Set in Ballater and only 18 km from Balmoral Castle, Schoolhouse Ballater B&B offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. The property has garden views and is 47 km from CairnGorm National Park and 20 km from Aboyne Golf Club. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a picnic area. At the bed and breakfast, units are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. A fridge and kettle are also offered. Guests can dine in an outdoor dining area at the bed and breakfast. After a day of skiing, cycling or hiking, guests can relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Corgarff Castle is 25 km from the bed and breakfast, while Craigievar Castle is 31 km from the property. The nearest airport is Aberdeen Airport, 63 km from Schoolhouse Ballater B&B.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

Top location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.6)

Free private parking available on-site


Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Room type
Number of guests
 
1 single bed
and
1 extra-large double bed
2 single beds
and
1 extra-large double bed
or
2 single beds
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Property practices

This property has told us they implemented certain practices across some or all of these categories: waste, water, energy and greenhouse gases, destination and community, and nature.
Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
9.9
Facilities
9.6
Cleanliness
9.8
Comfort
9.8
Value for money
9.2
Location
9.6
Free WiFi
10
High score for Ballater
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Raymond
    United States United States
    The breakfast were wonderful with good choices. There was enough for us to make a small lunch also. We couldn’t of asked for a better host and hostess and the inn was a fun place to be, great location, and interesting history of the property
  • S
    Stella
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    We had a lovely stay here. It is centrally located, the room is spacious and has everything you need. The hosts are very friendly. Definitely recommend staying here!
  • Barrie
    New Zealand New Zealand
    Large well designed room with excelent bed, shared lounge was great with couches to loose yourself in, the continental breakfast brought to us each night by an excellent host had everything in it

Hosted by Cathy

9.9
9.9
Host review score
Host review score

Cathy
Schoolhouse is a refreshingly different B&B, in a beautifully renovated Victorian villa, on the edge of the much loved Scottish highland town of Ballater. Schoolhouse rooms are light, fresh, clean and spacious, offering privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. Rooms all have good views and all are equipped with a fridge, kettle and dining area. There's wifi and TV in each room as well as a smart TV in the lounge. Beds are superking or twin with soft cotton bedlinen and the bedrooms all have en suite or private shower rooms. There are wooden floors throughout the building and many beautiful, natural features. Schoolhouse provides complimentary breakfast items in each room (tea/coffee, fruit juice, seasonal fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereal, milks, local bread or rolls, homemade jam). The lounge has enormous sofas where guests can curl up in front of a wood burning stove on chilly evenings. There's also a a lovely, productive garden with tables and chairs where guest can relax. It's a 5 minute walk to the village centre. Many guests say there's a special atmosphere in Schoolhouse - like coming into a very loving home where people feel welcomed and at ease - guests often say it's the best B&B of their trip.
Schoolhouse owners Alan and Cathy have travelled extensively and are internationally minded, speaking several languages. They previously ran an English language school and until their B&B business at Schoolhouse was flooded out in 2015, they also ran English language and dental camps in Sri Lanka and India. Their international outlook and travel experience is reflected in the uncluttered design, layout and ambience of Schoolhouse. Cathy is a professional storyteller and is passionate about serving good, nutritious food. Alan has done most of the Schoolhouse renovation work himself both in 2005 when the couple first opened Schoolhouse and again after the flood in 2015. When not working, he loves getting out into the beautiful nature surrounding Ballater and travelling to his homeland of Sri Lanka. Older now, they are an energetic couple full of life, character and fun. They are experienced people people who are determined to run an environmentally responsible business.
Ballater is a much loved, bustling village with a wide range of independent shops, quality restaurants, cafes and pubs. People love walking around the village centre. Ballater is in the stunning environment of the Cairngorm National Park and a 10 minute drive to Balmoral Castle where the British royal family spend their summer holidays. Mountain, forest and river scenery provide a rich and vibrant environment, full of history, castles and whisky distilleries, culture and world class outdoor adventures, including mountain biking, gliding, golfing, hiking, climbing, horse riding and foraging. Ballater sits at crossroads, on old trading routes, so visitors can strike out in any direction as part of a tour. There is so much to see and do in the local area - one night is never enough!
Languages spoken: German,English,French

Property surroundings

Facilities of Schoolhouse Ballater B&B
Great facilities! Review score, 9.6

Most popular facilities
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linen
View
  • View
Outdoors
  • Picnic area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Dining table
  • Electric kettle
  • Refrigerator
Room Amenities
  • Socket near the bed
  • Clothes rack
Activities
  • Tour or class about local culture
    Additional charge
  • Bike tours
    Additional charge
  • Walking tours
    Additional charge
  • Horse riding
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Cycling
    Off-site
  • Hiking
    Off-site
  • Skiing
  • Fishing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Golf course (within 3 km)
    Additional charge
Living Area
  • Seating Area
  • Desk
Media & Technology
  • Flat-screen TV
  • TV
Food & Drink
  • Breakfast in the room
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).
    Services
    • Daily housekeeping
    • Shared lounge/TV area
    Reception services
    • Invoice provided
    Safety & security
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Smoke alarms
    General
    • Non-smoking throughout
    • Hardwood or parquet floors
    • Soundproofing
    • Heating
    • Family rooms
    • Non-smoking rooms
    Languages spoken
    • German
    • English
    • French

    House rules

    Schoolhouse Ballater B&B takes special requests - add in the next step!

    Check-in

    From 15:30 to 20:30

    Check-out

    From 07:30 to 10:30

     

    Cancellation/
    prepayment

    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check the conditions of your required room.

    Children and beds

    Child policies

    Children of any age are welcome.

    Children 13 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.

    To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.

    Cot and extra bed policies

    0 - 2 years
    Extra bed upon request
    Free
    Cot upon request
    Free
    3 - 12 years
    Extra bed upon request
    Free

    The number of extra beds and cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.

    All cots and extra beds are subject to availability.

    Age restriction

    The minimum age for check-in is 18

    Payments by Booking.com

    Booking.com takes your payment on behalf of the property for this stay, but make sure you have cash for any extras once you get there.


    Smoking

    Smoking is not allowed.

    Parties

    Parties/events are not allowed

    Quiet hours

    Guests must be quiet between 22:00 and 08:00.

    Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

    The fine print
    Need-to-know information for guests at this property

    This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.

    Quiet hours are between 22:00:00 and 08:00:00.

    FAQs about Schoolhouse Ballater B&B

    • Schoolhouse Ballater B&B is 500 yards from the centre of Ballater. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

    • The prices at Schoolhouse Ballater B&B may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates you select, hotel's policy etc.). See the prices by entering your dates.

    • Schoolhouse Ballater B&B offers the following activities / services (charges may apply):

      • Cycling
      • Hiking
      • Skiing
      • Fishing
      • Golf course (within 3 km)
      • Horse riding
      • Walking tours
      • Tour or class about local culture
      • Bike tours

    • Room options at Schoolhouse Ballater B&B include:

      • Twin/Double

    • Check-in at Schoolhouse Ballater B&B is from 15:30, and check-out is until 10:30.