Set within 16 acres of woodland and gardens in Royal Deeside, Cambus O’May has the atmosphere of a Highland country house that has been allowed to keep its history. Old staircases, period furniture, fireside lounges and views into the surrounding greenery give the hotel a character that has been built over generations rather than designed overnight.

The house dates back to 1874, when Sir William Cunliffe Brooks built it as a hunting lodge for his daughter Amy, wife of Charles Gordon, 11th Marquis of Huntly. Today, an ongoing programme of restoration is carefully bringing the building into its next chapter, with refurbished bedrooms and bathrooms sitting comfortably alongside the original Victorian details.

Accommodation ranges from cosy doubles and family rooms to larger king rooms, while The Kennels offers separate apartment-style accommodation overlooking the walled garden. Families are particularly well catered for, with extensive grounds to explore and a play garden giving younger guests plenty of space outside.

Mornings begin in the light-filled breakfast room overlooking the grounds, with fresh pastries, continental choices and cooked options setting guests up for a day in Deeside. Dinner keeps things relaxed and comforting, drawing on familiar Scottish flavours, while the lounges provide somewhere to return for a drink and a fireside evening afterwards.

Much of the appeal lies beyond the front door. Woodland paths weave through the grounds, the River Dee and Deeside Way are close by and the historic Cambus O’May suspension bridge is within easy reach. Ballater sits around four miles away, while Balmoral, Loch Muick, Lochnagar and the wider Cairngorms make this an excellent base for walking and exploring Royal Deeside.

Cambus O’May is also part of the same independent group behind The Bridge House at Ballintuim, another historic Scottish building given a new life through thoughtful restoration. There is a shared philosophy between the two: protecting buildings with real character while creating places people can actively enjoy rather than simply admire.

That approach suits Cambus O’May beautifully. Its history remains visible, its setting does much of the talking and the warmth repeatedly mentioned by returning guests gives this grand old house a wonderfully homely side.