In the heart of Speyside, where the River Isla gently flows, a hidden gem awaits whisky enthusiasts, adventure-seekers, and those in search of a tranquil Scottish escape. This November marks the grand opening of Linn House, a Victorian manor set to become the new hub for Scottish whisky. Managed by Chivas Brothers, the visionary force behind globally cherished whiskies like The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Ballantine’s, and Chivas Regal, Linn House promises a truly unique luxury experience for guests seeking the perfect minibreak with family and friends. Ross from The Luxury Editor was one of the first people to stay – read on to discover more.

An Exclusive Retreat

Tucked within the picturesque landscapes of Speyside with a view of the River Isla, Linn House stands proudly as the inaugural guest house and whisky retreat of Chivas Brothers, with roots dating back to 1870. Immerse yourself in fine dining, opulent interiors, and the Victorian charm that pervades, creating an ambience of serenity and luxury. Wander the grounds, breathe the fresh Scottish air, and unwind.

Originally designed in the 1870s by the esteemed Scottish gentleman Robert Kynoch-Shand, Linn House was a vision of a remarkable Victorian mansion in the heart of Keith. Recognising its grandeur in 1993, The Chivas and Glenlivet Group undertook a meticulous renovation to restore Linn House to its former glory. The result is a sumptuous haven that now stands as a premier destination, inviting guests to become part of a new chapter in its rich history.

Linn House cherishes conviviality and Tony Guerreiro and the rest of the team don’t think of guests as customers – rather as family. From the minute you arrive you will experience a warm Scottish welcome next to the roaring log fire, so make yourself at home for the weekend.

The Heart of Speyside

Speyside stands as a beacon for whisky enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Renowned globally as the beating heart of Scotch whisky production, the area is a region of Scotland where the art of distillation intertwines seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Home to a concentration of renowned distilleries, Speyside is a pilgrimage site for those seeking to explore the nuanced flavours and craftsmanship of single and blended malt whiskies and Linn House couldn’t be better located.

Found in the small town of Keith it is around 20 minutes to Dufftown and Aberdeen is a one-hour car journey, Aberdeen International Airport offers connections across Europe. It’s also around 2.5 hours by train to Edinburgh.

A Whisky Lover’s Paradise

One of the highlights of the renovation has to be the new Whisky Library. Boasting a carefully curated whisky collection covering three of the four walls of the library and featuring selections from The Glenlivet, Aberlour, Scapa, Chivas Regal, Royale Salute, and Ballantine’s, you can engage in guided tastings to explore these iconic whiskies some of which are over 30 years old.

You can tailor and customise your whisky experience and even elevate it to new heights by choosing one of their Whisky Library packages.

1. Bronze: Exploration – Whiskies up to 14 years old
2. Silver: Discovery – Whiskies up to 18 years old
3. Gold: Specialist Rare – Single cask whiskies aged 25 years and above
4. Platinum: Mastery Rare – Very limited-release single casks, aged 30 years and above

Attention to detail is paramount at Linn House and the entire experience can be tailored to a guest’s needs. On the launch night that we were there, we were in the very capable hands of Ethan Miln Global Brand Ambassador Chivas Brothers who mixed the most incredible cocktails throughout the evening.

Culinary Delights

As evening falls immerse yourself in the enchanting ambience of Linn House’s oak-panelled mahogany dining room. Savour fine dining experiences crafted by the house’s accomplished head chef, Eric, whose expertise has been refined in renowned Michelin and AA Rosette hotels.

Linn Houses’s commitment to excellence is unwavering. In pursuit of this, they have meticulously selected only the finest, freshest local and seasonal produce, ensuring that each delectable bite encapsulates the essence of craftsmanship and quality. Menu’s are guided by nature so as the seasons evolve, so do their menus, echoing the abundance of locally sourced ingredients within the local area. From succulent Moray scallops to flavourful venison and the timeless classic haggis, our dishes proudly showcase the diverse and rich flavours of Scotland.

Dinner

During our stay, we were treated to a delightful four-course meal with matching Royal Salute whiskies.

No dinner in Scotland would be the same without haggis and at Linn House you can expect your Haggis to be addressed with the famous Robert Burn’s poem “Address To A Haggis”.

Following dinner, a leg stretch is in order so we head to the garden fire pit for a nightcap dram – the ideal way to end an evening at Linn House.

Breakfast

Cooked to order and served in the dining room.

A Testimony to Heritage

Linn House boasts thirteen magnificent bedrooms across two floors, each named after one of their distilleries. Every room is uniquely designed, with some providing picturesque views of the River Isla and its scenic surroundings, while first-floor rooms offer enhanced floor space and features like free-standing baths and separate showers. All rooms feature fine Scottish textiles and linens, and opulent bathrooms, with underfloor heating and exclusive Scottish toiletries, while some room’s beds can be swapped from king to twin depending on guests’ needs.

My room during my stay was on the second floor in the Glen Keith room, named after the Glen Keith distillery which was founded in 1957 and also lies in the town of Keith – a close walk to Linn House. Resplendent in traditional Scottish hues the room has views looking out over the garden, as well as including a small lounge area and desk.

A lovely surprise of a bottle of Linn House Reserve whisky is placed in each guest’s room at Linn House – this is definitely one to tuck away in your whisky collection.

Rooms on the second floor feature beautiful rain showers (the first-floor bedrooms also have baths and showers)

Crafting Your Escape

A stay at Linn House isn’t a cookie-cutter experience and the house team collaborates closely with guests to create tailor-made itineraries for the ideal rural escape. Linn House and its surroundings, offer a plethora of opportunities for you to embark on exciting new adventures.

Immerse yourself in the world of whisky with a cocktail masterclass in the Whisky Library or delve into the art of whisky-making through a fascinating guided tour and tasting of one of their three local distilleries.

Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting and experience regal flair which is Ballindalloch Castle, which is still a family home and you can learn the fascinating family history of the castle from the very witty and charismatic Guy Macpherson-Grant.

Or go on a one-of-a-kind food safari with Le Cordon Bleu chef Ghillie Basan at her family home where you can learn about foraging for food, cook in her family kitchen and eat her award-winning food, along with lots of Speyside whisky.

Booking Your Escape

Whether you seek a family retreat or an unforgettable weekend away with friends, Linn House is the ultimate Speyside destination. Accommodating up to 12 guests in six rooms, the property is available at £9,600. Alternatively, the full house reservation grants access to all 12 rooms and accommodates up to 24 guests for £19,200. Both options include a two-night stay with breakfast, a three-course seasonal dinner or Scottish dinner with a wine selection, an ‘exploration’ drink package, and a bottle of Linn House Reserve whisky for each guest. A minimum two-night stay applies for all bookings. Prices are valid until 30th June 2024.

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