Luxury House of the Northern Gate wins Green Tourism award
A recently refurbished luxury house at Dunnet with royal connections has received a national award for its green credentials.
The House of the Northern Gate, which overlooks Dunnet Bay, was a retreat for the Queen Mother and fell into disrepair before being restored by the appropriately named George Dunnett who has now achieved a special gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).
Mr Dunnett said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have achieved Gold Certification from the Green Tourism organisation for the House of the Northern Gate.
“Achieving this award required participating in a very thorough analysis of all aspects of how we run the house and providing evidence for every point. Minimising our environmental impact and supporting the local economy is very important to us and so this recognition is very gratifying.
“While this award is a significant milestone for us we remain committed to continually learning and improving our practices to ensure a greener future for all and are grateful to Green Tourism for all their advice and support."
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) is a UK certification scheme that awards businesses with Gold, Silver, or Bronze status based on their sustainability practices. Businesses that achieve Gold status are considered to have met the highest standards of sustainability and have made significant changes to their working practices.
In recent years, the house has been transformed to provide luxurious accommodation, while meticulously maintaining the historic character of the building. Local craftsmen and materials were employed at every stage, and the house was designed to make as little environmental impact as possible.
The estate features a fully equipped gym, a movie room, a games room and an intimate study, with a functioning fireplace in the living room. Cleaning, catering and concierge services are available on request.
The historic property is situated on Dunnet Head and was built in the late 19th century by Thomson-Sinclair of Freswick before becoming the home of Admiral Sir Edwyn Alexander-Sinclair. The house was one of the first in the area to have electricity and featured innovative water systems.
In 1953, the Queen Mother stayed at the House of the Northern Gate, sparking her interest in the nearby Barrogill Castle, which she later purchased and renamed the Castle of Mey.
The property has a storied history, including a stint as a hotel and almost becoming a recording studio for Led Zeppelin. In 2018, the Dunnett family acquired the estate returning to the village of their ancestors from 200 years ago.
They have meticulously restored it to modern standards while preserving its historic charm.
The property also featured in The Times list of the UK’s ‘poshest holiday rentals’ earlier this year.
More info can be found at: www.houseofthenortherngate.com/
The House of the Northern Gate offers exclusive private hire as well as a scenic setting for weddings and family gatherings.
