The Old Manse of Blair
Country house soul with a modern boutique upgrade. Harris Tweed headboards, freestanding baths, botanical prints, and open fires — but the execution is fresh and confident rather than fusty.
Book the Estate Suite for a honeymoon or anniversary — it has Harris Tweed bed dressing, a freestanding bath, and paddock views from the first floor
Why It Matters
Named in both the 2025 and 2026 Michelin Guide of Great Britain & Ireland. The Michelin inspectors described the cooking as 'Scottish to the core' — produce like Skye langoustine and Perthshire mallard, nothing superfluous on the plate. Listed in The Times Travel as one of the Highland's best hotels. 5-star rating from Visit Scotland. The restaurant sits in a purpose-built orangery attached to the historic mansion.
A listed Georgian mansion built in 1828 — originally part of the Blair Castle estate — that the MacDonald family bought in 2016 and overhauled into a 16-room boutique hotel with a Michelin-listed restaurant. The 10-acre grounds sit between Blair Castle and the House of Bruar within Cairngorms National Park, with Highland ponies in the front paddocks and Caledonian pines at the back. Design agency Mozolowski & Murray handled the restoration, threading contemporary Scottish interiors through heritage bones.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Railway Cottage — Signal Box
The companion room to the Ticket Office in Railway Cottage. Same railway-themed heritage decor, private furnished patio with Ben Alder mountain views, and firepit access. Not suitable for limited mobility guests due to an incline on approach. Not dog-friendly.
KingRailway Cottage — Ticket Office
One of two standalone rooms in Railway Cottage, originally the headquarters of the Highland Railway Line in the 1800s. Chic, heritage-railway-themed decor with a private furnished patio facing Ben Alder and the Monadh Liath Mountains. Firepit for evening use. Dog-friendly. A heads-up: the Highland Rail line runs directly behind the cottage and trains pass periodically — including the Royal Scotsman.
KingSchehallion Stable Suite
Converted from the original Mare & Foal stable box — hence the spaciousness. Sleeps up to four adults (or two adults and two children) with the option for an extra child's bed. Fully accessible with a large wet room, dedicated parking spot, and private deck. The family suite of the property.
Super KingStable Snugs (Atholl, Blair, Rannoch & Struan)
Four cosy ground-floor rooms in the converted stables. Named after local places: Atholl, Blair, Rannoch, and Struan. Super king beds, ensuite wet rooms, and a furnished patio with direct outdoor access. Dog-friendly. A short walk to the bar and restaurant — ideal for guests wanting ground-floor access and independence.
Super King
The Bothy
A one-bedroom suite with two separate spaces — works well for small families. Features TVs in both areas with a shared ensuite double vanity bathroom. Compact but comfortable.
King
The Estate Suite
A first-floor suite popular with honeymooners and anniversary couples. Super king-size bed dressed in Harris Tweed, elegant furnishings, and paddock views. The bathroom has a free-standing bath. A separate seating area adds breathing room. The go-to choice for a splurge.
Super KingThe Georgian Suite
Spacious ground-floor sanctuary in the main mansion. Super king-size bedroom, shower room, and a separate lounge with French doors opening onto a private terrace. Features an open fire — you can order a single malt and drink it by the flames while looking out over the grounds. Dog-friendly.
Super KingThe Governess Quarters
First-floor room paying homage to the 1800s servants' quarters. Pretty garden views, king-size bed, luxury double vanity bathroom with freestanding tub. Notable for a claret footstool that's a recurring detail in guest reviews.
KingThe Minister's Study
A charming first-floor double at the end of the corridor with an ensuite shower room. Paddock views on waking, and Highland cows calling for breakfast is apparently a regular alarm clock. A more affordable entry point into the mansion house.
DoubleThe Paddock
Views of the side lawn and both paddocks. Super king-size bed, freestanding bath, cosy seating area, and underfloor heating throughout. Soft chic lighting keeps the atmosphere warm. A slightly more understated option than the Estate Suite but with similar comforts.
Super KingWalled Garden Rooms (Aspen, Silver Birch, Wild Rose, Rowan, Sycamore, Elm, Holly, Cherry, Damson, Copper Beech)
Ten contemporary rooms housed within the original walled garden structure. Nordic-style exteriors with plush textures, rich hues, and bold botanical prints inside. Each room has a private entrance and its own terrace with countryside views. Super king beds and luxury double vanity shower rooms throughout. Named after native Cairngorms botanical species. Note: rooms are in a linear row and wall insulation between them can be thin.
Super KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel can engage a professional Scottish bagpiper to compose and perform a personalised tune — reflecting your family story or occasion — performed during your stay, with a framed copy of the composition.
Hands-on falconry session with expert falconers. Interactive and educational, suitable for all ages.
The hotel was originally sited on the Blair Castle lawn until the Duke of Atholl moved it in the early 1700s. Guests get 15% discount on castle entry — vouchers at reception. The castle is walkable via the West Drive gate (approx 40-minute walk) or a short drive. Home of the Atholl Highlanders, the Duke's private army.
World-record-setting bungee jump and zip park at Garry Bridge in Killiecrankie, a few minutes from the hotel.
Multiple canyon locations available rain or shine within reach of the hotel. Booked through the hotel's activity partners. Suitable for thrill seekers, group events, and corporate activities.
Quad biking in Highland Perthshire. Available for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Adults 16+, children 12–15.
A 45-minute audio-guided chocolate tasting experience with Master Chocolatier Iain Burnett. Features 5 couverture chocolates per person. Choice of Dark Velvet & Fruits or Milk Velvet & Caramels.
Guided distillery tours to nearby producers including Dalmore, Glenfiddich, and Blair Athol. Bookable through the hotel. Tastings of cask whiskies on location.
The hotel sits on one of Europe's top road cycling routes (the Etape Caledonia passes nearby). MTB and gravel routes also accessible across Perthshire and the Cairngorms.
Pheasant, grouse, and partridge shooting plus deer stalking on nearby sporting estates. Arrangements made through the hotel.
Fly fishing on the River Tay at the Newtyle Beat in Dunkeld, 15 minutes from the hotel. Guided by a Ghillie. Suitable for beginners and experienced anglers.
Guests can interact with the hotel's Highland cows and horses in the front paddocks — including helping with afternoon feeding. A recurring highlight in guest reviews.
Traditional Highland Games activities on the hotel's front paddock estate. Suitable for groups and corporate events.
Waymarked trails of all abilities start directly from the hotel's West Drive gate. The Monadhliadh Mountains and Ben Alder are visible from the garden. Schehallion Munro is a 20-minute drive to the starting point. Beinn a' Ghlò offers three Munro summits for ambitious hikers. Walking maps available at the hotel.
Customised Perthshire and Highlands tours arranged through the hotel's automotive and tour partners. The hotel also hosts supercar meets for exclusive hire groups.
A half-day adventure with expert metal detectors to a secret mountain location. Transport from the hotel included, along with a picnic.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The entire property can be booked exclusively for weddings, corporate retreats, supercar events, and private group stays.
Scottish organic toiletry brand provided in all rooms.
Railway Cottage rooms have firepit access on their furnished patios.
Private parking on the estate grounds. No reservation required.
£40 per dog canine comfort fee. Ground-floor dog-friendly rooms: Ticket Office, Stables Family rooms, and Georgian Suite. Dogs also welcome in the Whisky Lounge and courtyard. Not permitted in the Drawing Room or main Restaurant.
Residents-only lounge adjacent to the Orangery with open fire, deep sofas, and a baby grand piano.
BUILD YOUR THE OLD MANSE OF BLAIR PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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