Title: Craigendarroch House - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2026 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=4321&destination=Ballater%2C+Scotland%2C+United+Kingdom&selected=82959042&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Craigendarroch House ## Photo gallery for Craigendarroch House ![Sauna - Craigendarroch House (Ballater)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82960000/82959100/82959042/0e01a741.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Exterior - Craigendarroch House (Ballater)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82960000/82959100/82959042/8a018c70.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Indoor spa tub - Craigendarroch House (Ballater)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82960000/82959100/82959042/098663c8.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Lobby - Craigendarroch House (Ballater)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82960000/82959100/82959042/8429c09a.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Fireplace - Craigendarroch House (Ballater)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/83000000/82960000/82959100/82959042/efd1b455.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Location - Amenities - Policies Craigendarroch House, a grand Scottish baronial Villa modelled on Balmoral Castle, offers a unique retreat in the Cairngorms. Unwind by the open fire or enjoy luxury amenities like an indoor bar with wine cooler and outdoor bars with karaoke and gas BBQ. ## Reviews 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 6 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 12 ## Popular amenities - Kitchen - Washer - Pet friendly - Free WiFi - Outdoor Space ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Craigendarroch House Enjoy a holiday in your very own castle! Modelled on Balmoral Castle, this delightful house is spacious enough for all the family.. Ground Floor: Living room: TV, Sky Movies, DVD Player, Open Fire Dining room: Books Kitchen: Breakfast Area, Electric Oven, Induction Hob, Aga, Microwave, Fridge, Dishwasher Living room 2: TV, Sky Movies, Open Fire Utility Room: Fridge/Freezer, Washing Machine Living Room 3: TV, Wine Cooler Wet Room: Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet First Floor: Bedroom 1: Super Kingsize (6ft) Bed, TV, Sky Movies, Dressing Area Ensuite: Bath, Cubicle Shower, Toilet Bedroom 2: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV, Sky Movies Bedroom 3: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet Wet Room: Shower, Heated Towel Rail, Toilet Second Floor: Bedroom 4: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV Bedroom 5: Kingsize (5ft) Bed, TV Bedroom 6: 2 x Kingsize (5ft) Beds (Flexible Sleeping Only), TV, Sky Movies. Oil central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Fuel for open fires available locally. Travel cot and highchair. Large, enclosed lawned garden with 2 summerhouses, garden furniture, bar with TV and karaoke, and gas BBQ. Hot tub. Bike store. Private parking for 5 cars. No smoking.. A romantic ‘castle’ in the heart of the Cairngorms; grandeur and cosy are hard to find together but Craigendarroch House combines the two with ease. In truth, a traditional Scottish baronial Villa modelled on Balmoral Castle, Craigandarroch House with turrets and tower was designed by the architect William Smith who also designed Balmoral, a short drive up along Royal Deeside. You’ll find Craigendarroch House traditionally and stylishly decorated with all the convenience of contemporary living for a comfortable family holiday. Every attention to detail has been made, with comfortable seating and dining in the delightful garden, luxury bed linen and towels and even indoor and outdoor bars. From the moment you come through the gates up the sweeping driveway you’ll appreciate the traditional Scottish architecture with the stunning backdrop of Craigendarroch Hill behind the house. Any sprightly visitors must make the effort to walk up and admire the views from the top – a strenuous but short (30-minute) climb. Whilst the house has all the convenience of being central to the delightful and busy town of Ballater, it also provides total privacy inside and out. Ballater and the surrounding area has a wealth of restaurants and coffee shops, some within easy walking distance, with the benefit of having the Highlands right on your doorstop for exploring further. The house is exceptionally well maintained, with six large bedrooms, two with en-suite bathrooms and three further family bathrooms, all with modern fittings and tastefully decorated. Full central heating throughout is extremely efficient – you will be lovely and cosy in winter and there is an open fire in drawing room. The home benefits from large rooms for all the family, but there are smaller rooms for a quiet game of chess or reading in the snug or conservatory. Overlooking the front garden, the drawing room is large and sunny with seating for whole family, ideal for relaxed entertaining with its large fireplace. There is also a formal oak panelled dining room with wall-to-wall books. There is an indoor bar with TV and wine/beer fridges, perfect for having a wee dram while watching Scotland win the rugby! There is certainly plenty to explore in the stunning surrounding countryside with the glorious river and mountain landscape of Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, leisurely walks can be enjoyed along the banks of the river while the adventurous can tackle the region’s famous mountains. There are good opportunities for canoeing and mountain biking, as well as skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee Centres during the winter months. Golf is available in Ballater itself, as well as Braemar and Banchory. There are castles and gardens at Balmoral, Crathes and Craigievar which are all well worth a visit. Slightly further afield, the coastal and whisky trails offer the chance to explore the area’s heritage through stunning scenery. In August and September, Highland games are prevalent in all the towns and villages throughout the region. Shop ¼ mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile. Free WiFi There are low ceilings, doors and/or beams within the property. Suitable for up to 2 pets ## Property amenities ### Pool/Spa - Hot tub ### Internet - Available in the cottage: Free WiFi ### Parking and transportation - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Dishwasher ### Bedrooms - 6 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 5 bathrooms - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Fireplace ### Entertainment - Cable/satellite channels ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill - Garden ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Heating ### Pets - Pet friendly ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoking not allowed ### Safety features - No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) - First aid kit - Fire extinguisher ### General - Garden ## Similar properties ![Cottage | Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/67000000/66910000/66903200/66903109/f0da5c74.