The Castle Byre, Self-catering Accommodation Next To Historic Auchindoun Castle

Description

The ‘Byre’ is a comfortable characterful holiday cottage created out of the old stone barns (‘steading’) at former Parkhead Farm. It sits high on a hill overlooking Glen Fiddich and the heather covered slopes of The Cabrach moor, just 200m from the impressive 550 year old ruins of one of Scotland’s most iconic hilltop fortresses.

This property retains the traditional look of the original barn interior with large exposed timber roof trusses and natural lime mortar pointed stonework. Underfloor heating provides discrete background warmth and there is a modern wood burning stove in the Living Room to give a further level of cosiness.

It is ideal for a couple but can accommodate up to 4 people. For larger groups it can be rented in conjunction with a similar cottage next door - ‘The Castle Bothy’ (subject to availability, see separate combined listing for a discounted rate).

The beds in the main bedroom can be pre-configured as twin 3’ singles or zip linked as a Super King size double according to your stated preference. This bedroom has an en-suite shower room. The second (smaller) bedroom at Mezzanine level has a standard (4’6” wide) double bed and home office desk.

Preferred bookings for the Byre are for a minimum of 7 days starting on Fridays, though shorter periods may be possible subject to availability.

For artists and those interested in patchwork or textile crafts there is a purpose built studio on site (Fb: 'The Studio at Castle on the Hill') that may be used by arrangement for a small additional charge.

The Area:

From castles to whisky, hilltops to coast, this is an exceptional area of Scotland that encompasses the best of history, hospitality and modern adventure. Principle leisure activities are hiking, cycling, fishing and golf.

The nearest town is Dufftown, two miles away and with six distilleries it is the 'Malt Whisky Capital of the World'. Here there is a range of well stocked grocery stores and places to eat, from restaurants to take-away.

Popular local events that attract people from all over the UK and around the world include:
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, end of April & beginning of May.
The Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival, mid.June.
The Dufftown Highland Games, last Saturday in July.
North East Open Studios, mid.September
Dufftown Whisky Colours Festival & Dramathon, both mid. October

Just 15 miles north lies the world class Moray Firth coastline, with miles of sandy beaches, interesting and picturesque small fishing ports, forests and cliffs. It is one of the best places in the UK to get the chance of seeing dolphins and whales, with boat trips available.

To the east the countryside rolls in to Aberdeenshire with more castles, including Balmoral in Royal Deeside, and Aberdeen (‘The Granite City’), the third largest in Scotland with its restaurants, art galleries, parks and shopping centres.

A few miles to the south is the Cairngorms National Park, the largest and wildest in the UK with a wide range of organised leisure activities, and west lies Inverness, gateway to Loch Ness, the West Coast and the North Scottish Highlands.

The heather blooms from July to September (thought this is dependent on the weather).

From ensuring the accommodation meets the expected standard to providing detailed knowledge and guidance to make best of your time, we are committed to helping you have an exceptional experience.