Key Highlights
- Notable home which was regularly visited by the late Queen's Mother, re-opened by King Charles III in July 2021 and even featured in an episode of The Crown!
- Magnificent, tranquil location on Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the UK mainland, while being just 20-minutes from helpful amenities in Thurso and a variety of attractions
- The home has been beautifully restored and features elegant interiors and furnishings throughout. Seven of the bedrooms feature en-suite facilities making the home ideal for families holidaying together who wish to retain an element of privacy
Ground Floor
- Entrance hall with piano
- Boot room with table tennis
- Sitting room
- Library with selection of books
- Cinema/ TV room
- Fully-equipped family kitchen
- Separate kitchen for external caterers
- Dining room with seating for up to 22 guests
- Cloakroom
- Family bathroom
First Floor
- "Bushta" bedroom with four-poster double bed and en-suite bathroom
- "Dwarwick" bedroom with super-king double bed and en-suite bathroom
- "Olrig" bedroom with double bed and en-suite shower room
- "Morven" bedroom with super-king double bed and en-suite shower room
- "Holborn" bedroom with king-size double bed and en-suite shower room
- "Hoy" bedroom with king-size double bed and en-suite shower room (can be set up with twin beds on request)
- "Mey" bedroom with super-king double bed and en-suite shower room (can be set up with twin beds on request)
- "Stroma" bedroom with twin single beds
- "St Johns" bedroom with twin single beds
- Family bathroom
Exterior Grounds
- Walled garden
- Fire pit
- Large grounds
- Lochs
- Walk to secluded sandy beach
- Parking
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- TV
- Nespresso Coffee Machine
- Hairdryer
- White Company bed linens
- Gym with Peloton, water rower, free weights and TRX
- Travel cot available on request (please bring your own cot linen)
* Four of the nine bedrooms can be set up with twin beds on request. The games room downstairs can be set up as a disabled bedroom with accessible bathroom next door if needed, please just request at the time of booking.
Bedrooms
Bedroom 1
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 2
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Double Bed
Bedroom 4
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 5
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 6
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 7
1 King Size Bed
Bedroom 8
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 9
2 Single Beds
The Dunnet Estate holds a magnificent location on the north coast of the Scottish Highlands, set on Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the UK mainland. The 2,000 acre estate boasts remarkable coastal views in all directions and a makes a truly extraordinary setting for a family get-together or special occasion stay. While guests will enjoy total tranquility and privacy, a variety of helpful amenities, including supermarkets and restaurants, can be found in the nearby town of Thurso, less than a twenty-minute drive away.
The home boasts a varied and fascinating history, originally completed in 1906 by Admiral Sir Edwyn Alexander-Sinclair, notable for firing the first shots of the Battle of Jutland. In 1948, the Estate was purchased by Commander Clare and Lady Doris Vyner, a close friend of Elizabeth, HRH the Queen Mother, and invited her to stay at the house in 1953 after the death of her husband, King George VI. During her stay, she spotted Barrogill Castle from one of the upstairs windows, she arranged to view and purchase the dilapidated castle, later renaming it the Castle of Mey, its original name. This story was even touched upon in the first series of the popular tv show, The Crown. Since then the home has been hotel, a private residence and even nearly became a recording studio for Led Zeppelin. The house gradually fell into a state of disrepair until it was eventually purchased by its current owners who have lovingly restored and transformed the house into the beautiful home that it is today.
The ground floor is home to the fabulous entertaining spaces which comprise of the elegant sitting room, library, games room and formal dining room which can comfortably seat up to twenty guests. The kitchen comes fully-equipped with all the tools you could possibly need to create delicious meals, while a second caterers’ kitchen is available for those who wish to really relax and hire in the professionals! The Dunnet Estate can comfortably accommodate up to eighteen guests across the nine beautifully-appointed bedrooms, seven of which feature en-suite facilities, while the remaining two share the use of a fantastic family bathroom. On request, four of the bedrooms can be set up with twin beds, making them ideal for siblings or friends to share.
Outside, wonderful views can be enjoyed from every direction: south to Dunnet Bay, west to Peedie Sands beach which is a short walk away, north to Dunnet head and east to St John’s loch and the Castle of Mey. Any children in the group will enjoy exploring, playing games, and having yummy picnics in the large grounds.
- Those travelling with small children should ensure that they are not left to explore the grounds alone due to the open lochs
- On request, the games room can be converted into a ground floor bedroom - ideal for any guests who struggle with mobility
Oliver's Extras
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Half Board
- Pre-Stocked Fridge Available
- Cooking Classes Available
- Yoga Classes Available
- Transfers Available
- Catering Available
- Breakfast Available
- Babysitting Available
- Butler Available
- Property host
- English speaking babysitter available
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Private chef
- Cleaning/laundry
- Spa treatments
- Personalised travel itineraries
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Weddings & Events Information
Ask a questionOutdoor Capacity - 200
Wedding Ceremony and Reception
There is a flexible layout for both the ceremony and reception. The property is fully-licensed to host legal marriages.
Additional Fees for Events
Pricing is created on request, please enquire for details.
Restrictions on Decorations and Themes
No restrictions, clients can bring their creative ideas!
Catering
There is no in-house catering options. Clients will be able to choose from a selection of recommended suppliers.
Venue Accessibility
The property has limited accessibility via public transportation and guests may need to ride share or take a taxi. There is complimentary parking on-site. There is limited wheelchair accessibility, please enquire for details.
Venue Back-Up
There is indoor space available for back up.
Wedding Suppliers
The venue has a range of suppliers for clients to use, but clients are also able to bring their own suppliers.
Flexibility on Duration
Yes, please enquire for details.
Children
Children are welcome, but no childcare services are available.
Security Measures
The venue uses surveillance cameras to monitor the premises.
Noise Restrictions
There are no major noise restrictions and parties can extend late into the night.
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
