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Courtyard Cottage - Drum Castle

(Ref. 1060438)

Banchory, Moray, Aberdeenshire & The Coastal Trail Show on map

4.8

Sykes rating

  • 2 Guests

  • 1 Bedroom

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Open fire
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • castle (17)
  • cottage (13)
  • stay (13)
  • location (13)
  • our (11)
  • grounds (11)

42 Customer Reviews

  • "Friendly and welcoming."

    Very comfortable and plenty of space. Great base for royal Deeside and beyond.

    Reviewed by John5.0Oct 2024

  • "Second stay at Drum Castle, great location for a visit to Aberdeenshire."

    The apartment is very comfortable and has everything you will need .Our 2 Scottish terriers loved their walks in the grounds.Staff in the castle very friendly and once the visitors left and we had the castle to ourselves it was very special.No doubt we will be back .

    Reviewed by Louise5.0Oct 2024

  • "My husband and I had the most amazing time!"

    We got married at Drum this year, and came back for our honeymoon. We took a cab from Aberdeen, so you definitely don’t need a car to get here. The castle and staff are amazing (Paul is an amazing guide!) and the trails on the property are fun and easy. We can’t recommend this place enough!

    Thank you so much for your feedback and congratulations on your marriage. We hope you welcome you back to Drum. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Zoe5.0Sep 2024

  • "Our stay at the Courtyard Cottage was wonderful."

    Couldn’t give 5 stars on cleanliness just because of some cobwebs and dust noted behind and under furniture (but who doesn’t have that in their own home?!) The cottage is very well appointed and very comfy and cozy. Highly recommended!

    Reviewed by Kathryn4.7Aug 2024

  • "Very comfortable, and we loved staying in a castle."

    Please make a correction to the facilities: there IS WiFi available at this property (NTS Guest).

    Reviewed by Andrew4.7Aug 2024

  • "It was a great pleasure to be in the cottage in Drum Castle."

    It was like being part of the “family”. It was like living in an original old castle. Absolutely quiet and in full nature. My favored place was to sit in the Walled Garden in different areas following the sun. The place is ideal either to go to the coast or to countryside or to stay simply in the castle.

    Reviewed by Gerhard4.7Jul 2024

  • "This was our third stay here at Drum Castle."

    It does feel like coming home. Comfortable and welcoming with everything you need for a great break. We are planning our next visit.

    Reviewed by Sylvia5.0Jun 2024

  • "Courtyard Cottage is one of the best cottages we have stayed in."

    The grounds and gardens were just lovely to explore. A very interesting guided tour round the castle. Would recommend a stay here. David and Alison

    Reviewed by David5.0May 2024

  • "Location Location Location All aspects of the accommodation was excellent."

    The vast grounds and the walks around them were beautiful. Being part of the castle was also very special.

    Many thanks for the lovely feedback. It is great to read that you enjoyed your stay with NTS. The team at Drum Castle also receive this feedback and do a grand job looking after the property. Courtyard is one of 58 properties that NTS have in Scotland. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Apr 2024

  • "Amazing place ,the property ,the location,everything was superb."

    Reviewed by Robert5.0Mar 2024

  • "Beautiful apartment in fantastic historic building."

    Surrounding countryside uncrowded and peaceful. Free entry to view the castle with guided tour.

    Reviewed by Terrence5.0Jan 2024

  • "Cosy wee flat in beautiful setting and grounds !"

    Staff are very friendly and welcoming! This was our third time staying here and won’t be the last !

    Reviewed by Alan5.0Jan 2024

  • "Bathroom had no heating."

    An apology notice was placed in the bathroom to this effect. Faulty heating! The refrigerator compressor was so noisy it impacted on using lounge area, it could only be silenced by switching off.

    Thank you for your feedback and the team at Drum Castle are investigating the issues you have had. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Elinor4.4Nov 2023

  • "Delightful cottage in beautiful grounds with everything you need."

    Reviewed by Judith5.0Sep 2023

  • "Wow, absolutely perfect."

    An amazing find, perfect for my dog too

    Reviewed by Ruth5.0Sep 2023

  • "This was a stunning location and the National Trust Scotland team at Drum Castle were so welcoming and friendly."

    The cottage was steeped in history but modern and clean inside, highest quality furnishings and appliances, faultless in every way. We will certainly be going back in the future.

    Thank you so much for the kind words about Courtyard Cottage and the team at Drum Castle. We would love to welcome you back at Drum or one of the other National Trust for Scotland cottages and apartments. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Matt5.0Jul 2023

  • "Just love it here!"

