River and countryside in Royal Deeside
WELCOME TO LOWER DESS

Our corner of
Royal Deeside.

Lower Dess is a family-owned and run working estate with the River Dee at its heart. It is a place we care deeply about, and one we love sharing with people who come to stay, fish, celebrate or simply spend a little time here.

A PLACE TO FEEL AT HOME · SCOTLAND
A place with a storyOUR ESTATE

Rooted in the landscape.

Lower Dess is a 428-acre family-owned and run working estate on the north bank of the River Dee.

The estate brings together river, woodland, fields, accommodation and working land — not as a backdrop, but as part of everyday life here.

Countryside accommodation at Lower Dess01 / LIFE AT LOWER DESS
Carefully consideredTHE ESTATE TODAY

Old stories.
New chapters.

Over the years, the estate has evolved carefully, with old buildings given new life and the fishing, landscape and wildlife remaining central to what makes Dess special.

We want it to feel beautifully looked after without ever feeling overdone.

River and landscape in the Scottish countryside
River, woodland & open skies

A place shaped by the landscape around it.

Find your way hereLOCATION

In the heart of Royal Deeside.

We are in Royal Deeside, near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire, with the River Dee running through the estate. Aberdeen is within reach, while Balmoral, Deeside villages, castles, walks and outdoor activities are all close enough for easy days out.

GET DIRECTIONS
Royal Deeside countryside02 / EXPLORE ROYAL DEESIDE
OUT & ABOUT

Not far from here.

Approximate distances and driving times from the estate.

DESTINATIONDISTANCEDRIVE
  • Aberdeen Airport26 miles42 min
  • Aberdeen City Centre28 miles48 min
  • Balmoral Castle21 miles29 min
  • Crathes Castle14 miles24 min
  • Dunnottar Castle29 miles49 min
  • Ballater14 miles21 min
  • Braemar30 miles42 min
  • Aboyne3 miles5 min
  • Tarland Trails9 miles15 min
  • Royal Lochnagar Distillery22 miles32 min

Distances and journey times supplied by the estate; please confirm before publication. Times may vary with traffic and conditions.

Landscape at Lower Dess Estate
We look forward to welcoming you

Come and discover Dess.

Stay, fish, celebrate or simply enjoy a little time here.

PLAN YOUR VISIT