Cragganmore, Ballindalloch, Moray

Cragganmore House – A Historic Highland Residence

Cragganmore House is a truly magnificent country property, set in a commanding position within a secluded glen and surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Highlands. With sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the house combines history, charm and warmth, making it not only a beautiful property but also a wonderful family home.

For many years Cragganmore has been run successfully as a bed and breakfast, though it was originally restored by the current owners as a family residence. This means the house retains all the comforts and proportions that make it particularly suited to private living, with the added benefit that its use as a guest house requires no Home Report. Buyers also gain from significantly lower Stamp Duty compared to purchasing the property as a standard residence.

Parts of the property date back to pre-Victorian times, with later extensions carried out by John Smith, one of the most renowned figures in Scotland’s whisky heritage and founder of Cragganmore Distillery in 1869. His craftsmanship and vision created a country house of distinction, and today the property has been carefully modernised while retaining its historic character.

The entrance to Cragganmore opens into a welcoming hall from which flow the elegant reception rooms. To the left lies the impressive dining room, beautifully panelled with ornate cornicing, while to the right the drawing room offers a generous family living space with an adjoining turret, both featuring open fires. A private dining room at the rear provides a quieter, more intimate retreat that can easily serve as a family snug or study.

The heart of the home is the large traditional country kitchen, fully fitted and equipped, with ample space for informal family dining. From here, a back hall leads on to the laundry room, preparation areas, family snug, and secondary staircase that links privately to the owners’ accommodation.

Upstairs are a range of spacious bedrooms. At the front of the property two large ensuite rooms, one incorporating the turret, boast generous proportions and fine views across the glen. Two further rooms share a beautifully appointed bathroom, while a rear landing leads to a private owner’s bedroom. The second floor provides two further bedrooms currently used by the family, though they could just as easily be adapted to additional suites or private studies.

Throughout, Cragganmore has been updated with sensitivity. Decorated with handpicked antiques and enhanced by original features, the house offers a graceful but comfortable setting for family life while making a memorable impression on all who visit.

The grounds are equally appealing, with a sweeping drive leading to a large parking area and lawns edged by mature trees and shrubs. To one side, a productive fruit and vegetable garden provides an attractive and practical extension of the home’s country character. Outbuildings offer excellent storage and scope for a variety of uses, while a separate drive gives discreet access for private parking or deliveries.

Cragganmore House is, above all, a home of great character and history, set in a location of natural beauty. Having been lovingly restored and maintained, it now presents a rare opportunity to acquire a Highland country house that is both welcoming and impressive, with the flexibility to enjoy either as a private residence or, should an owner wish, with the advantage of continuing its more recent history as a guest house.