Thistle Dhu Bed & Breakfast

I traveled this spring with my husband and his brother on a four-week trip that took us to England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. This was originally planned for 2020, but of course was delayed. When I was rescheduling the trip, I completely rearranged our schedule so we could book Thistle Dhu. During the original planning, everything about it made us want to stay here, and it did not disappoint! Hosts Pat and Andy are absolutely lovely: friendly, knowledgeable and generous. Their meals were wonderful, with many choices. The setting of this charming home is exactly what we were searching for: nestled in farmland where my husband literally counted sheep one afternoon for a nap. The rooms are quiet and spacious and the grounds inviting, with places to sit for a quiet read. We stayed four nights; we took several walks/hikes, one in particular that Pat suggested, through farms and fields so pleasant and green I didn't want the walk to end. We could practically see Glenlivet Distillery from the B&B (well worth the tour) but we drove to the places we wanted to visit, as this is a rural area-truly part of its charm and why we wanted to stay here. We hiked Smugglers Trail and took a day trip to Ballater and Aberdeen. We had a really nice dinner at the Clockhouse in Tomintoul and a delicious lunch at Lagmore Cafe in Ballindalloch. There is a designated Dark Sky Park in the Cairngorms National Park, but we were there when the nights were short and the days long, with a nearly full moon to boot- so little chance of seeing many stars until late into the night/early morning. Driving through Cairngorms National Park is indescribable; the undisturbed views along the roller coaster roads are breathtaking. I would highly recommend Thistle Dhu B&B; we would go back in a heartbeat! I miss waking up to the sheep outside our bedroom window!

We spent a wonderful two nights at Thistle Dhu in late June. Andy and Pat are the perfect hosts and always on hand to make sure you have everything you need for comfortable stay. Thistle Dhu is a beautiful house in Glenlevit. The area is quiet and peaceful but wituin easy reach of the distilleries, lovely walks and towns like Toumintoul, Aviemore and Grantown-On-Spey. They offer a dinner option at the B&B which we did one night and the food was delicious. The Croft Inn is a 10-15 mins walk and is open Thu-Sun, serving great Thai food. I would also recommend the Whisky tasting at Thistle Dhu, which Andy host with great knowledge and a fine selection of single malts. We will definitely be back!

Andy and Pat were so welcoming! Right off the bat they asked about our dinner plans, made recommendations and even made reservations for us! Pat later suggested trips to local sites, where to find good gifts, and the food!! Breakfast was totally over the top, everything we could possibly want was cooked to order for us. You could not ask for a better place for touring the Glenlivet area.

Stay at Thistle Dhu was an absolute highlight of our trip through Scotland this May. I do not write reviews often, but here I need to - this place is really beautiful. Immaculately clean, bright, spacious rooms, with everything you need. Whole house is very nicely decorated, you can see the owners put a lot of love into all of it. The garden is great as well, you can use the patio, sit down and enjoy the peaceful surrounding. The owners were very nice, we were able to get a dinner and had a delicious cooked brekfast. Can only recommed. Thank you for the stay! Hana & family

What can I say? The hosts were amazing - simply cannot say enough good things about Pat & Andy, the food was delicious, the room and amenities spot on, comfy beds and cozy sheets, soft towels and sitting room space, the views were gorgeous, the peace and quiet unparalleled. We absolutely loved our five night stay in this centrally located area on the Glenlivet estate. Sheep outside your windows, owls hooting, copious amounts of birds in the feeders, red squirrels…. I can write paragraph upon paragraph but the simple thing is – just go. Go experience it for yourself. We are looking forward to a return stay in the future.

Thistle Dhu was easily one of our favorite places that we stayed while traveling in Scotland and Ireland. We were there back in June 20222 and we still talk about how wonderful the rooms, location, breakfast, etc. were. The rooms were large, with the king bed and all the amenities, were delightful, and it was the best sleep we had our entire vacation. The breakfast was wonderful, and the surrounding area was so serene. Our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer and we didn't have time for the whiskey tasting.

On a family motorcycle tour weekend and stayed here after our tasting session at The Glenlivet. Andy and Pat couldn't have been more charming, helpful and welcoming - and we had the best night's stay of our trip in their immaculately presented and most comfortable home. Typical of their attention to detail was that even the bikes were considered, with Andy meeting us with planks to stop the stands sinking into the gravel drive!

Our one night stay in the Thistle Dhu was more than we could have hoped for. It hit exactly the right spot in terms of comfort (of room) and hospitality (breakfast was superb). All told, a beautiful resting place in a stunning location.

Loved our first visit to Thistle Dhu so much that I just had to return with friends and family and it was every bit as wonderful the second time! The B & B is beautiful with spacious rooms, thoughtful touches, and amazing views. Pat and Andy are the kindest hosts and were excited to share suggestions for sightseeing in their beautiful area. Breakfasts were hearty and delicious with lots of fresh choices. Thistle Dhu is a very special place and we hope to return again soon.