Aldourie Castle
Loch Ness

Straight out of a fairy tale, the beautiful Grade A listed Aldourie Castle is located directly on the scenic banks of Loch Ness. A major social hub for house parties and holidays in the Victoria era, the castle dates from 1626 and is a prime example of Scottish Baronial architecture, complete with turrets and towers. Privately owned and inhabited by the Cameron Family until 2002, Aldourie Castle recently underwent a loving and painstaking renovation to ensure that its many unique features remain in pristine condition. Despite being the epitome of grandeur, Aldourie manages to make you feel at home from the moment you drive down the windy tree-lined drive through the castle's rugged grounds. Truly welcoming and inviting, the castle's many public spaces are perfect for socialising from the Red Drawing room with its roaring wood fire and walls hung with family portraits to the informal and formal dining rooms, games room and kitchen. The 15 bedrooms at Aldourie are simply magnificent restored to the style of the castle's Victorian hey-day, many of the beds are romantic four posters and several have been inspired by the Pre-Raphelites you'll find William Morris wallpaper and Millais reproductions on the walls. Many boast views of the Loch, and several even enjoy dual aspect. Bathrooms are romantic and scattered throughout the 2 floors look out for the wooden bathtub and nymph mural in the Loch Room. Available for exclusive hire only.

Click here to view full Aldourie Castle gallery

I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson