The marquee at Elsick had been lying unused for the whole of 2020 so when nearby new town Chapelton needed a larger venue for their annual wreath making workshops, we were delighted to offer the space.
Attendees had the luxury of their own individual workstations, allowing them to enjoy a few hours of socially distanced creative fun whilst getting into the Christmas spirit.
Karen from This is 36 Florals led the classes, making it all look so easy! From mossing up the wreath and building it up with texture and greenery to finally adding finishing touches such as berries, dried fruit and festive ribbon. The marquee was full of colour and Christmassy smells, such a lovely way to spend a December afternoon.
With so much variety to choose from and with Karen’s expert tuition every person went home with a truly unique and beautiful wreath. Here are just a few of the stunning creations, well done everyone!
We can host events within Elsick House, the large marquee or outdoors in our expansive grounds and gardens. Contact us to discuss your individual requirements.
The gardens at Elsick House have been an explosion of vibrant colours this year, with golden tones and rich reds completely transforming the landscape around us.
We were delighted when Emma Lawson Photography chose our grounds for the backdrop of her family portrait sessions, we wanted to show off the spectacular autumn display!
Elsick has always been a family home so we loved seeing Emma capture children crunching in the leaves, couples documenting their engagement with some photos under the arbour and generations coming together to create precious family keepsakes.
Emma said, “shooting at Elsick is always such a pleasure and I was delighted to be able to use it for my Autumn portrait sessions. Having shot plenty of weddings here I knew the beautiful outdoor spaces on the doorstep of the main house would be perfect for these speedy shoots where everything must be done and dusted within 20 minutes. As a photographer it’s such a treat to shoot at Elsick, the estate sits in a really lovely location, it gets fantastic light at all times of the day and there is a pretty vista in every direction.”
Here’s a selection of just some of the beautiful family portraits taken by Emma here recently. To find out more about Emma Lawson Photography, visit her website here.
Getting married at Elsick House? We only recommend those whose professionalism we have experienced. Listed on our Partners page are some suggestions of those who will know the house.
It’s easy to fall in love with the gardens at Elsick House. Bright blooming flowers and meticulously maintained lawns have provided the most stunning backdrop for outdoor weddings and celebrations throughout many years. But explore a little deeper and you’ll be rewarded with some imaginative surprises. Nestled among the plants are delicate wire fairies, butterflies and most recently added, a stunning sculpture of a bridal gown – a nod to the brides who should have been married here in 2020.
So, who is behind these artworks and the amazing gardens? Meet our creative gardener, Mandy.
Alec and Mandy
Fairy Sculpture in the herb garden
Mandy and her partner Alec have lived on the Elsick Estate for 6 years. They take care of the gardens and grounds at Elsick House, as well as carrying out ground maintenance and helping with events such as the Farmers’ Market at nearby town, Chapelton.
Mandy: “I first started by helping Alec in the gardens. I never once imagined I would actually enjoy it but then I realised gardening can be creative, like living art. In my spare time I like to draw, paint and sculpt so I feel very lucky that I can combine my artistic side with my job. A typical day at work for me involves weeding, grass cutting, raking leaves, pruning, planting, deadheading and feeding the plants. I’ve recently been redesigning an area of the gardens which I’ve really enjoyed.
Working in the gardens at Elsick House is so serene. I like all the seasons. Spring sees everything come alive again; Summer is amazing with the sun, nicer weather and the garden in bloom; Autumn brings the colour changes and in Winter, the gardens are chilly but very peaceful.
I think my art is inspired by the views around me. Sometimes I stop and stare at the Monkey Puzzle trees. They are so different and make me think, wow look at that!
Weddings and events have been postponed this summer because of the coronavirus outbreak so it’s disappointing that so many people won’t get to see the gardens in bloom this year. We always do our best to make them look perfect for every wedding, it is an amazing feeling knowing they are the backdrop of someone’s special day. Our current plans are to keep the gardens looking as pristine as we can for all future events but I also felt I wanted to honour this year’s weddings that couldn’t take place because of the virus.
The bridal gown is made from wire and pearl beads and has jasmine and Japanese honeysuckle plants growing around it. I’ve made fairies on carved wooden toadstools and wire butterflies for the garden in the past but I feel this piece has a deeper meaning so I hope the couples will enjoy it when they come for their weddings here.
