Our Story
A Home from Home in Gardenstown
The story of Gamrie Chalets is also tied to the history of the village itself.
I bought the site from the local laird when it was little more than a row of derelict clifftop garages dating from the 1940s. In their working days, they had been used for mending and storing fishing nets — part of an industry that shaped generations of life in Gamrie. As the fishing industry changed and declined through the 20th century, the garages gradually fell out of use and were left to the elements.
At first glance, there wasn't much to see beyond a row of old garages. But the location was extraordinary.
Perhaps I needed to move away from Gamrie for a while to truly appreciate what I had grown up with — the peace, the slower pace of life, the character of the village and, of course, that incredible view across Gardenstown and the Moray Firth.
When I looked at the old garages, I began to see what they could become. Perched high above the village, with the sea stretching out in front of them, there was an opportunity to give this forgotten little corner of Gamrie a new life.
That idea eventually became Gamrie Chalets — transforming a site once connected to the village's fishing past into a place where people can come to slow down, relax and experience the beauty of Gamrie for themselves.
The buildings may have a very different purpose today, but the view remains the same.
Shaun W A Donaldson
Why Guests Keep Coming Back
Dolphin watching from the shore
The Moray Firth holds one of Europe's best-known bottlenose dolphin populations. Here, sightings from the clifftop and the beach below aren't a rare treat, they're simply part of daily life.
Northern Lights from the balcony
This stretch of the North East coast sits far from city glow, giving you a real chance at the aurora on clear nights. No cold hours in a remote lay-by. Just step outside, look north, and wait. The rest is up to the sky.
On the North East Coast 250
Gamrie Chalets sits directly on this celebrated scenic route which is a natural base for exploring Aberdeenshire's coastline, castles, and distilleries entirely at your own pace.
On the Malt Whisky Trail
Some of Scotland's most storied distilleries lie within easy reach, strung along one of the world's great whisky touring routes. A day out, a dram or two, and home by the fire.
Coastal walking from the door
Cliff paths and harbour trails begin right outside, winding through some of Aberdeenshire's most striking coastal scenery. Hidden coves, sea caves, seabirds overhead and all before you've even reached for the car keys.
Comfort in the details
From the log burner to the locally sourced toiletries and luxury interiors, everything here is chosen to make you want to stay a little longer than you planned. Most guests do.