Averon Castle, Alness

Highland. Sleeps up to 21

The magnificent Averon Castle sits in eight glorious acres of captivating grounds where you will feel the tranquillity fold around you as you relax in absolute peace and quiet. In a land lost in time, the castle is a period property with swagger, style and superb comfort where you can bring the generations together or celebrate with your favourite people.

It is located within walking distance of the pretty village of Alness which is located between Invergordon and Evanton. The Dalmore and Teaninich Distilleries are also within walking distance. Alness has participated in flower competitions such as Scotland in Bloom, winning numerous awards and has been crowned Scottish Champion at the Great British High Street Awards. The castle sits within moments of the popular Scotland NC500 route. Averon Castle is perfect for guests that enjoy the outdoors. You can explore the rugged beauty of the northwest Highlands, visit quiet Highland beaches, enjoy lush green landscapes brimming with waterfalls, challenging hills, and mountains, visit historical buildings or head over to the spectacular Isle of Skye. Those that love the water can take a RIB boat trip to spot dolphins in the Cromarty Firth or a cruise on Loch Ness to look for Nessie. You can canoe on the River Beauly or sea kayak in the Firth. You can enjoy a fishing session in a picturesque location on the River Alness or the Conon with excellent trout and salmon fishing. There are also fantastic golf courses within easy reach including Royal Dornoch, Castle Stewart, Alness and Fortrose and Rosemarkie. A day trip to Aviemore, an hour from the castle, brings the thrills of white-water rafting, skiing, quad biking, an aerial adventure course and various water sports.

Averon Castle is an oasis of gracious and glorious living deep in the Highlands. As soon as you arrive and are met by the live-in butler, you will know that you are in for a treat. He will give you a tour of this Scottish wonder, assist with any requests you may have and offer champagne and canapes to start your holiday off with a bang. The castle boasts nine bedrooms, all with private bathrooms, comfortably sleeping up to twenty-two guests plus little ones in cots. Offering two ballrooms ideal for celebrations and parties, two drawing rooms, sitting rooms and a private bar, the castle is a superb venue. You can relax by roaring fires that light up its splendour and offer a crackling atmosphere, enjoy drams of whisky from the local distilleries, play board games with family or friends, stroll through the phenomenal grounds, borrow one of the castle’s bikes and cycle to the shores of the Cromarty Firth and sleep like kings. Daily housekeeping is included, and catering can be arranged if desired.

The castle enjoys a fascinating history. There was a defensive structure on the site since the Iron Age or early medieval period. The Munros were in possession of the site since at least the 1600’s. There is a lintel in the back of the castle dated 1734 and the castle appears in a military survey of Scotland map dated 1750. In 1817 the Teaninich Distillery was built by Hugh Munro who owned the castle but in 1819 he sold the castle to his brother John Munro who took up residence in 1831. It stayed in the hands of the Munros until it was sold in 1923. It is said that Frances Hodgson Burnett visited the castle and that the walled garden may have helped inspire her book ‘The Secret Garden’.

Averon Castle boasts excellent entertainment spaces. The main drawing room is brimming with antique furnishings, original paintings, an open fireplace, and huge windows that let in the natural light. Another drawing room is perfect for an escape with the Sunday newspapers and a pot of tea, making up for lost time and planning your Scottish Highland adventures. The ground floor sitting room offers a television and plenty of board games. The bar is wonderful where you can enjoy a dram and chats about your fishing or golf outings. This room enjoys a huge dining table in addition to the formal dining room. The formal dining room is elegant, stately and perfect for a celebration meal. The kitchen is enormous with excellent appliances for large groups including a professional coffee maker that is operated by the butler. One of the bedroom suites is located on the ground floor too, perfect if you have any guests with mobility issues. Throughout this wonderful building, you will find exquisitely moulded cornicing and many other period features.

The majestic bedroom suites are comprised of two rooms with super king-size beds, five rooms with king-size beds, two rooms with one double and two single beds and one room with a double bed. All the bedrooms are beautifully appointed with antique furnishings, luxurious drapes, quality linens and gorgeous rugs. Two rooms come with four poster beds. The bathrooms enjoy a mix of showers and baths, perfect to soak away any stresses. They are all ensuite other than the family rooms where they are next door. Four bedrooms are located on the first floor along with two reception rooms and a sitting room. The bridal suite with its ensuite bathroom and rose window bridal salon and another bedroom are on the second floor and two-family bedrooms are found in the second-floor attic.

Outside you will discover eight acres of gardens sprinkled with a giant monkey puzzle tree, ancient elms, Scots pines, giant redwoods, cherry trees, crab apples, rhododendrons, azaleas, colourful flowers, herbs and lush lawns. There are swings for little ones, a hot tub for a relaxing soak, a pergola for alfresco dining and nature trails. You can play badminton or basketball using the net and hoops provided or take a cycle to explore. Binoculars are available for birdwatchers.

Averon Castle is just wonderful for a break in the Highlands where you can explore its beauty, fish, play golf and enjoy many other activities.

Averon Castle enjoys a fabulous location near the village of Alness, the perfect base for exploring the Highlands. The village is within walking distance of the castle as are two distilleries, the Dalmore and Teaninich. The Dalmore Distillery was founded in 1839 by Alexander Matheson. Many more distilleries are within easy reach including Glenmorangie, Balblair and Glen of Ord. You can fish on the River Alness or many other rivers and there are many wonderful walking trails straight from the castle. You can hike to the Fyrish Monument which is roughly a two hour round trip. The monument was built in 1782 on Fyrish Hill by Sir Hector Munro. The views of Cromarty Firth and Ben Wyvis are spectacular. You can easily walk from the back gardens of the castle to Alness point, on the shores of Cromarty Firth which used to be home to the RAF Alness, a large training and operational base during the second world war.

The nearby village of Evanton enjoys the Fyrish monument, the Black Rock Gorge, famously featured in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and a good selection of shops, restaurants and cafes. Those that love shopping can fill their suitcases with cashmere knits, woollens, tweeds, glassware, ceramics, jewellery, art, antiques, cheese, chocolate, gin and whisky, all bought locally.

Dornoch is within easy reach with its stunning cathedral, its breath taking sandy beach, its Royal Dornoch Golf course and its wonderful shops, restaurants, and bars. The links golf course has been played on since the 16th century. You might like to take a look in The Carnegie Whisky Cellars while you are there. On the way there or on the way back, you may like to stop at the Whisky Distillery at Glenmorangie or at the famous ANTA Pottery and Tain Pottery studios.

A trip to Loch Ness is popular. There you can enjoy a boat cruise, stopping at the ruins of Urquhart Castle. The Black Isle is also beautiful with plenty of quaint seaside villages, smoked fish shops, craft shops and cute cafes as well as its own Black Isle Brewery where you can stop and taste the beer. Other trips that guests enjoy are to the west coast and in particular, the picturesque town of Ullapool, Caithness, and the Castle of Mey and Dunrobin Castle.