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Aldourie Castle

Scottish Highlands

Aldourie, a 300-year-old Baronial castle set on the banks of Loch Ness has been sympathetically reimagined to create a beautiful home and one-of-a-kind exclusive stay use, surrounded by 500 acres of gardens, woodland and wildflower meadows. 

Part of Wildland, founded by Anne and Anders Holch Povlsen, an organisation dedicated to a 200 year vision of ecological rehabilitation in the Scottish Highlands, they work to let nature heal, grow and thrive.

Aldourie Castle is a classic example of Scottish Baronial architecture, having achieved that status in the 19th century, the property has evolved, both physically and in its use, over a period of around 220 years. 

Today, the castle with a bewitching silhouette characterised by multiple towers and turrets, situated between the southern shores of famous Loch Ness and the steep sides of the Glen, has been sympathetically transformed to create a beautiful house decorated with informal elegance, available for exclusive hire. 

From the outset, custodians Anne & Anders Holch Povlsen, both passionate environmentalists, hoped “to conserve and refurnish the castle in such a way that felt homely yet restrained, shaping an experience that could last for the next few hundred years – welcoming people and sharing the beauty of this special place.” Its evolution is a defining chapter in the Wildland story.

Bathed in natural light and knitted seamlessly together through colour, the interiors of the castle, overseen and curated by Charlotte Freemantle of Jamb, are an expression of Scottish country house design. “Our approach was to embrace and respond to the individuality of every room, with the intention of creating these little jewels that guests would be excited to stay in”, says Charlotte. 

Sleeping up to 24 guests, with 12 fittingly handsome suites, each boasting expansive views of Loch Ness or the rambling gardens, Aldourie evokes a unique sense of atmosphere that makes one feel instantly at home. The Great Hall, Billiards Room, Library, and Dining Room, elude a relaxed grandeur with unsurpassed beauty, that invite guests to celebrate as formally or as informally as they wish.

The bathroom fittings and fixtures remain from the previous owner, as it was felt they were so in keeping of the castle.

As the spaces are used for stays, durability and quality were a main concern for the owners when it came to the bathroomware. Products chosen had to last a lifetime, without the need for repairs and constant upkeep, making Drummonds the preferable option.

A double Lowther Vanity rests beautifully in this large space, maintaining an elegant and timeless feel.

A stark contrast between the arabescato marbled vanity and darker paint is achieved in this space, evoking a rustic but classic aesthetic.

Set among 500 acres of tranquil parkland, ancient woodland, and wildflower meadows, guests are encouraged to explore the grounds and to embrace the wealth of experiences available. As the estate evolves from one season to the next, each one as magical as the next, new opportunities to embrace the untamed adventures of the surrounding landscape unfold.

A further five charming cottages – all private, self-catered, and distinctive in character – are also available to rent within the grounds.

As an organisation, Wildland is dedicated to the rehabilitation of some of Scotland’s most precious landscapes. By staying at Aldourie, guests are contributing towards Wildland’s 200-year vision to protect the essential nature and rewilding of the Scottish Highlands.

 

To explore the beauty and breadth of this extraordinary part of the world and to book a stay, please visit: www.aldourie.scot

 

To learn more about Wildland and their mission head to: www.wildland.scot