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Gairnlea Cottage Ballater - 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You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation Property Registration Number AS00473P ### Property is also known as su-UK5874-UK5874 ## About the area Ballater is home to this cottage. The Butterworth Gallery and Grampian Transport Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Deeside Activity Park and Alford Valley Steam Railway. [Visit our Ballater travel guide](https://www.expedia.ca/Ballater.dx4321) [View more Cottages in Ballater](https://www.expedia.ca/Ballater-Cottages.d4321-aaCottages.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C57.05048%2C-3.04828&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=GmOXeXjoCc43O4jfinIcPe9gdpg=) Ballater ### What's nearby - ![Ski touring at Loch Avon on the River Avon, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6088691/c967043b-5f75-405b-9921-bbb485b96f51.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Cairngorms National Park 1 min walk \- 0.0 km - ![Prince Albert Cairn, near Balmoral Castle, Cairngorms National Park, Scotland](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083335/ca2d7e0d-6efa-48d2-a6a3-d12573e6f67e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=115.61&rh=65.03&ra=fit&q=high) Balmoral Castle 13 min drive \- 14.7 km - Victoria and Albert Halls 6 min walk \- 0.5 km - Ballater Library 6 min walk \- 0.5 km - Ballater Golf Club 6 min walk \- 0.6 km ### Getting around - Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) 71 min drive ### Restaurants - Keiller Lounge 16 min walk - Keiller Brasserie 16 min walk - Fish Shop 7 min walk - Clachan Grill 11 min walk - brown sugar café 9 min walk ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Craigendarroch House pet-friendly? ### How much is parking? ### What time is check-in at Craigendarroch House? ### What time is check-out at Craigendarroch House? ### Where is Craigendarroch House located? ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Craigendarroch House Reviews ## Reviews ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative. [More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 4 8 - Good 0 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10 Cleanliness ### 10 Location ## Reviews From a partner site ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kirsten Husselbee Feb 5, 2026 #### Absolutely beautiful house, lovely comfy beds and so much space! Lots of great features such as hot Absolutely beautiful house, lovely comfy beds and so much space! Lots of great features such as hot tub with summer house attached, separate bar complete with karaoke machine, and secure enclosed garden at the back to keep kids and dogs safe. Hosts super helpful. Ballater area lovely for walking, with coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance from the house. ##### Kirsten Husselbee Verified ### 10/10 Excellent #### Alan S. Sep 23, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Luxury weekend We booked the property for a 60th Birthday with family, the house and gardens were immaculate and perfect for our stay. The hosts checked with us before and during our stay to ensure we had everything that we needed. This is a fantastic house in a beautiful village with everything on your doorstep. A fantastic stay that was just too short. ##### Alan S. Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024 From a partner site ### 10/10 Excellent #### Laura Abel Jul 4, 2025 #### Craigendarroch House is a beautiful house! Plenty of space for large families or groups. Craigendarroch House is a beautiful house! Plenty of space for large families or groups. Very clean and tidy. The hosts were brilliant to deal with. Would recommend this accommodation without a second thought. ##### Laura Abel From a partner site ### 10/10 Excellent #### Lianne Waterston Jul 9, 2025 #### 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Craigendarroch House is truly exceptional! From the moment w 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Craigendarroch House is truly exceptional! From the moment we arrived, the hosts Dawn and Michael went above and beyond—friendly, attentive, and quick to respond to any questions we had over the weekend. They even surprised my mum with a card and flowers for her 70th birthday, making it an extra special celebration.The house itself is like a mini castle—spectacular on the outside and equally stunning inside, with Scottish-themed décor. Despite its size, it felt so cosy, warm and welcoming.Entertainment options were endless: a fabulous hot tub which we used multiple times daily, an outdoor covered bar with karaoke and a log burner for warmth, plus fun activities like giant Jenga and axe throwing. The attention to detail throughout the house is top notch, with beautiful rooms, high-quality furniture, and fabby comfortable beds—everyone agreed they had the best sleeps!The house lives up to its nickname "Wee Balmoral," and made my mum feel like a queen for her birthday weekend. The house is perfect for dog owners too, with a fully enclosed garden and plenty of scenic walks nearby. Our dog had a great time running freely in the garden. It’s also just a short walk from Ballater town, where we enjoyed a fantastic afternoon tea at the Rothesay Rooms, steeped in history as the old railway station.All 11 of us had an unforgettable stay and can’t wait to return. If you’re looking for a magical, faultless property, Craigendarroch House is it. Simply WOW! ##### Lianne Waterston