History of Culgruff

Culgruff House was commissioned by Robert Stewart as a wedding gift for his wife, the daughter of the third Baronet of Cardoness. Construction of the grand Victorian mansion spanned six years, reaching completion in 1889.

Following Robert Stewart’s passing in 1902, and with the couple having no children, the estate eventually passed into the hands of Mrs. Stewart’s family.

A notable moment in the house's history occurred in 1947, when, shortly after the engagement of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, the Duchess of Grafton made a private visit to Culgruff—accompanied by the future Queen herself.

In the late 1940s, ownership transferred to a Mrs. McCormick, under whose stewardship the house was first opened as a hotel. Later, in the 1970s, the property was purchased by Mr. Grayson. As the story goes, he met a guest at the house, and Cupid played her part—he later married her. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Grayson continued to operate Culgruff as a guest house with letting rooms until they sold it in 2008.

Robert Shaw became the next custodian, running the house both as a hotel and offering meals to guests.

We became the proud guardians of Culgruff House in June 2018, and continue to preserve its rich heritage while welcoming guests to experience its timeless charm.