The captivating tales of The Doune
A Highland house shaped by courage, heritage, and quiet restoration.
A place where history breathes through every room
A place where history lives in the walls
The Doune has long been a home to remarkable people and extraordinary stories. Its past is woven with Highland courage, naval heroism, Victorian elegance, and a modern restoration that brought the house back from dereliction to quiet magnificence. Today, guests step into a place where history is not just remembered - it’s alive.
Colonel Anne: the Jacobite heroine who fooled an army
One of the most captivating tales connected to The Doune is that of Lady Anne Farquharson‑MacKintosh, known throughout history as “Colonel Anne.” Married to Clan Chief Angus Mackintosh, she became a fierce supporter of Prince Charles Edward Stuart during the Jacobite rising. Her most famous act - the ingenious “Rout of Moy” - involved tricking a Government force into believing a large Jacobite army awaited them at Moy Hall, successfully preventing an attack on the Prince. Though the main battle took place at Culloden, Colonel Anne’s loyalty made her a central figure in the Jacobite cause, and she was later imprisoned after the final defeat. Her story remains one of the Highlands’ most extraordinary examples of bravery and cunning.
Vice Admiral Lachlan Donald Mackintosh: courage at sea
The Doune was also once home to Vice Admiral Lachlan Donald Mackintosh, a senior naval commander during the Second World War. He is buried at Daviot Church, and his life adds a powerful chapter to the estate’s heritage. In August 1942, while escorting a convoy to Malta as part of Operation Pedestal, the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle - under his command - was struck by four torpedoes fired by German U‑boat U‑73, south of Majorca. The ship sank with the loss of two officers and 158 ratings, yet Mackintosh survived along with 926 crew members. The U‑boat’s captain, Helmut Rosenbaum, was awarded the Iron Cross, First Class.
Victorian elegance at the heart of the house
Echoes of the Victorian era
If the walls of The Doune could speak, they would whisper stories from the Victorian age - a time of refinement, craftsmanship, and quiet grandeur. Many of the architectural details that give the house its charm today were shaped during this period, and their presence continues to define its timeless character guests experience today.
From Derelict to Magnificent
The Doune has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a derelict state in 2009 to its current magnificent form in 2025. Many original features have been carefully restored and enhanced, honouring the house’s heritage while creating a peaceful, luxurious retreat for modern guests.
A living legacy
Every guest who stays at The Doune becomes part of its ongoing story. Whether you’re drawn by Highland history, the tranquillity of the countryside, or the house’s quiet sense of grandeur, this is a place that welcomes reflection, celebration, and connection.
If you’d like help planning your stay or arranging something special, we’re always here to make it effortless - simply visit our Contact or Booking page.