There’s private dining and then there’s Innes House; a 17th-century Scottish manor, surrounded by five thousand acres of picturesque woodland, nestled in the bonnie Northeast Highlands. It’s the kind of place you could only dream of hosting, decorated with antique furniture and glittering chandeliers, with a plethora of spaces to hold anything from an atmospheric supper to a lively cèilidh.
There’s much to say here, but let’s take it back to the beginning: Innes House dates back to 1640 and sits between the river Spey and Lossiemouth, which historians believe is why its name may mean ‘island’. This land was originally owned by Flemish born Berowald in 1160, and it was his descendants who decided to build this beautiful home a few hundred years later. Today, Innes House is owned and preserved by modern custodians, the Tennant family, who have passed it down through generations.
Private dining at Innes House is usually part of a full takeover stay with options to book a private chef or go self catered. The family and house management team have plenty of ideas for private dining with a list of approved chefs, as well as connections with Scottish suppliers and producers, so that you can feast on the country’s bountiful natural lardour. From a picnic by the sea to a wood-fired feast in the gardens, they’ve done it all and are happy to advise.
Inside, there are three dining rooms to choose from including the East Ballroom, the Red Private Dining Room and Whisky Room. These spaces can host around 10 people per room for banquet-style suppers, complemented by beautiful interiors and candlelight. It’s warmly encouraged that if planning such an event, you might fancy a professionally-led whisky tasting afterwards in the whisky library - so do keep in mind!
As previously mentioned, generally Innes House is available on a full takeover basis, which means there’s space for up to 38 people to stay over. It’s quite the experience with four poster beds and stunning en suites, as well as a collection of on-site cottages, too.