YSW on tour | The Old Manse of Blair

Choosing your wedding venue has to be up there as one of the most exciting aspects of planning.

You want somewhere that reflects both of your personalities, but there are other considerations too.

Do you want somewhere where all your guests can stay overnight?

What about having your setting on an exclusive-use basis? And what’s the general atmosphere?

YSW’s head of editorial Katie visited The Old Manse of Blair to check out all it had to offer…

It’s a dark November evening when we pass the famous House of Bruar and drive the short distance to The Old Manse of Blair.

Although I know we’re in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by hills and woods, for now all I can see are the welcoming lights of this beautiful stone-built mansion, which dates back to 1828.

Stepping through the front door into the cosy lamplight, I’m struck by the pared back, unassuming elegance and subtle Scottish décor.

A touch of velvet here, some heavy tweed there and the tasteful use of antlers and pheasant feathers give The Old Manse a truly grand country house feel.

My friend and I are escorted to The Bothy suite with bedrooms in restful muted grey tones.

The beds with their grand oversized bedheads and plush velvet cushions look so tempting but we settle in quickly before heading downstairs for dinner.

The Orangery was awarded a five star from Visit Scotland and the AA in 2019 and it’s not difficult to see why.

The chefs here take full advantage of the local larder and portions are plentiful.

I start with a delicious sweet potato soup with chilli oil before the main event of venison, fondant potato and cavalo nero – autumn on a plate – and, had I been on my own, I could have licked it clean.

The black garlic sauce was that good.

A baked lemon tart with Italian meringue and a glass of Beaujolais later and I’m ready to stretch out in front of the fire in the manse’s elegant drawing room .

A relaxed and intimate affair

The marble fireplace, beautiful bay window and grand piano make the drawing room a charming setting for a wee elopement, but indoor affairs can also be accommodated in the dining room (capacity 14 people) with its high ceilings, regency fireplace and shelves of whisky, or in the light-filled orangery (45 guests) .

To truly take advantage of the Manse’s setting though head outdoors into the 10 acres of grounds for an al fresco ceremony.

Choose from the manicured lawn, sun terrace and mature borders or the more rustic walled garden.

I’m a fan of the cute Old Greenhouse which would be the perfect spot for photos.

The view at The Old Manse is spectacular, looking across the valley to high hills.

Call me biased but I don’t think it gets better than autumn in the Highlands.

Exclusively yours

Here’s the good news. The Old Manse of Blair only hires for weddings on an exclusive-use basis so you’ll have the run of this pretty estate for just you and your closest friends.

With 23 luxury en suite bedrooms, including the mansion house rooms, stables snugs, railway cottage and, the newest addition; the walled garden rooms, you’ll all be able to enjoy a relaxed celebration, knowing it’s not far to bed.

And what’s more, your wedding needn’t be a one-day affair.

Keep the party going with a barbecue the next day and some Highland Games in your very own grounds.

Look out for the second part of our tour to the amazing Cromlix

Find out more about The Old Manse of Blair here