In time for Valentine's Day I'm offering up a post about a No Tots Child-Free escape in Aberdeenshire. If you love your food, Scottish country hotels, not-for-profit organisations, and you're not opposed to emotive history, then I've got an ideal recommendation. Did I mention the Tasting Menu?
Children are very welcome here, but it's a delightful escape if you can secure babysitters!
Fining Dining at Douneside House, Tarland, Aberdeenshire
Douneside House near Tarland in Royal Deeside is truly unique. It once was the country estate of the MacRobert family, then it became a rural retreat for serving and retired military personnel. Completely refurbished, it only opened as a country house hotel in June 2018, and it’s something special.
Check-In
After driving through the country roads of Royal Deeside we arrived at the appealingly isolated Douneside House. In the entrance hall I passed portraits of three beautiful little boys, I spotted a stunning Louis Vuitton travel case in the lobby, as well as family photographs on the walls, and ceramics and artworks dotted around every surface.
I felt like I’d stepped into a personal space, not just another hotel. You could tell there was story here. Check In was swift and polite, and we were taken to our room.
Accommodation
We were settled in the ‘Lady MacRobert’ suite , one of the most sumptuous rooms in the house. Decorated in calming green hues, with a beautiful bay window looking out across the Deeside countryside, it was a refined, elegant space. The refreshment tray was notably good, with a mix of loose leaf teas, and coffee and a cafetiere. The Molton Brown toiletries were also a treat, sitting pretty on the roll top bath. It was beautiful room, but it begged the question who was Lady MacRobert?
Some of the other rooms had simple names like ‘Iain’, ‘Alasdair’ and ‘Roderic’. It turns out that Lady MacRobert is a truly fascinating character with more than a dash of adventure about her. She met her older Aberdonian husband aboard a liner travelling between India and the UK (as you do). Upon marriage in 1911 she suddenly was party to a glorious Aberdeenshire estate, which she inherited when her husband passed away in 1922. The union had brought them three gorgeous wee boys, whose portraits and photos greeted me at every turn in the house.
They grew into strapping lads, but by 1941 she’d lost all three of them. One in a civil air accident, two in service to the RAF during the Second World War. Lady MacRobert’s private suffering must have been crippling, but what of her public response? She donated £25,000 to the RAF for a bomber bearing the family crest. A very strong reply to Hitler if ever I saw one. This mother had spirit and fire, despite such heavy losses.
Fining Dining at Douneside House, Tarland, Aberdeenshire
Naturally the history of the house stays with you wherever you go. We had pre-dinner drinks in the bar, decorated in the blues and greys of the RAF. There the dining experience began, with an amuse-bouche of salmon avocado salsa cone, blaggis bon bon (black pudding and haggis) and potato fondant.
In the restaurant the excellent food continued as we threw ourselves into the six course tasting menu. Douneside House is a Triple AA Rosette establishment, the only one of its kind in Aberdeen and shire. We decided to accompany our meal with the wine flight as we sensed the staff would make discerning yet colourful choices.

The statue of ‘MacRobert’s Reply’, the Stirling Bomber, in the grounds of Douneside House.
Our first course was butternut squash panna cotta, with a glass of champagne – a delightful start. A sweet PX sherry accompanied the second course of wood pigeon. For the third course we savoured Loch Duart Salmon, followed by Highland Venison as the fourth course. The Mango Espuma with Coconut Sorbet was such a fresh dessert, and we finished with a White Chocolate Parfait.
For busy parents, to indulge in this manner was absolutely heavenly. It felt like a real departure from everyday life. The portion size was ideal, the service was attentive and the waiters had excellent knowledge about the dishes they were serving.

A home from home in Douneside House.
Location
Douneside House is in the heart of Castle Country, but it’s a destination in itself. The following morning we explored the grounds and noted the proud statue of the Stirling Bomber in the gardens. The Walled Garden, with its glasshouse, produces much of the fresh fruit and vege that makes its way into the chef’s larder.
The gardens feature curious rock pools, waterfalls and statues, and a further accolade is that it’s recently been accredited as a RHS Partner Garden. There’s a small playground for little ones, and sweeping views for all ages to appreciate. The Health Club is another asset; including a swimming pool, steam room and sauna.
