trust properties, walking and cycling in the Cairngorms national park, and a choice of whisky distilleries. There's an 18-hole golf course in Ballater and excellent fishing on the River Dee.