Mandy’s most recent sculpture, the bridal gown with jasmine and honeysuckle entwined
On a positive note, Alec and I have spent more time in our own garden this year and have revamped an area. I love working outdoors with the sun, wind and even the rain on my face. Gardening keeps me fit and healthy; it boosts the immune system too. We’ve been going for long walks with our dogs as living on the Elsick estate there’s so much countryside to explore. It will be great to see holiday makers coming back to the house once we reopen in July. It really is such a beautiful location and I can’t wait to see families back enjoying the gardens again.”
They say love and laughter is what makes a house a home and that is certainly true of Elsick House. Families and their friends who come to stay often refer to us as a “home from home” and without the bustle of bridal parties getting ready for the big day or families coming together for well-deserved breaks and holidays, it has been too quiet around the house during the Coronavirus lockdown.
However, we are delighted that we may soon be welcoming back our guests. The most recent government announcements indicate that holidays in Scotland could recommence from mid-July.
Exclusively Yours
A self-contained holiday home, we can ensure the house will be exclusively yours for the duration of your stay. With spacious public rooms, 11 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, Elsick House is a safe, low risk option for those looking to get away from it all, a welcome change of scenery. Set within acres of stunning grounds and gardens it is the ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside and our location is within easy reach of Aberdeenshire’s beaches, golf courses and much more. See Activities for things to do.
Relax in comfort
11 Bedrooms
9 Bathrooms
The Drawing Room
Formal Dining
Self-Catering
Self-catering allows you the freedom to make your holiday your own, with no interruptions or set timetable. Our modern kitchen with large range cooker leads onto a relaxed breakfast room and of course, you have the option of the dining room for more formal dinners. Our lawns and summer house are perfect for hosting barbeques and there are also plentiful takeaway and delivery services in the area which we are happy to recommend.
Plentiful space for outdoor entertaining and family games
Behind the Scenes
The safety and comfort of guests has always been our priority. Behind the scenes we have been busy adding further cleaning and safety protocols. We will also be implementing a contact free check in procedure so you can feel confident that Elsick House is a safe place to reunite with family and friends.
The Duke and Duchess of Fife, David and Caroline are the owners of Elsick House which has been in David’s family since the 1300’s. Here, Caroline talks about the restoration of the house and what inspired them to create an ideal space for entertaining and modern living whilst still retaining traditional features.
“Elsick House has been in the family since the 1300s, and it was where David was brought up. There’s a huge amount of history within these walls. Sadly, David’s dad passed away in 2015 leaving the house and estate to us. We have frequented here with our family over the years so the house truly holds a lot of cherished memories.”
The Restoration
“We rescued the house and restored it with a lot of love and it has certainly come alive again! We re-wired, re-plumbed and added more bathrooms. Making the most of the 11 bedrooms, en-suites added more modern living to the house.
The Alexandra BedroomEn suite added to The Alexandra Bedroom
It was important to us to have a lot of open living and entertaining space, which I think we’ve achieved. We didn’t want a fussy formal atmosphere. We tried to keep the house old with a modern twist, so the traditional features have been kept but perhaps updated. A fresh colour palette was used, with some flair and personality given to each room through accents.
View from The Drawing Room to The Dining Room
The MacDuff bedroom is my favourite, most probably because it was actually David’s bedroom/nursery growing up. It’s just timeless, I love the quirky old panelling that isn’t straight, but why would one mend this feature? It’s the cosiest part of the house and will always remain the ‘nursery’ to me.
The Macduff Bedroom was David’s childhood bedroom and ‘The Nursery.”
I also love the study, I love the masculine, non-feminine feel to it with its vintage leather sofas and natural fabrics, again this room is simply timeless.”
The Study
The Furnishings
“We bought everything from scratch. Taylor’s Auctions were a fabulous source as was Coach House, which I absolutely love! I’d say our biggest splash out was our dining table which seats 16 people. Our best buys were the two large art pieces in the main foyer which were only £50 for both from Taylor’s Auctions. David came up with the genius idea of taking pictures of our original art from our home in Angus, and having them made into large canvases then mounted and framed in a traditional way fitting for the house – so although they are not originals, they are loved pieces from our home, many pieces are of family through the generations!
The Dining Room features family portraits from through the generations
I have a love of the Edwardian period and Downton Abbey, I find it very romantic. I would say that there is always something good in every era though. I love natural, vintage fabrics with fresh neutral pallets. Soft corals and petrol blues are amongst some of my favourite colours, but I hugely dislike navy carpets – which we had running through the house, but I’m happy to say, I gained permission to change these!”
Originally published by No. 1 Magazine. June 7, 2017. Interview by Robyn Lang-Shankland. Main image by Firefly & Embers Photography.
