I stayed at luxurious new Scottish hotel with private chef and butler - and felt like an A-lister

I’m still dreaming about my ideal house in the country, especially now as I - and most of my friends - are celebrating big birthdays this year. How I’d love the space in which to throw a huge party. Which is why, when we arrive at Dun Aluinn on a rainy afternoon in June, I feel like I’ve stumbled into my dream life.

Set above the Tay Valley with sweeping views of Schiehallion, Dun Aluinn has been, until April this year, an exclusive use only venue but it’s now opened as a hotel. The staff, who include Chris Wood the butler and chef John Christie, are there for guests. With only nine bedrooms, two living rooms and a large open plan dining and living room, Dun Aluinn seems to me like it’d be the perfect place for a party as it combines the comfort of a private residence with the service of a five-star hotel.

And the interior design is a marvel; forget anything twee or tartan, co-owner Susie Whyte has created a Scandi-style haven with wonderful artwork and well considered furniture - with each room completely different from the last.

Dun Aluinn house | Fran Mart Photography

Budget or boutique?

There are only nine bedrooms in this grand house that has a stunning modern makeover by its owners Susie Whyte and John Burke. At £495 per night, inclusive of breakfast, and with a butler and chef on hand, this is about as boutique as it gets.

Room service

Our room was a lovely bright space with a modern four poster bed, an armchair, fireplace and hanging space for clothes as well as a huge bathroom with a large shower that doubled as a steam room. Artwork gave colour to the white walls and throws and cushions added texture and warmth when needed.

Wining and dining

As well as a butler service, Dun Aluinn has a private chef, and dinners can be booked on a nightly basis for £95 per person. Our meals started with canapes and drinks on the stylish B&B Italia sofa in the living area off the kitchen. These were followed by a west coast crab salad, Shetland salmon with Denhead asparagus and Scottish strawberry shortcake while on the second night it was a seafood feast of scallop and smoked haddock chowder; poached fillet of ethically farmed halibut followed by malted vanilla ice cream with miso caramel and Scottish cherries. Each night was a choice of two options per course and one dessert, as everything is cooked fresh.

Breakfast is also at the communal table in the dining room and includes fresh fruit, granola, Katie Rodgers yoghurt and pastries as well as hot cooked options such as a fry up, porridge or daily specials like smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.

Worth getting out of bed for

Dun Aluinn is located just outside of Aberfeldy, a popular town that has a range of cafes, pubs and shops including a Balintaggart shop and small cafe. It’s only a five minute walk into the town from the house where you can spend a few hours in the shops - including the fab Watermill bookshop and cafe and Homer, a Scandi-inspired homewares shop. There’s also a cinema and, when we visited, a farmers’ market. Aberfeldy is also home to the Birks of Aberfeldy, a circular route around the glen and waterfall which inspired Robert Burns.

After a day out, and with enough notice, you can unwind in the woodland hot tub in the grounds of the house, and take in those stunning views of Schiehallion and Glen Lyon.

The woodland hot tub at Dun Aluinn | Rosalind Erskine

Little extras

The rooms have robes, cosy felt slippers and full sized Nectarome toiletries.There are no tea and coffee facilities in the room as guests are encouraged to eat and drink in the communal areas and either make their own in the kitchen or request refreshments from Chris.

Guestbook comments

Previously one of Scotland’s most sought-after exclusive-use estates, Dun Aluinn has hosted private celebrations, family gatherings and discreet high-profile stays. This new chapter transforms the property into one of the Highlands’ most intimate hotels, allowing independent travellers to experience its private house atmosphere, spectacular setting and highly personalised service without booking the entire estate.

Hotel info

Dun Aluinn House, Alma Ave, Aberfeldy PH15 2BW

07850 857550

www.dunaluinn.com/