Fasque

Escape to magnificent Aberdeenshire and savour a stay at this exceptional castle, approximately 1 mile from Fettercairn and 4.5 miles from Laurencekirk. Live like Scottish lairds and ladies at the exquisite, eight-bedroom retreat, which comprises the east and west wings of an early 19th-century castle, once home to the family of former Prime Minister, William Gladstone.

Sleeping 18 guests, this unique abode is perfect for a grand family get-together or special celebration for friends who are also eager to experience the spectacular beauty of this corner of Scotland. Wander the 400-acre grounds as much as you wish, finding footpaths through the forest and looking for the deer that roam freely in the deer park. Return to the castle to luxuriate in the outstanding comfort of this beautifully presented country home.

Step through the main door and find yourselves in a lavish reception hall, where an exquisite butterfly staircase makes a stunning feature. Admire the beautiful combination of original features and lavish, boutique hotel-style decor as you discover the impressive accommodation this unique property has to offer. Pour yourselves a drink in the lounge bar or head through to the main lounge to stoke up the open fire and make holiday plans in its inviting glow. Challenge members of your party to a game or two of snooker in the billiards room or find a film to watch on the TV in here.

Take the fresh Scottish produce you have sourced on your excursions through to the kitchen/diner to whip up fabulous feasts to enjoy here or upstairs on the first floor, where there is a dedicated dining and entertaining room. Discover you have a dishwasher and a washing machine to make your stay as smooth as possible. Also at ground-floor level are a WC and a study.

At the end of each fabulous day spent at this Scottish castle, climb the stairs to one of the beautiful bedrooms. These include two king-size rooms, one with four-poster bed and en-suite shower room, and a super-king-size, with en-suite bathroom. Also up here are three twin rooms that can be arranged as super-king-sizes in advance. There is also a family bedroom, with two king-size beds.

The jewel in the crown of the bedroom accommodation, however, is the emperor bedroom, with its gorgeous en-suite bathroom. Each enchanting bedroom has its own espresso machine, Sonos sound system and small fridge. There are also two chic family bathrooms to luxuriate in, a library for quiet reading and the dining room at this level.

Wander down to the small loch within the grounds of the castle to see if you can see otters in the water or deer approaching to drink. Keep an eye out for the abundance of birdlife here too. Dine out in the fresh Scottish air and savour the serenity as you chat long into the evening, over a wee dram of whisky, watching the stars appear in the clear night sky above you. Find plenty of parking at the property.

• 8 bedrooms – 1 king-size four poster, 1 super-king-size bed, 3 twin zip-and-link sets (can be made into 3 super-king-size beds on request), 1 king-size, 1 family room with 2 king-size beds, and 1 emperor-size room
• 5 bathrooms – 1 bathroom with free-standing bath, separate hydro shower and WC, 1 bathroom with shower over free-standing bath and WC, 1 en-suite shower room with WC and 1 en-suite bathroom with a free-standing claw foot bath, hydro shower and WC, 1 en-suite bathroom with shower over free-standing claw foot bath and WC and 1 separate WC
• Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine
• Open fire (first basket of logs provided)
• TV in the Billiards Room and Sonos sound systems in all bedrooms
• Travel cot and highchair available
• Full-sized pool table in the Billiards Room
• Ample off-road parking is available to the rear of the castle
• Shops, pubs and restaurants within 1.5 miles, beach 12 miles
• Please note that this property is bookable for private holiday events only, you cannot book this property to accommodate a wedding or large function. Maximum occupancy cannot be exceeded during your stay unless this has been authorised by the owner in advance.
• Arrival: 16:30 onwards
• Departure: before 10:00 unless otherwise stated in your arrival details
• Sorry, no dogs allowed

Lace up your walking boots, pack a picnic of Scottish delicacies and strike out on exciting walks out across the Aberdeenshire countryside. Plan trips out to the coast at St Cyrus, 10 miles away, to spend time on the sandy beach, paddle in the sea and see colonies of seabirds nesting up on the cliffs.

Make trips into Montrose, 14 miles away, to dine out at a restaurant or pub serving delicious local produce. Browse the shops and boutiques and visit the farmers’ market, held on the first Saturday of the month within the town. While away an afternoon at the Montrose Basin Wildlife Centre or head down to the beautiful beach. Play golf at the famous Montrose Links, with its far-reaching sea views.

Have a day out to the charming, harbour town of Stonehaven, 19 miles away, with its museum that was once a courthouse and jail. Head 2 miles south of Stonehaven to see the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle. Venture 20 miles from your base to RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh, some 4.5 miles from Stonehaven, where you can walk out along the cliffs looking for guillemots, puffins and grey seals, and, if you are lucky, dolphins and minke whales.