Raemoir is one of the grand old dames of Scottish Country Houses. Originally built as a private Georgian house it became a hotel in 1943 and was renowned for its stature in the area and its clientelle however, ironically, as the North East region developed and enjoyed the arrival and fortunes of the oil industry, Raemoir was left behind and slipped off the map. Realising the potential Neil and Julie Rae bought the hotel in 2010 and set about restoring its position as one of the leading venues in the area. After a length refurbishment Raemoir now has its traditional atmosphere back in place whilst providing VisitScotland 4 star accommodation, a warm welcome, exceptional standards and Michelin-recommended cuisine courtesy of Head Chef Ethan Forsyth, formerly of Skibo Castle. In Raemoir, and its eleven acres of gardens and parkland, you will find seclusion, privacy, peace and indulgence.
The wood-panelled Drawing Room has far-reaching views through the windows over the lawns to the hills beyond and provides an ideal place for an Afternoon Tea. In the evenings there is a warm ambience particularly if the shutters are closed and the open fires burning. The equally impressive Dining Room, originally the Oval Ballroom, is a unique feature of Raemoir House, with its Victorian flocked-velvet wallpaper, gilt mirrors and 19th century portraits. It is reminiscent of the grandeur of days gone-by, with its tall windows overlooking the grounds, making it one of the most splendidly atmospheric dining rooms in the area and is still used as the Ballroom when Raemoir is used as an Exclusive Use function venue.
The Big Fish Bar has a wide selection of Malt Whiskies and Gins and is decorated with fishing and sporting memorabilia. The adjacent Garden Room extends the Bar or affords smaller parties the opportunity of privacy, whether for a meeting or a dinner party for up to sixteen guests. The larger Georgian Room accommodates up to seventy for weddings and corporate entertainment.
Raemoir prides itself on delivering private functions and weddings whether in the House or the adjacent Marquee which can hold up to 200 guests, or 360 if fully extended. The vast and secluded grounds provide ample space for leisure and function use and they lead directly into 3500 acres of woodlands behind the hotel, perfect for walking, cycling, outdoor activities and corporate entertainment. The House is particularly suited for exclusive use parties given that this was its purpose when it was built 200 years ago.
The 18 ensuite bedrooms are split between 14 in the main House and 4 in the adjacent Ha’ Hoose, which was the original Raemoir House built 300 years ago and is thought to be the only functional Hall House in Scotland today.
The front lawn accommodates a private helipad allowing guests to arrive in the ultimate style and it also ensures that almost every golf course in Scotland is no more than an hour’s flight away. Now there’s a challenge….!
Raemoir is on the outskirts of Banchory, a small town on Royal Deeside, and thirty minutes from Aberdeen and its International Airport [Dyce]. It is within minutes’ reach of the Castle, Golf and Whisky Trails, the Cairngorm National Park and is an ideal starting point for those wishing to “do” Scotland
