Image Credit: Knight Frank
Bob Dylan’s historic estate in the Scottish Highlands, known as Aultmore House, was a serene retreat for the legendary singer-songwriter.
Nestled in the village of Nethy Bridge within Cairngorm National Park, this Edwardian Country manor, purchased by Dylan and his brother David Zimmerman in 2006 for £2.2 million ($2.8 million), has been a symbol of tranquility and inspiration.
The brothers visited the home each year until the COVID-19 pandemic, after which it was rarely visited.
The Story Behind Aultmore House
Built between 1911 and 1915 by Archibald Merrilees, co-founder of M&M, the first department store in Russia, Aultmore House was designed by London architect C.H.B. Quennell.
Despite its historic roots, the mansion has undergone significant renovations, including updates to wiring, heating, and water systems in 2007, ensuring modern comforts without losing its period charm.
The property also has a storied history, changing hands several times.
It housed the families of London financier John Nivison and British spy Charles Hargreaves, served as a convalescent hospital during World War II, and was later transformed into a bed and breakfast by Brian and Irene Taylor in the 1990s.
Moreover, this house became culturally significant after being featured in the BBC drama series “Monarch of the Glen.”
Features of Aultmore House
This 18,357-square-foot mansion, featuring 16 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, offers stunning garden views from every room. Set on 24 acres, the estate includes a Victorian greenhouse, a charming garden, a grand fountain, and a croquet lawn, all contributing to its enchanting appeal.
Inside, the property boasts four elegant reception rooms, including a music room with Adam-style marble fireplaces.
Period details have been meticulously preserved, such as the limestone staircase with its wrought iron and wooden balustrade, enhancing the home’s classic charm.
Additionally, there are three guest cottages named Osprey, Heron, and Curlew, which are part of the estate.
These cottages provide further accommodations and add to the overall allure of the Aultmore estate, making it a unique and picturesque property in the Scottish Highlands.
Dylan’s Deep Connection to Scotland
Bob Dylan, a Nobel laureate, has long-standing ties to Scotland.
His love for the Scottish Highlands is reflected in his song “Highlands” from the 1997 album “Time Out of Mind”, which features evocative lyrics about the region’s natural beauty.
The song’s title is borrowed from the poem “My Heart’s in the Highlands” by Scottish poet Robert Burns, and Dylan’s lyrics paint a picture of the serene landscape, with references to honeysuckle, bluebells, and the Aberdeen waters
This connection made Aultmore House a perfect private retreat for him, embodying both tranquility and inspiration.
Recent Sale and New Ownership
This mansion was sold for $5.35 million, significantly above the initial asking price of $3.9 million, indicating its high demand.
The new owner, Angus Dundee Distillers, a renowned Scotch whisky company, now holds this remarkable property.
Their distillery in Tomintoul is just 13 miles from Dylan’s former estate, adding another layer of connection to the region.
More Photos
The exterior of the cottage exudes quaint charm, surrounded by lush greenery that creates a cozy and private space within the estate.
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An aerial view of Aultmore House reveals its grand scale and the extensive, well-maintained grounds, highlighting the estate’s secluded and impressive location.
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The exterior of the estate showcases traditional architecture with a charming mix of gabled roofs and lush surroundings, providing a serene and private retreat.
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Climbing flowers adorn the exterior of one of the estate’s cottages, surrounded by vibrant gardens, and offer a tranquil and picturesque retreat.
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Meticulously maintained landscaped gardens feature manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and a Victorian greenhouse, all framed by the natural beauty of the surrounding forest.
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A colorful and vibrant garden, adjacent to the mansion, is filled with an array of blooming flowers, offering a picturesque and tranquil environment.
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The long gravel path lined with greenery leads to a quaint garden shed, adding a touch of rustic charm to the estate’s expansive grounds.
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Taking center stage, the mansion’s vast landscaped gardens and a circular fountain are surrounded by lush greenery and the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
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A black-and-white wedding scene captures guests in traditional attire gathered around the circular fountain, highlighting the estate’s charm and elegance as an event venue.
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This watercolor-style representation of Aultmore House showcases the exterior of the mansion, surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens and the vibrant foliage of the countryside.
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The tree-lined driveway of the estate shows a serene path leading through a canopy of vibrant green and autumnal trees, creating a picturesque entrance to the property.
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An aerial view of Aultmore House reveals its extensive grounds and the surrounding natural beauty of the Highlands, highlighting the estate’s impressive scale and secluded location.
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A vintage photograph of Aultmore House shows the property in its earlier days, providing a glimpse into the historical heritage of the estate and its architectural significance.
Image Credit: Highland Historic Environment Record Beautiful Interiors
The grand entrance hall impresses with its high ceilings, a central staircase with a wrought-iron balustrade, and pristine tile flooring, leading into the heart of this magnificent home.
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Elegant coffered ceilings, arched doorways, and a long blue-carpeted walkway characterize the hallway of Aultmore House, showcasing the mansion’s period architectural details.
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A sunlit porch with large windows opens up to the garden, offering an inviting seating area with a view of the distant mountains, blending indoor comfort with outdoor beauty.
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The lavishly furnished living room features a grand piano, luxurious seating, and a classic fireplace, emphasizing the blend of historical elegance and modern comfort within the mansion.
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Tastefully decorated, the sitting room features antique furniture, a cozy fireplace, and large windows that fill the space with natural light, showcasing the mansion’s timeless charm.
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The living area exudes elegance with large windows allowing natural light to flood the room, parquet flooring, and a classic fireplace enhancing the ambiance.
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An inviting sitting room features comfortable seating arrangements, intricate ceiling details, and a seamless flow into the adjoining dining area, reflecting the home’s sophisticated charm.
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The kitchen offers both functionality and style, featuring modern appliances, wooden cabinetry, and a spacious dining table, perfect for casual meals and gatherings.
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This bathroom features a vintage-style clawfoot tub, elegant fixtures, and a soothing color palette, combining classic design with contemporary comfort.
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Natural light streams through the window, brightening a cozy bedroom with comfortable twin beds and charming decor, creating a welcoming space.
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Another bedroom offers a serene atmosphere with a double bed, tasteful decor, and soft lighting, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
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A compact kitchen features light wood cabinetry, modern appliances, and a window view, efficiently designed to provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
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The cozy living area features a comfortable sofa, a flat-screen TV, and a dining table in the background, creating an inviting space for relaxation and entertainment.
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With ample seating, a grand chandelier, and large windows, the living room provides a bright and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for gatherings and relaxation.
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An elegant dining room features a long table set for a formal meal, with high ceilings, large windows, and classic decor enhancing the sophisticated ambiance.
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The study offers a serene workspace with a wooden desk, built-in bookshelves, and a marble fireplace, creating a perfect environment for focus and productivity.
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This elegant bedroom features a grand chandelier, a fireplace with intricate carvings, a plush rug, and large windows adorned with soft, flowing curtains.
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Another spacious bedroom showcases a comfortable bed, a classic armchair, a charming fireplace, and walls adorned with traditional artwork, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
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A quaint and bright bedroom includes a comfortable bed with crisp linens, a wooden desk, and large windows that fill the room with natural light, framed by delicate curtains.
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The master suite boasts a large four-poster bed, a luxurious sitting area with upholstered chairs, and expansive windows that bathe the room in soft, natural light, complemented by elegant drapery.
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This bathroom features a vintage green clawfoot tub, a pristine white sink and toilet, and a separate shower, all set against a backdrop of classic tile work and subtle decor.
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