About Balnagown

A world apart, an Estate Experience.

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About balnagown

Welcome to 39,000 acres of freedom!

Balnagown Estate stretches from the shores of the Cromarty Firth to the saltwater banks of Loch Beag on the west coast. It covers a huge swathe of beautiful, rich agricultural farmland, forestry, and wild hill uplands, which our guests are welcome to explore at their leisure. Please contact the estate office to arrange this.

You enter the estate through the gates on the south side, close to the A9 and North Coast 500 route. The main part of Balnagown Estate is set between the Cromarty Firth to the south and Dornoch Firth to the north, with beautiful white sandy beaches to the east and rugged wild hills to the west. The main estate has a distinctive east highland landscape, of farmland, lochs, wide open spaces, and harmonious gardens, all set within easy reach of the coast.

Pure heaven — acres of tranquil woodland to wander through, a teeming river, tons of wildlife, I don’t want to leave. If you love nature this is paradise.

Sarah Dyson. Google Reviews, November 2019

Balnagown’s History

The Al Fayed family have been guardians of the castle and estate and its heritage since 1972, when Mr Al Fayed fell in love with the property on a visit to the area. Since then, the family have carefully restored the Grade-B listed castle and formal gardens to their former glory. The Al Fayed family care deeply about Balnagown and the surrounding area and have been playing an active and supportive role in the local community for 50 years.

The castle is a beloved and often frequented family retreat and as such is not open to the public. Permission, however, has been given for guests to enjoy the beautiful castle gardens when the family are not in residence. Guests will be briefed by Estate Guardians on arrival.

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Exploring the lands of Balnagown & Easter Ross

Beyond the castle gardens, you are free to explore the vast network of paths and tracks that criss-cross the main estate. Balnagown is a working estate, and we ask all our guests to follow the guidelines set out in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and check with the office before going beyond the main estate boundary.

Leave gates as you find them, be alert for hazards, and take special care to supervise children and animals. We love dogs, but please keep them under proper control, especially near livestock and always pick up after them. Take any litter away with you and don’t disturb wildlife. When walking on the wider estate, please check with the estate office to ensure there is no shooting taking place.


Peace of Mind

A stay at Balnagown comes with the added peace of mind of secure gated access, and a 24-hour estate staff so you know that you can truly take a break from the rest of the world.

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Business Accommodation

If you’re working in the area, you’ll find your perfect home away from home in Balnagown Estate’s business accommodation. Conveniently set in a private working estate near Invergordon, Balnagown offers all the comforts of home in four comfortable self-catering properties. They all come with access to some of the estate amenities. Enjoy some active relaxation at the end of a long day with a workout at our Outdoor Gym, take to the running tracks or play games with colleagues in the Sports Hall.  

There’s ample private parking and apartments are serviced weekly during your stay. The Estate offers 24 hour access and security. 


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Everything was first class! 

TripAdvisor Review, 2020

The Northern Estate; Inveroykel Lodge

If the rugged, wild landscape of the highlands is calling you, the northern part of the estate as it expands into Sutherland is sure to capture your imagination. It is home to our largest property, a former and rather grand Victorian hunting lodge, Inveroykel.

The vast landscape surrounding Inveroykel Lodge is the perfect place for country pursuits of all kinds. Whether you want to spot majestic birds of prey, enjoy a taste of one of the best salmon fishing beats on the River Oykel, or take to the hills for a hike in the wilderness, the choice is yours.

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