Schoolhouse Ballater B&B offers accommodations in Ballater, 12 miles from Aboyne Golf Club and 16 miles from Corgarff Castle. Housed in a building dating back to 19th century, this bed and breakfast is 11 miles from Balmoral Castle and 29 miles from CairnGorm National Park. There's a picnic area and guests can access free Wifi and free private parking. At the bed and breakfast, units are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, and towels. The bed and breakfast offers some units with mountain views, and all units are equipped with a kettle. At the bed and breakfast, all units have a seating area. After a day of skiing, cycling, or hiking, guests can relax in the garden or the shared lounge area. Craigievar Castle is 20 miles from the bed and breakfast, while Kildrummy Castle is 22 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Aberdeen Airport, 39 miles from Schoolhouse Ballater B&B.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.5 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
 
2 twin beds
and
1 king bed
or
2 twin beds
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Property practices

This property told us they've 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
9.3
Location
9.6
Free Wifi
10
High score for Ballater
Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Kantner
    United States of America United States of America
    Beautiful location. Very conveniently located. The owners are lovely & extremely friendly.
  • Alasdair
    United Kingdom United Kingdom
    Comfortable, cozy, with private parking and close to local restaurants. Delightful hosts.
  • Raymond
    United States of America United States of America
    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

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

Area info

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

Most popular amenities
  • Free parking
  • Free Wifi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Family rooms
Bathroom
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Private Bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
Bedroom
  • Linens
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
  • Horseback riding
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Cycling
    Off-site
  • Hiking
    Off-site
  • Skiing
  • Fishing
    Additional chargeOff-site
  • Golf course (within 2 miles)
    Additional charge
Living Area
  • Sitting 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 available on site (reservation is not needed).
    Services
    • Daily housekeeping
    • Shared lounge/TV area
    Front Desk Services
    • Invoice provided
    Safety & security
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Smoke alarms
    General
    • Smoke-free property
    • Hardwood or parquet floors
    • Soundproof
    • 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 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM

    Check-out

    From 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM

     

    Cancellation/
    prepayment

    Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

    Children & Beds

    Child policies

    Children of all ages are welcome.

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

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

    Crib and extra bed policies

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

    The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

    All cribs 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 for this stay on behalf of the property, 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 need be quiet between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

    Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

    The fine print
    Must-know information for guests at this property

    This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.

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

    FAQs about Schoolhouse Ballater B&B

    • The prices at Schoolhouse Ballater B&B may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

    • Schoolhouse Ballater B&B is 1,500 feet from the center of Ballater. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

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

      • Cycling
      • Hiking
      • Skiing
      • Fishing
      • Golf course (within 2 miles)
      • Horseback riding
      • Walking tours
      • Tour or class about local culture
      • Bike tours

    • Check-in at Schoolhouse Ballater B&B is from 3:30 PM, and check-out is until 10:30 AM.

    • Room options at Schoolhouse Ballater B&B include:

      • Twin/Double