When Lady MacRobert passed away the family’s commitment to the armed forces never wavered. The MacRobert trust oversees the estate, hence for around forty years it offered a retreat to serving and retired personnel. Today the armed forces still receive a healthy discount if they book at Douneside. It’s a not-for-profit organisation, so it felt strange to be simultaneously indulging yet giving something back.
The story of the house broke my heart, but Lady MacRobert will inspire me for a long time to come.
For prices, availability and to book visit here.
Our Story – Fining Dining at Douneside House, Tarland, Aberdeenshire
We drove directly from Aberdeen to Douneside House. Since we visited a new monthly Dining Club has been established with a notably affordable room rate for its guests. Self-catering accommodation is also available – click here to discover more. If you wish to treat yourself Douneside is a well considered option.
If you liked Fining Dining at Douneside House, Tarland, Aberdeenshire then don’t miss a post, please subscribe, or join the conversation on Facebook. For any queries or opportunities please email scots2travel@hotmail.com. We received complimentary dinner, bed and breakfast for review purposes, we paid for the wine flight. It’s always a privilege to experience such history.
Travelynn Family
This sounds like a superb idea! Unfortunately with no babysitters, we’ll be settling for a film night in our pj’so 😊
scots2travel
That has its own charm too 🙂 To be fair, it doesn’t need to be Valentine’s Day for me to sign up to a meal like this.
Laura Dove
What a great idea!! My husband and I would enjoy this for sure!
scots2travel
What’s not to love? 🙂
Ana De-Jesus
Lady McRobert sounded like such an inspiring character. Despite being through so much heartache and pain with the loss of her husband and her sons, she stayed strong and always fought to stay alive. But on a lighter note the butternut squash panna cotta sounds wonderful!
scots2travel
You’re spot on, it’s an intriguing mix, you have a wonderful time yet learn a heart-wrenching story. It makes you think.
Jess Howliston
WOW What a beautiful place, definitely looks like somewhere to go without my crazy children lol! x
scots2travel
Children are certainly agree, but I know exactly what you mean!
Leta
Looks like a beautiful place, and stunning food. A real treat.
scots2travel
It felt like a huge treat for us.
fashionandstylepolice
I love the sound of this place. Looks very beautiful.
scots2travel
The devil’s in the detail, and this was very well thought through.
Cath - BattleMum
That sounds like a lovely place for a getawaygand the two desserts sound heavenly.
scots2travel
The two desserts don’t go unnoticed 🙂
Claire justine
What a lovely place to escape too. It looks so peaceful here. Such a beautiful view from the windows. It looks lovely here.
scots2travel
It’s now a RHS partner garden as well. Quite an accolade.
What Mum Loves
Such a lovely place! And the Lady MacRobert suite is gorgeous x
scots2travel
We did feel to the manor born!
Rachel
Wow this looks stunning, love the decor in the rooms, food looks great too! Love the idea of getting away with out children!
scots2travel
Very tranquil and elegant destination.
m.f.mceachern91@gmail.com
That food looks amaaaazing! Lovely post, will need to get to Aberdeenshire soon for a visit 🙂 xxx
scots2travel
It really is something quite special.
Lucy Dorrington
The food looks divine and I love the unique furnishings and style of the rooms. far cry from standard hotels!
scots2travel
A lot of the items belonged to the MacRobert family so there’s a real family feel to the place.
Ana Barrera Gordillo
Such a lovely place! I definitely need to go back on Aberdeenshire 😍
scots2travel
Get it on the to-do list!
Steph Renovation Bay-Bee
What a stunning place, that room is so nice and the menu sounds amazing. Great trip
scots2travel
It was one of the best, if not the best, room in the house, but the menu is of note, whether you choose to stay the night or not.
Kathi Kamleitner
I love the Royal Deeside! I visited once with my mum for two nights, but have always wanted to go back for a week and just explore the valley and surrounding mountains!! Thanks for sharing this gorgeous place!
scots2travel
It stands out for me due to its story. (and food!)
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me)
I can’t imagine how awful it must be to lose all your sons in that way. Tragic. But reading on…..blaggis made me smile. Something I’m desperate to try now!
scots2travel
I did have to ask what ‘blaggis’ was! It seemed so obvious once I got the answer.