Multi award winning bridal jewellery and accessories designer Claire Notarangelo is the owner of RedRocks and not only lives locally to Elsick House but is also one of our 2020 brides!
Here she shares her expertise and discusses some of this year’s trends…
RedRocks at Elsick House Wedding Open Day in 2019. View from our bridal suite.
“Over the last 9 years I’ve seen many different styles and trends come and go, and then come back again! The key to creating the best piece suited to each individual is to find out what sort of bride they are first. Perhaps they’re subtle and understated, have an alternative/statement style, a super sparkly bling queen, quite traditional or a mixture of all the above. Seeing “The Dress” is usually the best help to determine what’s required and what sort of detail we’ll go for, along with an idea of hair styling for size and format for the hairpiece.”
Hairpieces
Last year’s botanical trend has continued into 2020. Floral inspired lace and pretty leafy dress appliqués work beautifully with detailed trailing vines or vine style pins which give the illusion of a vine. Clips and combs also have a heavy presence of flowers and buds with texture being very important to give a natural non uniform feel. Blush mixes are still featuring heavily, bringing warmth to the pieces.
The other main trend I’m seeing a lot of this year is brides with little or no surface detail on their dress and very smooth, sleek silhouettes. This often lends well to a totally different look, using a larger statement hairpiece to enhance the simplicity of the dress design or a smaller understated piece with a very detailed hairstyle. Swirling, almost Art Deco brooch shapes work well with this styling and can work with both a mixture of pearls and sparkle or a clean no pearl look. Sparkling crystal tiaras in both front facing and side styles are also proving to work well with this look with high quality crystals a must.
Jewellery
High, illusion and lace appliquéd necklines are still popular this year
so there’s often no need for a necklace or pendant as it just becomes too
busy.
Drop pendants work beautifully with “V” and sweetheart neck shapes with single drop styles still the most popular.
Earrings are the main ‘go to’ jewellery accessory again this year. Many of my brides are looking for statement designs with a longer drop in marquise and pear drop shapes. At the same time, my brides with more intricately detailed vine/floral hairpieces are leaning more towards smaller, more delicate designs. It really depends on what sort of look you want to give overall and what your personality is.
Sparkling sterling silver cubic zirconia bracelets are still strong vs pearl designs this year, with simple classic tennis styles most popular. Subtle personalisation with initial discs and delicate charm detail is still a lovely touch and can make for the perfect bridal party gift.
Visit RedRocks or visit their Facebook page for more information on bespoke wedding jewellery.
Turning into our beech lined driveway, our brides and grooms can’t help but start to picture themselves here on their wedding day. Only 8 miles south of Aberdeen and surrounded by 1500 acres of grounds and farmland, Elsick House provides countless stunning backdrops for your wedding photography.
By taking a look at some of the highlights from our 2019 weddings, here we explore some photo locations that are not to be missed…
1. The Bridge
Our top spot for the ultimate romantic snap has got to be the bridge over the pond, directly opposite the front of the house. Donna Murray Photographycaptured Natalie and Stewart beautifully here and her natural and creative photography style meant all the emotions of the day were perfectly recorded.
Donna Murray Photography
2. The Rose Pergola
Another ‘must have’ photo location is under our rose pergola. Nicola Stewart Photographyeffortlessly framing Annabel and Colin here and from a different perspective, in Jonathan Addie’sportrayal of Elaine and Graham’s big day.
Nicola Stewart Photography
Jonathan Addie Photography
3. The Lawns and Walled Gardens
Our lawns and walled gardens are meticulously maintained throughout the year. We love how The Gibson’s Photography documented the wedding of Christy and Craig in these stunning shots, with an artistic and romantic vibe.
The Gibsons Photography
4. The House
Of course, Elsick House itself is a backdrop not to be missed from your photo album. We were lucky to have By Rheahere for two weddings last year. Libby and Alan provided the ultimate photo prop with tractors outside the house! And at Rebecca and Gregor’s summer wedding, Rhea took this smart shot of the groom and his wedding party, making their way to the ceremony in the marquee.
By Rhea By Rhea
Our tastefully decorated baronial country house has 11 bedrooms and 3 public rooms. We were in awe of these impressive shots taken inside the house by Photomagician. With such an atmospheric and artistic style, Emma and Al’s photos are edgy, dramatic and full of personality and we loved seeing Radek’s alternative perspective of the house.
Photomagician
5. The Surrounding Countryside
Finally, whether it’s a summers day for running into the fields together like Steph and Euan (photo by Sam Brill) or a crisp autumn afternoon like Kelsey and Iain’s big day (main blog image by Ceranna Photography) don’t forget to capture those first special moments as newlyweds by taking a stroll around the acres of beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside that surrounds Elsick House.
