Castle Rental Details

21st Century luxury within a fascinating historic castle, privately set in large garden and surrounded by grounds if 850 acres, enjoying a commanding position in one of the sunniest and driest areas of Britain.

The Scottish Open Golf Championship 2011 is coming to Castle Stuart this July making Dalcross Castle a most wonderful self catering accommodation only 3 1/2 miles away.

Built by Simon, Lord Lovat, in 1620, and held by the Lovat Frasers until 1703, Dalcross Castle then became the home of the Mackintosh Clan. In 1746 Dalcross was the rallying point for Cumberland’s troops who quelled the Jacobite uprising at the Battle of Culloden, while the Laird’s wife raised her own troops in support of Bonnie Prince Charlie. It is historic, intimate and elegantly comfortable. Secluded behind stone walls and studded oak gates, with a large garden and grounds of 850 acres through which the River Nairn flows, the Castle is situated between Inverness and Nairn. It is close to the airport and with good road and rail links. Protected by forest and farmland, this is the natural habitat of red squirrels, roe deer, badgers, pine martens and abundant bird life including songbirds, owls and hawks. It is a magical place, ideal for a relaxing break with family, friends or colleagues, as well as for the most special celebrations. The Castle is a classic Scottish tower house, complete with a beamed Great Hall centring on its enormous stone fireplace, a stone spiral of a main stair, shot holes and arrow slits, as well as leaded windows in the sitting room and numerous other original architectural features. Guests have the use of the beautifully landscaped gardens, first laid out in the 18th century. The present owner has brought accommodation standards into the 21st century while retaining the heart and essence of the castle. Fine fabrics and furnishings, subtle lighting and decoration have been carefully selected to enhance the castle’s special character, log fires crackle in the reception rooms while bedrooms have the benefit of gas fires. Excellent central heating and quality appliances ensure that guests enjoy the historic atmosphere in the greatest of modern comfort. This glorious setting is conveniently placed should you wish to explore further afield.

Accommodation

Ground Floor
Entrance hall to main stone spiral staircase. Garden room with secret staircase, laundry/drying room, boot room (with gun safes), games room with antique billiards table, 2 cloakrooms with wc.

First Floor
Sitting room with beamed ceiling, panelled walls, casement windows and large fireplace; Great Hall with dining table, beamed ceiling, tall windows with balconies and grand fireplace, oak floor-to-ceiling bookcases; bar area off, card room, kitchen with original large fireplace and magnificently fitted with all modern conveniences.

Second Floor
Large double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, large twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom, enormous master bedroom with en-suite bathroom (with steam shower and antique bath).

Third Floor
Three large en-suite double bedrooms, two with turrets.

Fourth Floor
Extra accommodation on this floor - one double bedroom with gas fire, turret and en-suite bathroom,  one ziplinked/ twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom  and 1 single room.  Available by separate arrangement.

Activities

Dalcross Castle has 850 acres of grounds to explore. Nairn Golf Course, past host of the Ryder Cup, is a 20 minute drive away as is Inverness Golf Club. The Royal Dornoch Golf Course is a picturesque drive north of just over an hour. Urquhart, Brodie, Cawdor and Dunrobin Castles, numerous whisky distilleries, cashmere factory, antique shops, fishing on the Findhorn and other local rivers all make good day trips. Culloden Battlefield is 2 miles, there is a sandy beach at Nairn, and Inverness, 20 mins, has an excellent range of shops and restaurants, a theatre and aquadome. There is a comprehensive retail centre with cinema, superstore, chemist and huge bookstore on the way to Inverness.

Included

Linen, towels, LPG central heating, logs and two hours domestic help per day included.

TVs, video, stereo, gas hob, electric ovens, fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryer, dishwashers, telephone/fax/computer access (billed after stay)

Parties up to 25 can be accommodated on the estate.The castle 12, advertised rent + 5 by special arrangement and extra cost.  Green Bothy 8

Extra refundable cost: Good Housekeeping Deposit £1000 (payable to owner)

Pets by arrangement in kennels.