Tucked away on the peaceful Dorback Estate near Nethybridge, Drum Lodge is a spacious and luxurious conversion of a traditional stone steading transformed by renowned architect Lachlan Stewart and later refurbished in Summer 2025. With seven bedrooms, generous living spaces and views across the Dorback Burn and surrounding Cairngorms, it offers the perfect blend of comfort, style and Highland charm, ideal for large families or groups of friends looking to reconnect in nature.
Inside, the lodge feels welcoming and light-filled, with original features and thoughtful modern touches throughout. You are greeted by a large entrance hall, perfect for shaking off muddy boots after a day exploring the estate. The heart of the house is the open-plan living and dining area, a warm and social space designed for slow evenings and shared meals. A grand bow window embraces the landscape, its cushioned seats inviting you to linger over spectacular panoramic views of the Dorback Burn and Cairngorm Mountains beyond - an idyllic spot to savour morning coffee. The central fireplace is a striking feature, creating a cosy atmosphere that draws everyone together. Meals can be enjoyed at the large dining table, big enough for everyone to gather round in comfort whether it's a celebratory feast or a relaxed post-walk supper.
Below this, a snug room offers an inviting place to curl up with a film or a book, complete with a TV, open fireplace, and even a hearth seat. There's also a handy office space, should you need a quiet moment or a quick check-in with the outside world.
The well-equipped kitchen makes cooking a joy featuring a Rangemaster cooker, two dishwashers, a coffee machine, and plenty of space for prepping and chatting. The arched kitchen window frames a tranquil view of the burn, adding a touch of magic to every mealtime.
French doors from both the living space and bedroom corridor open into a peaceful central courtyard, a unique feature that brings natural light into the heart of the house. With outdoor seating and suntrap warmth on calm days, it's perfect for a morning coffee or evening G&T.
There is a fabulous sauna area, featuring a private, dedicated shower, which provides an indulgent retreat for relaxing and rejuvenating after a day on the trails.
Drum Lodge comfortably sleeps up to 15 guests across seven bedrooms. A few steps down from the main living area on the ground floor, you'll find five bedrooms, three of which have stylish double sink en-suites. Two of the rooms on this floor offer floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the duck pond, a peaceful view to wake up to.
A large family bathroom with bath, separate shower, and double sinks provides additional space for guests.
Upstairs, you'll find a fun chill-out zone with TV and play space, perfect for younger guests along with two unique bedrooms, one with three custom-built cabin beds and en-suite and the other with two cabin beds and en-suite. While the space is designed with younger guests in mind, the custom-built beds are full-sized singles and can fit adults as well.
Drum Lodge is set within well-maintained gardens that surround the house, offering stunning views of the Dorback Burn and the distant Cairngorm Mountains. A charming duck pond sits on the lawn, home to a few resident ducks, and it's not uncommon to spot red squirrels, deer, or birds of prey passing through.
This is more than just a place to stay, it's a place to gather, unwind, and reconnect with the natural world. Whether you're exploring the wilds of the Cairngorms or simply enjoying the firelight with family and friends, this special Highland lodge invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
Drum Lodge is designed to be bookable by families and family groups only. Please contact the Great North Lodges office for other groups and we can't accept bookings from stag or hen parties.
Included:
Linen & towels
Starter pack of logs (2 baskets)
Wifi
Christmas decorations – Included for festive weeks
Highchair & cot
Rooms:
Ground Floor:
Kitchen – fully equipped including microwave, 2 dishwashers and coffee machine
Living/dining room with log burner
Snug with TV & Log burner
Sauna with separate shower
WC
Utility Room - washing machine, tumble dryer
Lower Ground Floor:
Bedroom 1 – King with en-suite (shower over bath & twin sinks) and floor to ceiling windows
Bedroom 2 – SuperKing with en-suite (bath & separate shower & twin sinks)
Bedroom 3 – SuperKing with en-suite (shower over bath)
Bedroom 4 – SuperKing Room with floor to ceiling windows
Bedroom 5 - SuperKing Room
Note, Bedrooms 3,4,& 5 can be made up as twin beds, please state at time of booking if twin beds are required
Bathroom with bath and separate shower
First Floor:
Bedroom 6 – Custom cabin beds, 2 singles with en suite shower room
Bedroom 7 – Custom cabin beds, 3 singles with en-suite shower room
Living room with TV
Dog friendly – up to 2 dogs welcome. The garden area is not enclosed therefore dogs must be kept under close control or on a lead
Parking for 5 cars