    Grounds are beautiful and the staff are very friendly and welcoming! Flat itself is well equipped and comfortable. Looking forward to returning soon !

    Reviewed by Alan4.7May 2023

  • "The courtyard cottage is a totally unique experience, you feel like you are living in a castle all of your own."

    Beautiful scenery awesome walks and truly brilliant staff. We stayed for our 37th wedding anniversary and we definitely be going back. The peace and quiet will be missed. Clive and Sheila

    Thank you so much for your great review and congratulations on your anniversary. We hope to welcome you back. The team at Drum Castle also see this feedback and great to read that they are brilliant - we think so too! Property Owner

    Reviewed by Clive5.0Feb 2023

  • "Fantastic cottage that is part of Drum Castle."

    Great secluded location with plenty of walks nearby. Cottage temperature was good, even in the cold winter days. There is a log burner so worth taking plenty of wood with you if you want to add a cosy feel to the place. Cooking facilities were good and there is a dishwasher and washing machine. We look forward to future visits. Suggestion to owner - worth adding grab rails to side of bath to assist those with mobility issues. Suggestion to Sykes - might be worth getting updated photos of the interior as some of the furniture has been updated (in a positive way).

    Many thanks for your lovely comments about Courtyard Cottage. We have passed on your comments re the grab rail and we will see if we can get one fitted. We will also look at updating the photos. Property Owner

    Reviewed by James5.0Jan 2023

  • "The cottage was absolutely fantastic."

    Everything about the cottage was so cosy and clean but a very special mention must go to ALL the crew at Drum Castle for the friendly welcome, information and help we received plus the extra work done during the beautiful snowy week. This not only included gritting and snowploughing the general access areas but also the steps and access points to the Cottage. Thanks Folks

    Thank you so much for the lovely comments and we will make sure the team at Drum Castle are shown this feedback. We hope to welcome you back at Drum or any of the other NTS properties. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Victoria5.0Dec 2022

  • "All the staff were very helpful and polite during our stay."

    We wish all a happy New year's. During the cold period of our stay, we had to adjust the heating radiators to compensate, however the floor heating could have been set a little higher as it was cool.

    Reviewed by Lee5.0Nov 2022

  • "There were only two things missing from the facilities provided, in an otherwise perfect holiday cottage!"

    One an iron and ironing board and a pair of kitchen scissors. No other faults at all.

    Reviewed by Christine4.7Nov 2022

  • "No First Aid Kit No hair dryer Better lighting on outside entrance ."

    . sensor worked intermittently or not at all. And it was very dark and often damp/wet steps

    Reviewed by Chris4.7Oct 2022

  • "The cottage was the ideal location for a week exploring Aberdeenshire."

    The walks around the estate become a favourite for our 2 Scottish terriers. A must is the pasties on sale in Mary's larder .

    Reviewed by Louise5.0Oct 2022

  • "Lovely little place."

    Would suggest: A soapdish in the bath. Also a rubber mat for the inside of the bath when you are taking a shower. There are wooden runners at the entrance to the rooms and in the main room. There stand proud of the floor and I caught my foot more than once. For someone elderly or unsteady they could be a trip hazard. Otherwise perfect both inside and in the location. Excellent guided tour of the castle, too.

    Many thanks for your feedback and your suggestions. I have passed them onto the Team at Drum Castle for them to action and thank you for the lovely comments about the cottage and the tour. We have purchased an antislip mat for future guests. Property Owner

    Reviewed by David4.7Sep 2022

  • "We would recommend Sykes Cottages because of the way our complaint was dealt with, however we do feel that it was wrong to let the cottage over the period when the scaffolding was being erected."

    We were woken at 7am and the noise continued all day and began again at 8 am ( delayed because of our complaint) the following day. The agent who dealt with us ( Jacqui ) could not have been more helpful. If it hadn’t been for the building works our overall grading would have been four stars.

    We are very sorry for the disruption to your holiday caused by the scaffolding being erected. The NTS team and Sykes have checked back on the correspondence we had about this scaffolding work and there has been a lapse in the communication to you. We are glad that Jacqui at Sykes was very helpful and that the work didn't effect all of your holiday . Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jane3.4Sep 2022

  • "Excellent stay."

    The location was fantastic which afforded a very peaceful week

    Thank you very much for your lovely feedback. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Douglas5.0Jul 2022

  • "Had a great stay."

    Nice flat, beautiful grounds and the staff from NTS are brilliant!

