The Doune

We had a lovely stay!

Pros: Paul communicated clearly before arrival with detailed directions, a map link, and his contact number in case we needed help finding the property. He also proactively checked our estimated arrival time and kept us informed about access, leaving the gate open so we could drive straight in despite the snow and ice. On arrival he showed us around his beautiful, spacious place, was always there to help with any little request, and the kids absolutely loved it. The location of the property was perfect for our visit to the Cairngorm Mountain Railway with the kids, and having a Tesco Extra on the other side towards Inverness was really convenient for picking up everything we needed during our stay. A perfect spot for our three families to have a good weekend.

Cons: Nothing to dislike.

Really interesting and relaxing place to stay 🏠

Pros: What a fantastic place to stay, was immaculately clean and tidy, hot tub and wood burner were a very welcome addition. Paul was really helpful from the moment we got there, gave us the tour and some fascinating history of the building and grounds. Amazing to see the progress over the years. If you’re looking for somewhere interesting to switch off and relax, this is the place. We will be back. Thanks Paul (and Missy 🐕) Tom and Sophie

Pros: Lovely house, nice and cosy. Loads of space and comfy beds. Lovely Xmas decorations Fully kitted out kitchen which was great Loads of towels and products eg shampoo etc Every room having its own bathroom was brilliant Lovely forest walk Friendly animals (dog \u0026 chickens) Nice and private

Cons: Didn't like is a bit strong, my only criticisms would be... TVs didnt easily hook up to app (some did in the end, others didn't) Could have done with some more outside lights Could have done with some hooks beside the hottub for towels etc The no noise / music after 2130 at night (especially on the weekend) isn't great for bit groups

Charming Property with Great Space, But Disappointing Cleanliness

Pros: The Doune is a big, beautiful vintage house set on a large property—perfect for a group of 8, including kids. With 6 spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, there was more than enough space for everyone. The kids had a blast running around both indoors and outdoors. Host Paul was wonderful—very responsive and helpful. And his sweet dog Missy was a delight!

Cons: That said, I was quite disappointed with the cleanliness of the property. There were cobwebs, dust, and several appliances like the induction stove, microwave, and coffee machine were not working properly. The fridge had expired and used items left behind, which made it feel like no proper check or cleaning had been done before our arrival. The washing machine and dryer were extremely dirty. The dryer had black soot inside, which ruined my white clothes. Even more concerning, I found used juice boxes and price tags from previous guests in my bedroom drawer—this raised serious questions about the hygiene standards of the entire place, including the towels and bedsheets. With proper maintenance and a focus on cleanliness, this home has the potential to be a fantastic stay. But for now, it falls short on basic hygiene expectations.

Outstanding experience!

Pros: Fantastic experience, Paul is the best host we have ever stayed with. The property was outstanding, very well maintained and everything you would need.

Pros: Booked the doune with a group of friends for a big birthday and it was ideal. Really cool, big old house!

Fantastic stay

Pros: Our stay at the Doune was fantastic. The house was beautiful, very spacious, well equipped and the grounds were fabulous. We were a party of 13 and there was more than enough space for all of us.

Pros: Our stay at The Doune was absolutely fantastic. The property has so much character, and every corner feels thoughtfully designed and welcoming. It’s warm, cozy, and has a homely feel that made it so easy to relax. The kitchen was great—really well-equipped, and the Aga was such a nice touch. Outside, the peaceful water feature, fish pond, and immaculate football pitch were all highlights. Having direct access to the bush was incredible for a bit of exploring. There are loads of en-suites, which made the stay even more comfortable, and the stone masonry is stunning. Little details, like the swing and the heirlooms scattered around, gave the whole place so much charm. It’s well-guarded and peaceful, so we felt safe the entire time. Even getting there was smooth with the convenient highway access. We absolutely loved our stay and can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend The Doune to anyone looking for a unique, peaceful getaway!

Amazing

Pros: Paul was a great host for our stay. Unbelievable place which made an amazing trip for me and my friends

Amazing castle experience

Pros: Amazing experience like we are staying in a lovely castle. It have everything we need to make us comfy and cosy. The place look much nicer than in the photos and spotless clean. The location is easy to find and not too far from everything. The owner is very welcoming and helpful. I cannot explain how much we like this place. I think we get much more than what we paid. If I have a chance, I really want to stay at this place again.

Cons: This place is too good. We really want to stay for longer so bad. We didn't like to leave this place.