RAEMOIR HOUSE HOTEL
Welcoming Scottish manor in royal Aberdeenshire
RABBITS WERE SCAMPERING around the lawn as we drove up the rhododendron-lined drive to Raemoir, an imposing granite-built Aberdeenshire mansion set in ten acres of leafy parkland in the heart of Royal Deeside.
Raemoir has been around for quite a while – since 1817 to be exact – but it’s had quite a shake-up since hands-on owners David and Verity Webster took over in 2006. After wowing guests at Castleton House in Glamis, the couple are now bringing their ideas and flair to Raemoir, turning what was something of a grand but dull old dowager into an altogether more alluring Highland lady.
Public rooms have been swopped around – the former lounge is now a wonderful wood panelled dining room – while rich new wallcoverings and carpets have given the old place a much-needed facelift. Did we like it? Yes, yes and yes.
Hit the spot
A few miles from Banchory, in royal Aberdeenshire
Bedtime
The signature Raemoir room is the biz. Otherwise try a four-poster in the Ha’ Hoose.
Be savvy
Find out when the next Raemoir Prom will be held on the front lawn – it’s a great occasion.
Be smitten
Grand and gracious Highland living.
Victorian bath tub
Bedrooms are quietly understated. Ours was done out in shades of dove grey and cream with a big comfortable bed and garden views. Had it been a pukka special occasion, we might have splurged on the Raemoir room, overlooking the lawn and the hills beyond with a half tester bed, antique furniture and a splashy new bathroom where the original Victorian bath (big enough for all sorts of frolics, in case you need to know), is centre stage. My beloved has already extracted a promise that she’ll be staying there when we return.
We loved the new lounge, with its polished wood floor and deep rose-pink sofas – just the place for a drink before dinner. We were also taken with refreshingly local staff – a real treat these days. My starter of breast of wood pigeon with potato pancake, nicoise salad and thyme sauce was delicious, and a perfect warm-up to the fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef that followed.
Hardier souls might have jogged around the park next morning (they hold wonderful outdoor concerts here during summer), but an excellent Highland breakfast put paid to that. I made a token effort, however, by donning some sporty new chinos instead of my usual crumpled cords. After all, with royal Balmoral just up the road, who knows who you might bump into hereabouts?
Raemoir House Hotel was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mark MacGee
Raemoir has been around for quite a while – since 1817 to be exact – but it’s had quite a shake-up since hands-on owners David and Verity Webster took over in 2006. After wowing guests at Castleton House in Glamis, the couple are now bringing their ideas and flair to Raemoir, turning what was something of a grand but dull old dowager into an altogether more alluring Highland lady.
Public rooms have been swopped around – the former lounge is now a wonderful wood panelled dining room – while rich new wallcoverings and carpets have given the old place a much-needed facelift. Did we like it? Yes, yes and yes.
Hit the spot
A few miles from Banchory, in royal Aberdeenshire
Bedtime
The signature Raemoir room is the biz. Otherwise try a four-poster in the Ha’ Hoose.
Be savvy
Find out when the next Raemoir Prom will be held on the front lawn – it’s a great occasion.
Be smitten
Grand and gracious Highland living.
Victorian bath tub
Bedrooms are quietly understated. Ours was done out in shades of dove grey and cream with a big comfortable bed and garden views. Had it been a pukka special occasion, we might have splurged on the Raemoir room, overlooking the lawn and the hills beyond with a half tester bed, antique furniture and a splashy new bathroom where the original Victorian bath (big enough for all sorts of frolics, in case you need to know), is centre stage. My beloved has already extracted a promise that she’ll be staying there when we return.
We loved the new lounge, with its polished wood floor and deep rose-pink sofas – just the place for a drink before dinner. We were also taken with refreshingly local staff – a real treat these days. My starter of breast of wood pigeon with potato pancake, nicoise salad and thyme sauce was delicious, and a perfect warm-up to the fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef that followed.
Hardier souls might have jogged around the park next morning (they hold wonderful outdoor concerts here during summer), but an excellent Highland breakfast put paid to that. I made a token effort, however, by donning some sporty new chinos instead of my usual crumpled cords. After all, with royal Balmoral just up the road, who knows who you might bump into hereabouts?
