Enjoy an unrivalled ‘Estate Experience’ at Balnagown.
Unwind and savour a leisurely picnic in the historic Walled Garden, ride bikes around trails through rich arable farmland and sheltering woodland. Listen to the birdsong as you ramble across fields, splash around on paddleboards and take a refreshing dip in the clear water of Loch Auchoyle, or just enjoy the views with a glass of wine and a loch-side barbecue.
Choose your ideal holiday home from nine elegantly styled, historic properties on this private working estate overlooking the Cromarty Firth.
Balnagown is a private highland estate with a difference. Whether you’re looking for a base to explore the Highlands or you want to unwind and reconnect without venturing too far, you’ve found the ideal place for the holiday you deserve.
Luxury Holiday Properties
At Balnagown you are treated as a privileged guest, with access to everything the estate has to offer.
We’re lucky enough to revel in our own special micro-climate in Easter Ross, which means that we receive the same low average rainfall as Kent in the south of England. Our mild, dry climate creates Scotland at its best.
Being so far north also means that we enjoy longer days from May to October and at the height of summer, the daylight lingers until well past 11pm. There is even more time to fit in everything you want to do…or to enjoy doing nothing at all!
Booking & Availability
With our exceptional micro-climate, Balnagown is an estate for all seasons.
Please use our online Booking Calendar to check availability.
Alternatively, you can call +44 (0)1862 843601 to speak with a member of our estate office to discuss availability or any other enquiries.
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Your own personal playground with endless possibilities…
Balnagown Estate is so much more than just a place to stay – it’s an estate experience. You’ll want to return again and again.
Challenge your friends to a game of badminton in the Sports Hall, or get your heart pumping with a workout in the Outdoor Gym. Help yourself to the fishing equipment and cast a line in Loch Larrack, our well-stocked trout loch, or enjoy some target practice with a spot of archery.
Bask in sultry summer afternoons on the banks of Loch Auchoyle, play bowls with a glass of wine in hand, or get in some practice on the golf net for tomorrow’s game at Dornoch or Tain. Put a spring in your step on a morning run over the King James Bridge, or belt round the 400m surfaced running track.
Staying with us
Easter Ross; a land guarded by magic & mystery.
Follow the Pictish Trail to discover standing stones keeping ancient secrets, take to the sheltered waters of the Cromarty Firth to see the sheen of a dolphin as it breaks the surface, explore the contrasting landscapes of the Highlands. Immerse yourself in nature, or indulge in the simple pleasures of life, reconnect with yourself and loved ones on secluded country walks and leisurely afternoons by our private lochs.
Drink in the salty air at the picturesque village of Portmahomack, explore the area by bike on the quiet roads of the National Cycle network. Feel the spray from the waterfall on the Big Burn walk near Golspie, marvel at salmon leaping at the Falls of Shin or leave a trail of footprints as you walk on nearby Shandwick beach. The only challenge will be choosing what to do!
CONNECT WITH US
Paul and Andy sent us these incredible snaps from their trip up to Duchally to do the annual habitat survey. What a day at the office!
#nature #wildlife #landmanagement
Consider a getaway to Balnagown as an intensive learn-to-ride experience… With quiet, flat tarmac paths across the estate, it`s the ideal spot to get to grips with the balance bike or perfect those pedals.
Bike hire is included in your stay at any of our self-catering cottages on the estate ~ with kids bikes and helmets too.
#cycling #holiday #balancebike #bike
Vintage Postcards of Balnagown
Did you know that Fearn Antiques and Vintage Postcard Emporium has a selection of postcards of Balnagown, Milton (or `Milntown` as you may spot on one of these), Kildary and the surrounding area?
They`re just a 10 minute drive from the estate, pop in to see what they`ve got in stock.
#vintage #postcards #history #photography #antique
Q: What could be better than a classic shortbread biscuit?
A: Two shortbread biscuits, joined with jam and topped with icing
It is of course the classic Empire Biscuit, best enjoyed with a cup of tea in a window nook by a roaring fire overlooking an 18th Centrury Walled Garden…. Oh look – we have one of those!
What`s your go-to treat when you check in to one of our cottages?
#baking #cooking #comfort #foodie
Did you know that we have our own estate Metal Detectorist and dedicated display?
We`ve uncovered all sorts of treasures over the years, many of which you can find on display in the Games Hall building if you are staying with us in a holiday property.
Have you ever dug up something exciting? We`d love to know! 👇️
#history #clanross #metaldetector #treasurehunting
Breaks at Balnagown are just that ~ taking a break from the hustle and bustle.
It`s time…. to slow down.
#calm #family #relax #holiday
Balnagown Estate Walking Tour
We were delighted to host another tour on the estate recently with 46 participants joining the journey through the Italian Gardens, Walled Garden, past the castle and across the James IV bridge.
The tour raised a fantastic £420 for @tainmuseum ~ make sure you visit and support them before they close for the season.
Huge thanks for organising the event and sharing these great photos goes to Catherine, Jason, Tain Museum and the St Duthac Book and Arts Festival Team!
#tour #history #scotland #clanross #museum
Join us at the charming Grieves Cottage this autumn 🍂
🛌 Sleeps 6 (2 king bedrooms & 1 twin)
🔥 Wood burning stove
🐕️ Dogs welcome, heated kennels available
📺️ WiFi & Sky TV
🍴 BBQ provided
Book direct through our website or get in touch with us 01862 843601 or [email protected] for last minute dates.
#holiday #visitscotland #travel #history
It`s pick-your-own season in our 18th century walled garden 🌼 🍃 guests who stay with us on the estate can help themselves to fruit in the orchard and veggies in the garden 🥕
#gardening #cycling #holiday #TheEstateExperience