    Thank you so much for the lovely comments, great to read that our colleagues are appreciated. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Alan4.7Jul 2022

  • "A fantastic place to stay - perfect in every way"

    Reviewed by Ruth5.0Jul 2022

  • "Only negative was milk delivery in middle of night being left at entrance to property Driver would be hard pushed to make more noise if he tried !"

    Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologise that this occurred and I hope that you had a pleasant stay otherwise. This was not an issue we were aware of prior to your booking, we have now spoken to the milk company involved who have assured us that they will speak to their driver to prevent this issue going forward. The delivery company also pass on their apologies. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Catherine Marie5.0Jun 2022

  • "Wonderful location & spacious cottage attached to Drum Castle with modern facilities & tasteful, period decor."

    Ideally placed for the Castle trail & Aberdeen. Grounds are fabulous & we were very lucky with perfect June weather. Would definitely recommend.

    Thank you for your excellent review. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and we hope to welcome you back to Drum Castle or any of the other National Trust for Scotland cottages. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Julie5.0Jun 2022

  • "Our second holiday here and just as enjoyable."

    Lovely space, clean, well appointed and unique. Only problem is deciding which week to book next year.

    Thank you so much for your kind comments and we look forward to welcoming you back. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Sylvia4.7May 2022

  • "A fabulous holiday in a lovely location with excellent facilities."

    The staff at the castle were very pleasant and helpful and an especial recommendation for the catering at Marys kitchen. The tour of the castle was interesting, informative and fun. the grounds provided great walking for our dog and a peaceful place for us to enjoy. I cannot recommend this holiday enough

    Thank you for your lovely feedback and we will certainly let the property team know. It is a great location, thank you for the 100% scores. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0May 2022

  • "The property is perfect for a couple who wants a peaceful break and was perfect for all the locations we wanted to visit."

    A real home from home for a week . The coastline and the other N.T.S. Locations were close to hand. We will certainly book another break here.

    Thank you for your positive comments, we look forward to welcoming you back to Drum Castle. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Anthony5.0May 2022

  • "Very nice, well presented cottage in a lovely location."

    Would definitely stay here again.

    Thank you very much for your kind comments. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Timothy4.4Mar 2022

  • "My self and my wife had the most fantastic stay 1 week of relaxation before Xmas we will definitely come back again"

    Thank you very much for your feedback, glad to read you had a fantastic stay. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Rodney5.0Dec 2021

  • "This is a fantastic apartment at castle drum."

    There are many lovely walls and wildlife to observe. It is also close to other wonderful properties both for buildings and for parterred gardens. Overall breathtakingly beautiful.

    Thank you very much for the kind words about your stay at Drum Castle. We have passed them onto the staff at the Castle. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Heather5.0Oct 2021

  • "It’s a wonderful place to stay, brilliant location, beautiful surroundings and very well looked after."

    Reviewed by Andy4.7Aug 2021

  • "A very special place for a special occasion."

    Grounds and surrounding area are beautiful. Nice it took dogs, who had a great holiday too roaming grounds.

    Great to read that you enjoyed your stay at Drum and we look forward to seeing you again. Property Owner

    Reviewed by David4.7Jul 2021

  • "Lovely place for walks and exploring Deeside."

    Comfortable and clean apartment. Only (slight/trivial) problem was getting wifi and phone signal, mainly due to thick castle walls.

    Good to read that you enjoyed the area, it is a great location. We advertise that there is no wifi because of the problems with the signal and thick stone walls. Property Owner

    Reviewed by John4.7Jun 2021

  • "The location."

    Lots if lovely walks in the case grounds and surrounds. Idyllic.

    Reviewed by Heather5.0May 2021

  • "Great place to stay, fairly remote & very quiet."

    Reviewed by John5.0May 2021

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Summary

  • First floor apartment
  • One double bedroom
  • Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, underfloor heating and WC
  • Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove ( Please provide your own fuel)
  • Electric central heating, underfloor heating and woodburning stove
  • Electric oven and hob, fridge, microwave, washing machine, dishwasher, TV
  • Wi-Fi
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Parking is available in the main car park, but guests may park outside the cottage to unload belongings
  • Access to courtyard and castle grounds
  • Two well-behaved dogs welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 2.4 miles, pub 3.3 miles
  • Holiday guests have access to the estate grounds outside of the regular opening hours
  • Access is via an external staircase with handrail (approx 12 steps) and a further four steps upon entering the apartment
  • The opening times, visitor facilities and entry prices of all National Trust for Scotland properties and attractions can be viewed on their website here

The property

Peterculter 3.7 miles.

