The Fife Arms

Dating back to the 19th Century, the original building was constructed to be close to the royal residence of Balmoral, where Queen Victoria frequently visited. The current owners have carried out a sensitive and thorough restoration to bring the property back to its glorious heyday, maintaining original features such as the timber sash windows and original chimney stacks.

Featuring over 14,000 art pieces in the form of furniture, paintings and antiques, the Fife Arms offers an incredible balance between traditional Scottish flair and modern accents. The walls and ceilings are adorned with creative pieces from glass-blown chandeliers to walls decorated with elk horns and an impressive metal spider sculpture in the contemplation courtyard. There is even a Picasso housed in one of the main drawing rooms, attracting art connoisseurs from around the globe to this enchanting hotel. While the art pieces give the estate a contemporary edge, the traditional tartan carpet, which was made especially for the Fife Arms, and the custom tweed pattern on the walls is another nod to Scottish heritage.

Each of the 46 rooms of this boutique hotel encapsulate a unique theme ranging from traditional Scottish culture, celebrating some of Scotland’s leading figures in science and the arts, to nature and poetry rooms featuring materials native to Scotland such as heather, horn and tweed. The suites are inspired by some of Braemar’s most noble visitors and reflect the hotel’s history as a 19th century coaching inn.

 

Dining options are aplenty here with the Clunie Dining Room showcasing contemporary British cuisine and wood-fire cooking with seasonal produce. Otherwise, for a relaxed and lively setting, The Flying Stag, The Fife Arm’s own public house, serves classic Scottish dishes and ales with live entertainment attracting many locals. Once refuelled, uncover the cosy library featuring a seemingly endless number of books or head to the spa for a relaxing wind down after a long day exploring!