Ivana and Adrijana at Real Soul Yoga are offering you a truly wonderful, energising, nurturing and relaxing retreat which will rejuvenate your body, mind and soul and help make you feel like new again.
The 4-day “Blooming in May” Body, Mind and Soul Retreat is taking place at Elsick House, Aberdeenshire between 2nd and 5th May 2019. Find out more, in this guest blog post by Ivana at Real Soul Yoga!
For your gorgeous body
The retreat will include one to two daily yoga sessions (based on Ashtanga yoga) plus a short and sweet massage for everyone (this is optional), however it’s available to everyone that comes along.
For your mind
Guided meditation and exploration sessions. We will explore meditation and by the end of the retreat we hope you will find what works for you and how you can apply it in your life to manage the daily stresses.
For your soul
The beauty of Elsick House, its luscious gardens, peaceful setting, meeting new retreat friends or enjoying your own company (there will be plenty of private space for reading, walk and having time for yourself).
Hopefully it will be a sunny weekend in May so you can even eat al fresco…
Your gorgeous body and mind also needs rest and deep sleep so you can relax in one of the bright and tastefully decorated rooms. There is a choice of accommodation available (there are 4 x twin rooms, 2 x singles, as well as 2 x doubles and 2 x super kings). Maximum capacity is for 16 people (this includes sharing of rooms)
For your belly
We will have the lovely chef Nikki to prepare delicious, plant based (vegetarian and/or vegan) food throughout the retreat, plus healthy snacks and drinks to nourish and replenish you. We promise you will be fed well. Let food be thy medicine (at least for the weekend).
So what do you think?
Can you believe all of this is on your doorstep?
Would you like to retreat with us for three nights and four days and enjoy some time out for yourself?
More info on the programme
You will have time to dig deeper into your yoga practice which will include daily morning yoga classes followed by afternoon yoga workshops (we will get into those tight hips, shoulders, hamstrings)….
If you’d like to explore how yoga and meditation practices bring our thoughts and emotions to the surface, we’d love to organise a session or two where we touch on our inner states and what impact they have in how we show up in the world and indeed on our yoga mat. We’d like for you to not only feel more physically and mentally strong after the retreat, but also more emotionally grounded and self assured.
Of course any of the sessions (including meditation) is optional. Eating, relaxing, resting and sleeping and indeed doing anything which fills your heart with joy is compulsory. It is YOUR retreat and we’d be honoured to hold a space for you to find some time for you.
Host Backgrounds
Finally, most of you know my background, but if not, you will know I’m pretty passionate about yoga, wellness, meditation, health and wellbeing and I attend further trainings and teachings whenever I can. You can find out more about my yoga background here. My friend Adrijana is an experienced and fully trained massage therapist, Reiki and mediation practitioner who is passionate about self-development and metaphysics.
How much will it cost?
The retreat will start from £399 for the 3 nights (early bird discounts will be available). These prices will include us and our offering, as well as all the delicious meals, lovely rooms to rest in and of course lots of yoga, meditation and reflection practices and the time to just be and enquire within. Nearly whole 4 days just for yourself! Yes!
How do I book?
To reserve your spot or to find out more, contact ivana@realsoulyoga.com
Elsick House is a truly special place to be throughout the year. The house and private grounds surrounding the country house look sensational in all seasons. From the beautiful borders in June providing a colour explosion and striking backdrop for photos as seen at Michelle & Tom’s – Summer Wedding and Abbie & Neil’s – Summer Wedding to the Beech Hedgerow lining the drive that transform into auburn hues over Winter (Nina & Iain’s – Winter Wedding), be ready to fall in love.
I sat down with our House Manager Alison (while she skilfully prepared our House Keeper’s 60th Birthday Party meal in the Elsick House country kitchen) to get her take on Weddings and to understand how each season offers new opportunities.
Photo Credit: The Gibsons Photography
Spring means Daffodils (lots of them), Bouncing Rabbits and a Birdsong Explosion
Spring at Elsick House is Daffodils (lots of them), Bouncing Rabbits and a Birdsong Explosion. With Elsick Farms based on the wider Elsick Estate, the background hum of birds, bees and new life is punctured by moo-ing calves enjoying the spring pastures. Spring brings the Marquee back to the walled garden after its winter hibernation. In addition, the pond at the front of the house comes back to life, framed by beautiful lush grass and tall ancient trees creating a beautiful spot for photos over the bridge.
