Highland hotel at which King George V was once guest up for sale

Dalrachney Lodge. Picture: Strutt & Parker

Dalrachney Lodge dates back to 1845 and is a former Edwardian hunting hotel set within the Cairngorms National Park.

King George V stayed at the impressive property during the 1920s and used one of their dog carts on hunting expeditions.

He also made use of a large cooking range to prepare his stately meals, which still stands in one of the downstairs rooms.

And now those wanting to own a piece of royal history have the chance to buy the newly-renovated lodge for £850,000.

The property, currently run as a hotel by owner Gordon Taylor and his wife, boasts 13 bedrooms and ten en-suite bathrooms, with a cosy drawing room, bar and dining room.

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It sits within two acres of land with stunning views to the Cairngorm and Monadhliath Mountains beyond.

The surrounding area is famed for its breathtaking scenery and abundance of wildlife, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

The hotel is reached via a tree-lined private driveway, and its western boundary is formed of the Dulnain River, providing it with fishing rights.

A hunting cart used by King George V to transport dogs, guns and game at the lodge is currently on show at Fochabers museum in Moray.

A plaque next to the cart reads: “Built in the late 19th century. These carts were for carrying guns, dogs and game for shooting parties on the moors.

“The cart belonged to Dalrachney Lodge, Carrbridge, and King George V used it while shooting there.”

Mr Taylor, who has run the hotel for the past three years, said: “The lodge has major character and we tried to retain that while carrying out renovations.

“The property lends itself to small groups of hunting parties, and people from as far away as Mexico come to stay.

“King George V made a private visit here when he came shooting, and used one of the carts which is now on display in a museum.

“We also still have the old cooking range that he used - it’s currently in the staff sitting room.”

He added: “We also know that Queen Victoria visited Carrbridge in the late 19th century, but we don’t have any proof that she also stayed here.

“It runs really well as a hotel and is in such a nice part of the world. We’re sad to be leaving but we want to spend more time with our grandchildren in East Sussex.”

It is understood that during WWII, the lodge was used to house evacuees from Edinburgh and the classroom block built at that time remains in use as part of the hotel.

A spokesman for Strutt & Parker, who are marketing the property, said: “Having recently undergone an extensive upgrade and refurbishment the property now provides high quality accommodation throughout.

“The surrounding countryside is amongst the finest in the Highlands and provides a wealth of excellent rural sporting opportunities.

“In the museum at Fochabers there is a dog cart used by King George V during his stay at Dalrachney lodge. There are photographs of this hanging up in the hall.

“Also, there is a large old Victorian cooking range which was used by King George V whilst staying at Dalrachney Lodge.”

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