Courtyard Cottage is a first floor apartment settled within the historic courtyard of the National Trust for Scotland’s Drum Castle.

Steeped in 700 years of history, this property was once home to the Irvine family, its rich history evidenced in its antique artefacts and décor throughout.

Enter the apartment via several stairs, leading you into a quaint living space where you can relax with your loved one, lighting up the woodburning stove to create a homely aura for a romantic evening.

Make use of the contemporary kitchen amenities to rustle up a delicious home cooked meal to enjoy in the dining area, or dine out in one of the nearby restaurants to celebrate a special occasion.

At the end of each evening, find rest in the spacious double bedroom, decorated in tasteful green hues, accompanied by ample storage and sleek oak flooring to create a contemporary space to unwind.

Choose between a serene bubble bath and invigorating shower in the elegant bathroom, the perfect area to get ready for the day, with the added luxury of warming underfloor heating.

Settled into the grounds of the National Trust for Scotland’s Drum Castle, this property allows guests to explore the castle hallways, home to a library housing more then 4,000 books, a 17th century chapel, Garden of Historic Roses and an award-winning wildlife garden where guests can picnic in the sunshine or enjoy fantastic views from the battlements.

Nature lovers can walk through the Old Wood of Drum, home to many plants and animals, including roe deer, red kites and red squirrels.

Drumoak village houses a local shop for essentials and a coffee shop where guests can grab lunch, and there are more amenities and attractions at Peterculter.

Visit Aberdeen for a greater selection of tasty eateries, a golf course and museum, or head into the Cairngorms National Park to immerse yourself in stunning scenery, within which you will find watersports, mountain biking and even skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Crathes Castle is also worth a visit, home to more trails to explore and more intriguing history.

Feel like royalty on an intimate weekend away at Courtyard Cottage.

This property can be booked with Ref. 1136183, together sleeping 4 guests.

EPC Rating: Band D

Short-term Holiday Let Licence No: AS-00039-F

National Trust For Scotland

Whether searching for your next city to explore, or seeking a homely dwelling to relax in with your loved ones in rural surroundings, the wonderful collection of properties from National Trust for Scotland is sure to have something perfect for you. Discover the beauty of Scotland's two national parks and stunning countryside, with lots of properties catering to a wealth of outdoor pursuits to enjoy on your doorstep, with some featuring additional facilities for angling, field sports and cycling, making it easy to enjoy your stay to the fullest. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the lively city scenes of Scotland, with properties in and around Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow, all teeming with historic sites, beautiful architecture and plenty of entertainment. Being Scotland's largest conservation charity, National Trust for Scotland has been able to beautifully preserve and renovate many historic buildings to offer unique holiday locations. With over two-million visitors each year across twenty-seven castles and great houses, forty-six munros, thirty-five major gardens and designed landscapes, and seven national nature reserves, National Trust for Scotland has something for everyone. Each property is equipped with all you need for a self-catered stay, with kitchens complete with essential appliances and more, dining areas to come together for hearty meals, and many sitting rooms boasting open fires or woodburning stoves to settle down in front of, not to mention elegant bedrooms and sparkling bathrooms where you can feel refreshed. Bring your canine companion along with you to some of the properties, and keep up to date with the world via the WiFi connections offered in most cottages. With more and more people discovering the beauty and allure of Scotland every year, ensure your stay is special with a National Trust for Scotland cottage.

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About the location

BANCHORY

Aberdeen 15 miles.

The vibrant suburb of Peterculter - also known as Culter, is a charming location resting 8.3 miles away from Aberdeen city centre, sitting on the northern banks of the serene River Dee. Peterculter is home to a generous selection of shops, pubs, restaurants, a museum and heritage hall, village hall and activity centre, with historic tales found throughout attractions such as the quaint river of Culter Burn, and a statue of folk hero Rob Roy Macgregor, known for apparently leaping across Cutler Burn to chase away pursuing Hanoverian troops. The hustle and bustle of Aberdeen city centre is just a short journey away, boasting views of high cliffs, open farmland and rugged mountains, contrasted with sandy beaches and far-reaching sea views, as well as contemporary entertainment such as retail centres, welcoming pubs, exciting bars, and fine dining. Further afield is the extensive Cairngorm National Park, an adventurous and popular tourist hub spanning over 1,748 square miles of majestic views found on walking trails, cycle paths, outdoor activities, watersports and so much more! Peterculter is a lovely destination to experience the adventure, history and culture of Aberdeenshire in a more tranquil resting spot.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas