Dun Aluinn ESCAPE TO THE HIGHLANDS TO AN EXCLUSIVE USE HOTEL

September 15, 2025 . . .Aberfeldy, Scotland — Tucked into the hills above Aberfeldy in Perthshire, Dun Aluinn – a design led exclusive use hotel set within 22 acres has established itself as one of Scotland’s most sought-after private hire estates. Offering a seamless blend of Edwardian heritage and bold, contemporary Scottish design, Dun Aluinn offers guests a rare experience: complete seclusion, immersive nature, and fully serviced modern hospitality.

“Dun Aluinn is more than a place to stay—it’s an experience of Scotland at its most authentic and elevated,” - founder John Burke. “Guests come here for privacy, but also for connection—to the land, to local culture, and to one another.”

Designed by owner Susie Whyte - an accomplished interior designer and architect - the main house, originally built in 1909, has been thoughtfully reimagined for the modern traveler. Expansive living areas, sweeping terraces, and interiors crafted with natural materials, bespoke furnishings, and contemporary art embody an understated sense of luxury and quiet beauty. Dun Aluinn’s nine ensuite bedrooms accommodates up to 18 guests in a setting that combines understated luxury with breathtaking Highland views.

The nine bedrooms are designed to feel like deeply personal sanctuaries. The palette is soft and organic, designed to encourage rest and restoration. Here’s what makes them special: Expansive Views – Many rooms look out over the Perthshire hills and the River Tay valley, giving a constant connection to the surrounding landscape. Spa-Like Bathrooms – Each bedroom features a luxurious ensuite bathroom with underfloor heating, two have freestanding tubs, and one has its own steam room. Touches of Luxury – Fine linens, plush bedding, and thoughtful details (like fresh flowers and turn-down service) elevate the experience without ostentation.

Full Service Redefined

At Dun Aluinn, the meaning of full service is redefined. You are not simply renting a house - you are immersing yourself in a fully curated experience. From the moment you book, a dedicated Guest Experience Manager begins crafting your bespoke itinerary, handling every detail of your stay and coordinating tailored activities beyond the estate. During your visit, a private butler and the Dun Aluinn team ensure seamless service at every turn. Guests enjoy daily morning housekeeping and evening turndown, a beautifully prepared breakfast, afternoon tea with homemade cake, and the full management of the estate’s wood-fired hot tub—so that every moment feels effortless. Fresh seasonal flowers are also placed throughout the house—including the lounge, sitting room, and dining room —bringing a touch of natural beauty to every space.

Culinary Excellence at Dun Aluinn

Head Chef John Christie

At the heart of Dun Aluinn’s dining experience is Head Chef John Christie, whose journey has taken him from the rolling hills of Edinburgh to some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens. His career spans Michelin-starred kitchens in Scotland, London, Australasia, and beyond. Returning to his native Perthshire, he brings 15 years + of world experience to the table at Dun Aluinn.

Drawing inspiration from both his international journey and Scotland’s exceptional natural larder, Christie curates bespoke menus that celebrate seasonality, terroir, and a spirit of conviviality. The menus are guided by the rhythm of the seasons and the unique microclimate of Perthshire. Every dish is thoughtfully created to reflect what’s naturally abundant and at its best. Each dining experience—whether a grand multi-course ‘Taste of the Highlands’ menu or a simple fire-side feast—is designed to feel as memorable as the Highland setting itself.

Immersive Highland Experiences

Guests of Dun Aluinn are invited to enjoy bespoke itineraries curated by the estate’s dedicated team, with experiences that celebrate both luxury and the Scottish landscape. Highlights include: The Scottish whisky experience, from intimate fireside tastings to stargazing under unspoiled Highland skies, with optional visits to world-renowned distilleries such as Glen Turret, Dewar’s, and Blair Athol. Outdoor adventures including guided foraging, fly fishing, hiking, Highland safaris, and even a Highland pony picnic. Wellness and spa treatments designed for relaxation and renewal, set against panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Unforgettable gatherings—from private celebrations, weddings and corporate retreats—hosted in complete privacy and comfort.

Discover Unique Exclusive Experiences

THE CALL OF THE WILD

A guest favorite is the “Call of the Wild” experience, beginning with coffee at Hamish & Libby’s hilltop steading and a meeting with Rue, their resident owl. From there, guests join a guided walk through an ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, pausing to take in sweeping views of the Tay Valley while learning about Hamish’s vision for sustainable living. The journey ends with a farm-sourced lunch, enjoyed outdoors in the hills or in the cozy Bothy—an experience many describe as both grounding and transformative.

WILD SWIMMING

Earlier this summer, Dun Aluinn hosted an extraordinary wild swimming experience led by Calum, acclaimed TV presenter, writer, and author of 1001 Wild Swimming Tips, alongside Steven, one of the UK’s foremost bushcraft experts. Together they guided guests through the wilderness of Aberfeldy and Glen Lyon, blending ancient skills, Gaelic folklore, and the invigorating power of cold-water immersion. From secret swimming spots to stories of culture and tradition, the experience offered guests a rare and deeply meaningful connection to Scotland’s landscape and heritage.

A CASTLE EVENING TO REMEMBER

Guests of Dun Aluinn can step back in time with a private evening at Castle Menzies, the historic seat of Clan Menzies. By candlelight, ghost stories bring the ancient fortress to life before an unforgettable dinner in the Great Hall, creating a night steeped in history, legend, and atmosphere.

STEP BACK IN TIME AT THE SCOTTISH CRANNOG CENTER

Just five miles from Dun Aluinn, the Scottish Crannog Centre offers a vivid window into Bronze Age life on Loch Tay. Through immersive demonstrations, reconstructed dwellings, and captivating storytelling, guests gain a rare and tangible sense of Scotland’s ancient heritage.

The Lodge at Dun Aluinn

The Lodge at Dun Aluinn

Alongside the main house, guests have the option to book The Lodge at Dun Aluinn, a contemporary retreat designed with the same elegance and attention to detail. Accommodating up to eight guests, The Lodge can be booked independently or in combination with the main house for larger groups. Nestled within the estate grounds, The Lodge combines sleek, design-led interiors with warm, natural materials, offering panoramic views across the River Tay and the rolling Perthshire hills. It’s a place where modern comfort meets Highland wilderness — intimate, stylish, and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. With a private entrance, dedicated parking, and exclusive grounds, it offers a secluded and highly personalized stay.

Architect and Designer Susie Whyte at The Lodge at Dun Aluinn

Each of the four bedrooms at The Lodge at Dun Aluinn has been designed with rest and indulgence in mind, featuring strikingly modern ensuite bathrooms and a refined yet cosy aesthetic. Two rooms are furnished with king-size beds and two with super-king-size beds, all dressed in soft linens, tactile sheepskins, and Highland throws that invite a deep, restorative sleep. The result is a sense of contemporary luxury seamlessly blended with the warmth and comfort of a Highland retreat — an ideal sanctuary after a day exploring the landscapes of Perthshire.

Outside the Lodge, there’s a magnificent decking area, offering panoramic views of the valley and River Tay and the option of al fresco dining. When those late-night conversations around the fire pit stretch into the early hours, stay warm wrapped up in the cosy throws thoughtfully left on the chic outdoor seating.

Reserve The Lodge Together With The Main House

When reserved together with The Main House (for a total of 26 guests), The Lodge transforms Dun Aluinn into an expansive private sanctuary, ideal for family celebrations, milestone gatherings, weddings, corporate meetings, or groups of friends seeking both shared and independent spaces. Guests can move seamlessly between the two properties, enjoying communal dinners and fireside conversations in the main residence, while retreating to the privacy and calm of The Lodge at day’s end. The result is a rare balance of exclusivity, flexibility, and authentic Highland luxury.

The Perfect Escape

Easily accessible from Edinburgh and Glasgow yet set in a world of its own, Dun Aluinn has become a destination for discerning travelers, families, and groups seeking both sanctuary and connection. Its ethos of “slow luxury” resonates deeply with today’s guests—inviting them to pause, explore, and experience the Highlands in an intimate and unforgettable way.

Aberfeledy is a burg in Perthshire and Kinross, Scotland, in Highland Perthshire, 90 minutes north of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The private entrance to Dun Aluinn is situated on Alma Avenue, Aberfeldy PH15, 2BW, Scotland. Contact by phone + 44 7850 857550 and follow us on Instagram.

Starting rate from £18,000 for a three night minimum stay.

The Main House Amenities

Guests can gather in two stylish lounges or around the striking 5.5-meter bronze dining table, designed for 20, before unwinding in the cinema room with Bose surround sound, or letting children explore the dedicated play den. Outdoors, the estate blends luxury with nature: a fire-pit terrace complete with throws, and ample space for cycling with secure storage. Every detail—from the interiors and furnishings to the Bose wireless sound system—has been curated for comfort, style, and connection, ensuring a stay that is both indulgent and memorable.

The Lodge Amenities

Its open-plan dining kitchen, anchored by a striking built-in feature fireplace, creates a welcoming heart to the property, whether guests choose to self-cater or indulge in the services of a private chef. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining surrounded by a wildflower meadow that blooms across the grounds, while thoughtful touches such as bicycle and golf club storage ensure convenience for outdoor pursuits.

Location

Easily accessible from Edinburgh and Glasgow yet set in a world of its own, Dun Aluinn has become a destination for discerning travelers, families, and groups seeking both sanctuary and connection. Its ethos of “slow luxury” resonates deeply with today’s guests—inviting them to pause, explore, and experience the Highlands in an intimate and unforgettable way.

Just a short walk from Dun Aluinn lies the charming town of Aberfeldy, home to galleries, tartan weavers, artists, restaurants, and the famed Aberfeldy Scotch whisky distillery. For golfers, a local nine-hole course offers a relaxed round, while world-class icons such as Gleneagles (90 minutes) and St Andrews (1 hour 30 minutes) are within easy reach. Nature lovers can also explore some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes, with Tay Forest Park and other Highland wilderness areas close by.

Aberfeledy is a burg in Perthshire and Kinross, Scotland, in Highland Perthshire, 90 minutes north of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The private entrance to Dun Aluinn is situated on Alma Avenue, Aberfeldy PH15, 2BW, Scotland. Contact by phone + 44 7850 857550 and follow us on Instagram. Rates for a minimum three night stay start at £18,000.

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