The Castle Byre, self-catering accommodation next to historic Auchindoun Castle

The ‘Castle Byre’ is a comfortable characterful holiday cottage created out of the old stone barns (‘steading’) at former Parkhead Farm. It sits high on a hill overlooking Glen Fiddich and the heather covered slopes of The Cabrach moor, just 200m from the impressive 550 year old ruins of one of Scotland’s most iconic hilltop fortresses (- unfortunately access to the inside of Auchindoun Castle is not currently allowed pending masonry repairs required).

Being of contemporary open plan interior design, it retains the traditional look of the original barn interior with large exposed roof trusses and natural stonework. Underfloor heating provides discrete background warmth and there is a modern wood burning stove to give an enhanced level of cosiness.

It is ideal for a couple but can accommodate up to 4 people.

If booking for a party of four please bear in mind that the second bedroom is on an open mezzanine level overlooking the Living Room, with a fixed 4'6" (1.4m) wide bed tucked under sloping roof eves. It is much less spacious than the main bedroom so if travelling as couples you will need to decide who gets which!

The beds in the main bedroom can be pre-configured as twin 3’ singles or zip linked as a Super King size double according to your stated preference. This bedroom has an en-suite shower room. The second (smaller) bedroom at Mezzanine level has a standard (4’6” wide) double bed and home office desk.

Traditional rooflights provide additional light into the interior of the building. In the late spring and summer months this mean the accommodation is naturally lit from the early hours, so we provide eye masks for those who require total blackout.


The Area:

From castles to whisky, hilltops to coast, this is an exceptional area of Scotland that encompasses the best of history, hospitality and modern adventure. Principle leisure activities are hiking, cycling, fishing and golf.

The nearest town is Dufftown, two miles away and with six distilleries it is the 'Malt Whisky Capital of the World'. Here there is a range of well stocked grocery stores and places to eat, from restaurants to take-away.

Popular local events that attract people from all over the UK and around the world include:
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, end of April & beginning of May.
The Moray Walking & Outdoor Festival, mid.June.
The Dufftown Highland Games, last Saturday in July.
North East Open Studios, mid.September
The Dramathon, mid. October

Just 15 miles north lies the world class Moray Firth coastline, with miles of sandy beaches, interesting and picturesque small fishing ports, forests and cliffs. It is one of the best places in the UK to get the chance of seeing dolphins and whales, with boat trips available.

To the east the countryside rolls in to Aberdeenshire with more castles, including Balmoral in Royal Deeside, and Aberdeen (‘The Granite City’), the third largest in Scotland with its restaurants, art galleries, parks and shopping centres.

A few miles to the south is the Cairngorms National Park, the largest and wildest in the UK with a wide range of organised leisure activities, and west lies Inverness, gateway to Loch Ness, the West Coast and the North Scottish Highlands.

The heather blooms from July to September (thought this is dependent on the weather).

From ensuring the accommodation meets the expected standard to providing detailed knowledge and guidance to make best of your time, we are committed to helping you have an exceptional experience.


Access & Directions:

The access road up from the public highway is un-tarmacked / stone & gravel and not suitable for very low slung cars. General road and SUV types are fine.

We'll be in touch the week before you arrive with detailed directions on how to find us.