Candacraig, Scottish Highlands, Scotland Vacation Rental

Candacraig Castle is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, is an inspiring, exclusive retreat, steeped in history and surrounded by the wild beauty of the Cairngorms National Park. originally built in the 17th century and part of a 16,000 acre estate in the Cairngorms, Candacraig was enlarged in 1836 by the same architect that built the neighboring Balmoral Castle, the Royal family’s favorite holiday home.

The current owners, Lynne & Marc Lino, bought the property in 2014 from Sir Billy Connolly, a famous comedian/actor who had it for 15 years. Prior to this, Candacraig was owned for many years by the iconic founders of the Body Shop chain Anita and Gordon Roddick. Considerable investment has recently been made into the interior redesign of this stunning property including a wood fired biomass heating system, magnificent chef’s kitchen, improved connectivity and upgraded bathrooms with powerful state of the art showers.

As a guest at Candacraig, your will enjoy private, exclusive use of the house, including 12 bedrooms with private bathrooms, an impressive formal Dining Room, a comfortable Drawing Room with a large open fire, Games Room with a full-size snooker table, and our guests’ favorite, the Whisky Library. Outdoors, your will be surrounded by acres of private woodland and manicured lawns, including a large Victorian walled garden with beautiful flowers and mature trees, a lochan fed by the celebrated River Don and an outdoor firepit and barbeque area, a very special spot to enjoy a drink by the fire. Exploring the lavish grounds where you will find one magical setting after another – exclusively theirs to enjoy during your stay.

Candacraig is a stunning, exclusive-use, luxury Highland estate, where exceptional hospitality is complemented by a remarkable setting, and where the atmosphere is always private, warm and welcoming. Exclusive use means guests have the entire property to themselves therefore we recommend groups of 4 or more are suitable. Candacraig’s resident House Manager will be on hand to assist throughout your stay along with a full housekeeping and catering staff. A butler service for larger events adds a classic touch to those sublime moments of enjoyment. A true Scottish experience would not be complete without indulging the passion for great Highland hospitality. With our magnificent family kitchen and spectacular Dining Room, we offer a unique private chef and full staff to present the finest cuisine, sourced from the freshest local ingredients from across Scotland.

Candacraig Castle also offers a gastronomic paradise perfect for those luxury foodie holidays that will feed your body and leave your spirit replete. Scotland is famous for the fine quality of its produce, from its world-renowned ocean bounty to its rich and tender Highland game. Candacraig presents the ideal retreat to enjoy the pleasures of good company and fine cuisine. With our beautifully presented Dining Room and fully equipped family kitchen we can provide a bespoke culinary experience, serving up exceptional dishes created from wonderfully fresh local produce. Thanks to our full butler service available on request, you can even add a classic touch of country comfort to ensure the most outstanding culinary holiday.

As well, Candacraig offers a truly unique canvas for your most wonderful creative moments. Explore your spark on a creative retreat in the peaceful heart of nature, with the glorious Cairngorms offering the stunning backdrop to the most inspirational of settings. Nurture your creative spirit by the gentle waters of the famed River Don, or free your imagination in the beauty of our eighteen-acre private estate, from charming walled garden to beguiling natural woodland. Candacraig offers a setting where the only limit is your imagination, and the canvas for creative moments that will last long in your memory.

Candacraig is the best of settings for unique sporting holidays that deliver moments to savour. Spend your days by the shores of the nearby River Don, teasing the line as the soft Highland breeze brushes over the water, or explore the joys of Scotland’s rich sporting heritage with the glorious golf courses of famed Aberdeenshire.

Take to the hill on two wheels and feel the surge of adrenaline as the rocky paths rush by beneath your bike, or tackle gravity head on with exhilarating attempts to scale sheer rock in a mountain climbing adventure. And when the snow falls, you can take to the slopes on skis or board with the powder white and bright beneath you, as you tease out that extra stretch of speed to send you racing down the hard-packed piste. From a gentle day by the river to a thrilling dash down the mountain slopes, Candacraig offers exciting sporting moments for even the most ardent enthusiast.

Our Spectacular Castle is the home to unique adventure holidays that will let that spirit of excitement thrive. Take to the hills and hear the engine roar behind the wheel of an awesome 4x4, or drive yourself over the thick packed snow of the Cairngorms as you rush down the mountain on skis or board. Offering an unrivalled base for adventure, from kayaking roaring mountain streams to exhilarating winter sports, adrenaline-fuelled off-road adventures on four wheels to sensational hikes on foot.

These are the adventurous moments, and at Candacraig, we’re here to ensure they are your most memorable.

Check-in: 4:00 - 5 PM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Ask about late or early check in/out

Events (inquire)

Pets (inquire)

No Smoking (penalty fines are given for smoking, damages applicable)

Children Welcome (ask about age restrictions when applicable)

Rates vary depending on time of year

High season and holiday rates are higher

4 to 7 night minimum (based on season and arrival date)

Taxes shall apply to final bill

Refundable Damage Deposit to vary by capacity/length of stay

50% Required to Book your dates (ask if you need an exception)

Balance due 60 days prior to arrival (ask if you need more time)

Bring Identification for verification upon check in

Ask about Trip Cancellation & Medical Trip Insurance

Covid Clean requirements followed

Please follow guidelines for travel, ask your travel advisor for updates

Concierge is included for planning & booking excursions

Unless otherwise noted ask about cancellation policies which change rapidly

Bring a mask for your own protection in case of mandate