Aikenway Lodge, Arndilly, Craigellachie, Aberlour, Moray, AB38

A former sporting lodge reimagined for modern country living.

Description

Originally constructed circa 1840 as a traditional ‘T’ shaped farmhouse under the ownership of the Arndilly Estate, this remarkable property has evolved into a distinguished and characterful country residence. Following the arrival of the railways in the 1850’s, the house was substantially extended and adapted to serve as a hunting and fishing lodge, welcoming visitors seeking the tranquillity and escapism of Speyside’s unspoiled landscapes.

After falling into dereliction in the late 1980’s the property’s revival is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2008, the current owners, drawn by its heritage and setting, acquired the lodge unseen from their home in Cape Town, later relocating in 2012 to undertake an ambitious and deeply respectful restoration.

What followed was a meticulous rebuild. The original shell and key architectural features were carefully preserved and reinstated, honouring the building’s rich past while seamlessly introducing the benefits of modern living. The property has been entirely reconstructed to an exceptional standard, including comprehensive insulation and the installation of all new electrical, water and heating systems, ensuring comfort, efficiency and longevity.

Today, the lodge stands as a rare offering. Combining historic provenance with modern living in a location of enduring Highland appeal.

The original house was traditionally arranged, offering eight bedrooms served by a single bathroom, reflective of its period origins. As part of its comprehensive restoration, a leading conservation architect was commissioned to reimagine the internal layout, carefully balancing heritage with modern day expectations. The result is a beautifully considered home to provide six reception rooms and five en suite bedrooms.

The configuration has transformed the property into a highly functional, elegant residence suited to both family living and entertaining.

Outside: About ten acres. Stable block has two loose boxes. Heating room for drying wet rugs.

Garage: There are three garages.

Location

Craigellachie is a small village in the centre of Moray Speyside that sits on confluence of the River Spey and river Fiddich. This allows for shooting, fishing and Kayaking. The village sits at the foot of Ben Aigan and Craigellachie bridge is particularly steeped in history. The well maintained, Speyside Way, one of Scotland’s long distance routes, skirts the town and is ideal for walker and cyclists. Craigellachie and Macallan distilleries offer many experiences with Macallan offering a fine dining experience.

Aberlour, which offers a delightfully wide range of amenities, things to do and places to explore. Village residents are entitled to purchase a year’s fishing permit for the Spey at substantial discount. Aberlour is in the heart of Scotland’s whisky country surrounded by numerous famous distilleries including Aberlour, Glenfiddich, Glenallachie, Benrinnes, Dailuaine, Dalmenach, Knockando, Glenfarclas, Cardhu, Balvenie and more, and it is also the home of Walker’s Shortbread.

The village is well-equipped with a small supermarket, health centre, dental practice, pharmacy, library, delicatessen, award winning butcher, traditional ironmonger, galleries, hotels, pubs, cafes and takeaways. Restaurants include the Mash Tun (well known among whisky aficionados), the Dowans Hotel and the Aberlour Hotel (current Cullen Skink world champions). Aberlour Primary School, Speyside High School, and the Aberlour Sports and Community Centre are all nearby on Mary Avenue, and there is an Aberlour bus stop for Gordonstoun School (20 miles).

Elgin, the principal nearby town (15 miles), has a wide range of amenities including major supermarkets, independent shops, sporting and recreational facilities, and business services, with bus and train stations providing direct links to Aberdeen and Inverness. The Moray Firth coast, Cairngorms National Park mountains, and Cabrach scenic area can be reached in as little as 20 miles and make for lovely days out. Aberlour is equidistant to Aberdeen and Inverness (55 miles either direction), which are modern, prosperous cities with extensive amenities, services and transport links. Both Aberdeen and Inverness airports are about an hour's drive from Aberlour and have frequent 1 hour flights to Heathrow, Schiphol and many other hubs and destinations.

Square Footage: 5,673 sq ft


Acreage: 10 Acres

Additional Info

Viewings: Strictly by appointment with Savills –

Services: Mains electricity. Private water and drainage. Oil central heating. A 450 litre hot water pressurised systems supplies the house.

Fixtures & Fittings: Standard fixtures and fittings are included in the sale.

Servitude rights, burdens and wayleaves: The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all servitude rights, burdens, reservations and wayleaves, including rights of access and rights of way, whether public or private, light, support, drainage, water and wayleaves for masts, pylons, stays, cable, drains and water, gas and other pipes, whether contained in the Title Deeds or informally constituted and whether referred to in the General Remarks and Stipulations or not. The Purchaser(s) will be held to have satisfied himself as to the nature of all such servitude rights and others.

Possession: Vacant possession and entry will be given on completion.

Offers: Offers, in Scottish legal form, must be submitted by your solicitor to the Selling Agents. It is intended to set a closing date but the seller reserves the right to negotiate a sale with a single party. All genuinely interested parties are advised to instruct their solicitor to note their interest with the Selling Agents immediately after inspection.

Deposit: A deposit of 10% of the purchase price may be required. It will be paid within 7 days of the conclusion of Missives. The deposit will be non-returnable in the event of the Purchaser(s) failing to complete the sale for reasons not attributable to the Seller or his agents.