Summer Sunshine
Following the beauty of spring, summer delivers beautiful borders, a blooming pergola, summerhouse cocktails and a sun drenched marquee. Although not guaranteed, summer provides more opportunity for outdoor weddings. We were extremely lucky in 2018 with the wonderful summer – we do hope to achieve many more in 2019!
As you will be aware, we cannot control the weather but we do give it every opportunity. You can decide on the morning of your wedding if you want to be married in the marquee (for weddings greater than 50) or if you want to be married outside. The marquee is set up in two halves with windows the full length so that your guests can enjoy the magnificent walled garden and rose pergola while they wait for you to walk down the aisle. The marquee is a lovely bright space, south facing and offers a complete blank canvass for you to personalise.
Marquee Weddings
Our typical hire package involves a 3 night weekend (Friday to Monday) stay. We can however, offer weekday hire, venue only and a 2 night option depending on availability. If you have any specific requirements, get in touch via email at house@elsick.co.uk.
As Elsick House is an exclusive use venue, the whole house and grounds are yours for the duration of your stay. It is your home for the full hire period which means you have the opportunity to arrange a summer BBQ with your friends the day after the wedding, hog roast, lawn games or perhaps hire in a hot tub and watch the stars in the sky with your bridesmaids the night before the wedding, sipping champagne reminiscing about old times. You can chose for your wedding party preparations to start in the drawing room with family and friends or have your make-up artist and hairdresser visit your king size room with your bridesmaids. We want you to feel right at home at Elsick! We have some lovely examples of the Marquee in summer here.
Autumn brings changing colours and conkers a-plenty
Autumn is a magical time with changing colours and conkers a-plenty. As the air turns cooler, leaves turn and fall from the tall trees, bronzed beech borders transform the drive, birds arrive and others make their journey to warmer climes – the garden is rich with berries, seeds and conkers. As the evenings draw in, there’s no need to retreat to the house just yet. In the evening, the house and garden is lit up to ensure you and your guests can enjoy the garden into the early hours.
Photo Credit: Blue Sky Photography
As mentioned previously, we can set up hot tubs on our new patio – just a hop, skip and a jump from the kitchen fridge, the Champagne can be topped up without getting too cold! While the weather may be too chilly for an outdoor wedding at this time of year, Elsick House can accommodate smaller house weddings for up to 50 guests where you can choose to be married in our reception hall like Angie & Jim’s – House Wedding or in the drawing room. If your numbers exceed this, our marquee is still available until October and can accommodate up to 250 guests. See Louise & Peter’s – Marquee Wedding for some ideas.
Winter Wonderland and that Festive Feels
Last but not least is winter at Elsick House and the festive feelings this time of year brings. The open fire in the drawing room is a perfect place to gather around with the family the night before the wedding. The drawing room can also be set up for an intimate formal meal the night before if you choose or alternatively order in a pizza for a relaxed informal night. This is always a great opportunity for the wedding party to meet, relax and settle in to the house for the weekend.
The house can be dressed in any way you like and rooms can be flexible to suit your numbers and room pairings. The fireplaces in the dining room, drawing room, study and bedrooms can be beautifully framed to create a real focal point for your winter wonderland. In 2017 Robin’s Egg transformed the house for Nina and Iain’s wedding.
With the dark nights we offer the opportunity to light up the house, creating a stunning atmospheric backdrop for photos and impressive statement for evening guests arriving. Winter weddings at Elsick House are considered off season therefore are available at a lower cost when compared with summer weddings. Since the marquee is not available from November to March, Elsick House can accommodate only House weddings during this time.
So, what season are you?
We hope this has given you lots of food for thought. Be sure to click on the links above to see some beautiful examples of real weddings at Elsick House.
Keep up to date with news and special offers by following us on Facebook @elsickhouseofficial and on Instagram @elsickhouse. Current availability to book a wedding at any time of year can be viewed on our website
Elsick House is located just 8 miles south of Aberdeen in Cammachmore, meaning the joys of the Aberdeen’s Winter Festival are just a few minutes away.
Visit Scotland have pulled together a wonderful list of events planned for 2018 on their website – it’s getting us feeling all festive! Some of their suggestions include;
– Follow a parade of bands, festive characters and floats down Union Street and cheer as one by one the lights are turned on at the Christmas Lights Switch On Parade
– Help welcome Father Christmas to Aberdeen at the city’s eagerly anticipated Santa and Reindeer Parade.
– Sing along to carols accompanied by music from the talented Bon Accord Silver Band at a Christmas Carol Concert held in the David Welch Winter Gardens
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