Located at the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park and renowned as the home of single malt whisky, our location - where Speyside and Highlands meet - is truly special. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Glenlivet Estate and Strath Avon, overlooked by the Cromdale Hills and Ben Rinnes, this charming Grade B Listed former manse creates an unforgettable setting. The property harmonises beautifully with its surroundings, featuring meticulously designed interiors for your comfort.
Old Manse of Craggan
A Slice of History in Glenlivet
Nestled at the edge of Speyside and the Highlands, the Old Manse of Craggan boasts a rich and captivating history. Designed by the renowned architects A & W Reid of Elgin, this splendid establishment was completed in 1854. Its south-facing facade features a symmetrical three-storey structure made of traditional rubble stone, showcasing the unique architectural charm typical of the Victorian era.
The Manse is adorned with distinctive features, including elegant tripartite windows with wooden mullions, beautifully preserved original plaster cornices and restored stone fireplaces that reflect its storied past. An intriguing detail are the antique servant electric bell annunciators, remnants of a time when the household staff would be summoned to attend to the needs of the residents. Topping it all off is the roof made from graded Banffshire slate, an homage to the ancient county’s richly woven history.
Originally built for the Minister of the Kirk o' Craggan, the Manse stood proudly to the south of the adjacent United Free Church, which was tragically demolished in 1940. Its roots reach back to the Disruption of 1843 when a new church was constructed for the Free Church of Scotland congregation at the Craggan. Before their dedicated place of worship was completed in 1844, churchgoers would meet outdoors at a site dubbed the Moderator’s Seat, some 500 yards to the south.
The church operated until 1929, when it united with the congregation of Auchbreck and returned to the Church of Scotland. With its closure came the eventual demolition, yet the cherished Old Manse remains and is now a Grade B Listed structure, alongside the walled garden and the stone-built steading that once served as a coach house and accommodation for the gatekeeper of Glenlivet Estate.
Over the years, the Manse has been home to many intriguing individuals, including the notorious Anthony Williams, the self-proclaimed Laird of Tomintoul. An accountant turned convicted fraudster, Williams managed to buy the title Baron of Chirnside with the money he embezzled during his employment as a finance officer at the Metropolitan Police in London. His audacious theft of over £5 million led to a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence in 1995, with his life story now a subject of documentary focus on BBC Scotland.
Interestingly, Williams's investments in Tomintoul had a positive impact on the local economy, altering perceptions of him from a fraudster to a somewhat Robin Hood-esque figure. Even today, villagers gather at the local pub on his birthday to raise a dram in honour of the complex legacy he left behind.
A Highland Getaway
To Suit You
At the Old Manse of Craggan, we pride ourselves on a truly personal approach to ensure your Highland getaway is unforgettable, whether you’re seeking romance, adventure, or relaxation. We strive to make each meal by the roaring fire, each cup of coffee in our walled garden and each sip of whisky in our snug just the way you like.
Experience the flavours and fragrances of the Whisky Country through our offering. From local delicacies to natural cosmetics, every detail is crafted to make your stay truly special.
