Just wow! The magnificent Fortalice has to be the most impressive, most exclusive, most exquisite place to stay in the Cairngorms, a sumptuous bolthole for total relaxation. This ancient castle has been phenomenally brought back to life offering the most luxurious creature comforts whilst retaining complete authenticity. Lavish fabrics, the finest goatskin leathers, Ralph Lauren furnishings, a state-of-the-art Chalon kitchen, Holland and Sherry Saville Row tweeds and regal four poster beds are intertwined with expansive inglenook fireplaces, exposed stone walls, spiral stone staircases, vaulted ceilings, beautiful antiques and grand oil paintings creating the most extravagant, exquisite spaces imaginable.
The Fortalice boasts a sensational location inside the magnificent Cairngorm National Park in the heart of Scotland. It sits proudly, on the doorstep of Kirkton of Glenisla and Blairgowrie, one and a half hours north of Edinburgh and surrounded by astounding, picturesque rolling hills. It is set against a stunning backdrop of rugged Perthshire countryside. Guests enjoy easy access to action-packed activities including fishing, shooting, stalking, horse riding, hiking, golf, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. For those less adventurous, fine dining, whisky tasting, shopping and visiting ancient castles are on the agenda. Some might even want to stay put in this stunning castle enjoying board games, watching movies or reading by the fire in the Great Hall. The Fortalice offers seven amazing bedrooms sleeping up to sixteen guests in total luxury.
The castle enjoys a fascinating history, being built by the Ogilvys of Airlie as a fortified house in 1560. It was built to protect the entrance to the Balloch Pass to Glenshee and the Moneca Pass to Braemar and the North. The castle was partially destroyed in 1640 by the Duke of Argyll and has been lovingly restored back to its former glory since 1988 by the current owners.
The Fortalice is built over five floors. The Great Hall, the very heart of the castle, is dominated by its vast inglenook fireplace and elaborately hand painted ceiling. It is a gorgeous space to chill and nestle up with books, glasses of wine and great company. At the same time, it is also the perfect entertaining space for a celebratory dinner, an intimate wedding or a corporate event. Ralph Lauren sofas and beautiful wing back chairs surround the fireplace and a giant dining table offers a fine dining space for up to sixteen guests. You will have a ball tasting drams of whisky and perhaps dancing along to a Ceilidh. The kitchen is dreamy with Chalon cabinetry, a fantastic double sized range cooker, other top-of-the-range appliances and Le Creuset pans. You can prepare hearty Scottish breakfasts and delicious feasts in this wonderfully atmospheric space. The adjacent vaulted space is home to a large refectory table and bench seating, ideal for your breakfasts or lunches. The vaulted ceiling adds fabulous character and intimacy. The ground floor is also home to a cute little unique chapel, perfect for small weddings. The hallways linking these wonderful spaces are decorated with vintage tartan rugs, antique paintings and numerous artefacts from days gone by.
The Fortalice boasts seven sensational bedrooms, the most superior being the spectacular Laird’s Room. It truly is fit for a king or queen with its kingsize four poster Ralph Lauren bed, its walls upholstered in De le Cuona British wool, its own turret, its sumptuous sofa and its open plan bathroom with its period roll top bath and freestanding brass Drummonds shower. Beautiful antiques and period paintings adorn the walls ensuring that you feel totally indulged and spoilt when sleeping in this room. Sebastian’s Room is another gem with a kingsize four poster bed draped in heavy fabric, antique furniture including a castellated wardrobe, upholstered walls in Holland and Sherry Saville Row tweed and a comfy leather armchair where you can relax with a wee dram or a cup of tea. Julian’s Room also offers total luxury with its collection of interesting art pieces, its Holland and Sherry Saville Road tweed, its delightful Johnsons of Elgin cashmere, printed cushions and chequered throws and its ensuite bathroom. It offers an air of masculinity and sophistication. Rich purple hues feature in Katherine’s Room as well as bedspoke cushions and throws that adorn the handcarved wooden four poster with its starburst canopy. The upholstered walls finish off the layered design and complement the striking Swedish empire mirror and antique wash stand. This room also enjoys a turret which is home to a beautiful bureau. Right at the top of the castle with stunning views across the Cairngorm mountains, Samantha’s Room is a lucky pick with its kingsize four poster bed featuring a gathered canopy. There are deep buttoned stools upholstered in houndstooth wool and comforting fabric lined walls. The room also boasts a dressing table and a cosy armchair by the fireplace, perfect for a late night read. Again, you will be impressed by the art and the beautiful tapestries that complete the room. Robert’s Room is reached via a private staircase from the Great Hall. It is a fabulous room ideal for a book lover with its built in bookcases brimming with endless reads. The deep buttoned sofa is perfect for nestling down with a good book and the exquisite four poster bed will give the sleep of kings. Finally, the Garret is home to four beautifully dressed single beds that can be used for children under twelve years old. It is the perfect attic hideaway and the scene of much fun and late night chatter. Again, it is a beautiful space full of tartan and antique furnishings. In total, the castle offer three stunning and atmospheric bathrooms to share.The Fortalice is unforgettable. It is easy to see why this is the perfect place for an intimate highland wedding. Sixteen guests is the ideal number for a wedding here though more can be accommodated for a day event. The castle is fully licensed for civil, religious and humanist weddings.The castle sits on a spectacular spot with beautiful scenery all around. If you can bring yourselves to leave The Fortalice, you can explore the Cairngorms National Park with its choice of 55 Munros, four of which are the highest mountains in the UK. Those less active can enjoy the very scenic, spectacular drive along the 90 mile Snowroads stretch, starting at nearby Blairgowrie and driving to the Highland town of Grantown-on-Spey. Skiers can visit the famous Glenshee Snowsports Centre. Walkers can enjoy the sensational 64 mile Cateran Trail, taking the stunning moorland route to the trail’s highest point between Strathardle and Glenshee, enjoying breathtaking views of the lush glens and rugged peaks.
*Please kindly note that total maximum capacity is 12 adults and up to 4 additional children*
Please note: Prices for Christmas and New Year are POA