Raemoir House Hotel was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mark MacGee
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Dining in
The beautiful dining room has stunning views and is heated by a large open fire. Decorated in Georgian style with full wood pannelling and silk damask curtains, the food is just as gorgeous. Matt Dobson serves traditional Scottish fare with modern influence. The menu changes regularly so expect some pleasant surprises.
Dining out
Royal Deeside boasts plenty of fine restaurants, whilst the Candlestick Maker in Aboyne is definitely worth a visit.
Where?
Raemoir House Hotel.
What’s cooking?
You’ll find traditional Scottish fare with modern influences.
Dress the part
There is no dress code, so go as casual as you like.
Top table?
There are six floor to ceiling windows so every table has gorgeous views.
See & Do
Enjoy a snifter or two on the Whisky Trail around Speyside, try and catch your meal with a little sport fishing. See how the Lairds live in Royal Balmoral Castle or take a trip to the unique ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen.
Shop
There are masses of great shops around where you can pick some traditional favourites such as tweeds, tartans and shortbread. Not to forget Scotland’s most famous export.. the water of life, otherwise known as whisky.
After dark
We suggest having a great meal in the restaurant and a walk in the grounds to work it off.
Dates
September-the thrills of the Highland Games come to Crathes Castle at the Braemar Gathering.
The beautiful dining room has stunning views and is heated by a large open fire. Decorated in Georgian style with full wood pannelling and silk damask curtains, the food is just as gorgeous. Matt Dobson serves traditional Scottish fare with modern influence. The menu changes regularly so expect some pleasant surprises.
Dining out
Royal Deeside boasts plenty of fine restaurants, whilst the Candlestick Maker in Aboyne is definitely worth a visit.
Where?
Raemoir House Hotel.
What’s cooking?
You’ll find traditional Scottish fare with modern influences.
Dress the part
There is no dress code, so go as casual as you like.
Top table?
There are six floor to ceiling windows so every table has gorgeous views.
Enjoy a snifter or two on the Whisky Trail around Speyside, try and catch your meal with a little sport fishing. See how the Lairds live in Royal Balmoral Castle or take a trip to the unique ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen.
Shop
There are masses of great shops around where you can pick some traditional favourites such as tweeds, tartans and shortbread. Not to forget Scotland’s most famous export.. the water of life, otherwise known as whisky.
After dark
We suggest having a great meal in the restaurant and a walk in the grounds to work it off.
Dates
September-the thrills of the Highland Games come to Crathes Castle at the Braemar Gathering.
GETTING THERE
Location
Raemoir, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB31 4ED
Parking
Free guest parking
Trains
Aberdeen-15 miles
Taxis
Around GBP 30 from the station. Private transfers can be arranged.
Airport
Aberdeen - 16 miles.
Rooms and suites
20 rooms
Special features
All rooms have digital TV and Wi-fi. Some have a four-poster bed and others feature a roll top bath.
Also…
Raemoir House is set in extensive grounds with a tennis court and helipad. Outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting can be arranged.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 140 - 280
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Cooked breakfast is served until 10am
Room service
Available 24 hours a day.
Children
Welcome
Pets
Dogs are welcome at £10 each per night
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English
Wedding license?
Yes. Up to 60 guests can be catered for based on exclusive hire of the property.
Your contacts
David and Verity Webster – owners
Location
Raemoir, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB31 4ED
Parking
Free guest parking
Trains
Aberdeen-15 miles
Taxis
Around GBP 30 from the station. Private transfers can be arranged.
Airport
Aberdeen - 16 miles.
Rooms and suites
20 rooms
Special features
All rooms have digital TV and Wi-fi. Some have a four-poster bed and others feature a roll top bath.
Also…
Raemoir House is set in extensive grounds with a tennis court and helipad. Outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting can be arranged.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
GBP 140 - 280
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
11am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Cooked breakfast is served until 10am
Room service
Available 24 hours a day.
Children
Welcome
Pets
Dogs are welcome at £10 each per night
Air conditioning
No
Languages
English
Wedding license?
Yes. Up to 60 guests can be catered for based on exclusive hire of the property.
Your contacts
David and Verity Webster – owners
