Innes House

Date Published: 3rd November 2023

Take a walk on the wild side with our brilliant local foraging guide, Tim Maddams.  Tim is Chef, Forager and all round foodie guru - time spent with him in the wilds of Moray is never wasted. 

Here at Innes we have partnered with the best of local talent to suggest activities that might be of interest to you whilst you are here, and a foraging trip with Tim is one of our most popular bookings - Having moved here from Devon where he ran a famous restaurant, Tim has made beautiful Moray his new home and has wasted no time in finding all the wild treats in this amazingly diverse landscape. Tim has experience not only with Foraging, but with presenting too - so your experience will be fun filled and informative.  

Depending on the season, the weather and the group making the booking these events can take many forms from full days out foraging the finest of Scotland’s wild fungi and herbs, immersing you in the world of the different habitats followed by a wild themed supper. Or, why not have a quick spring time amble round the Innes House grounds to see what is hiding in plain sight - with a wild themed cocktail, featuring Tim’s foraged ingredients.

So, whether you are hunting wild greens in the spring time, or fruits and fungi in the autumn - Tim is here to offer you a wild wander designed to inspire and create an experience that will not be forgotten.   

Date Published: 20th October 2023

We are so lucky to have unique experiences available at Innes House, and I surprised myself about just how many we have to offer!   

1 – Star gaze from the tower 

Yes, we have a tower, and I can tell you, on a clear Autumn or Winters night, it’s pretty amazing.  And when the Aroura Borealis decide to make an appearance, it is spectacular.  

So, if you love stargazing, why not grab a cup of hot chocolate, pop up the tower and take a seat, we have the perfect spot waiting for you.  

2 – Take a historical house tour with our archivist 

Innes House and the Tennant family have a rich and interesting history, and we have a fabulous lady that works for us who is extremely knowledgeable on these subjects.   On the tour, you will find out how the Tennants and one of the former Prime Ministers are related, and who in Innes history tried to murder her husband, plus a whole lot more!  

3 – Go on the Innes tree trail hunt 

There are some rare and unusual trees at Innes, and we have a map and list of the ones to look out for.  A few of them are very hard to find even though they are marked on the map, and I’m speaking from experience! With a plethora of greenery around every corner, this is not only a relaxing activity, it is also a very therapeutic outdoor experience.  

4 – Browse our library 

When the Tennants purchased Innes House, they created a library.  The whole family enjoy books, and this shows throughout the house with books in rooms and bookshelves in different areas. The library is a cosy room and perfect for us bookworms.  There is plenty of ambient lighting and two huge walls covered in books, where you can get lost in a world of knowledge and intriguing stories.  

5 – Go foraging locally with Tim Maddams 

We have a brilliant chef and forager living on our doorstep, and he hosts foraging activities in and around the estate.   He also creates some amazing dishes with what he forages, and local produce.  I have been lucky enough to try his pheasant chorizo, and matured plum sauce to name just a few, and they are to die for.  I recommend that you give this activity a try, you will not be disappointed! 

6 – Create your own wedding or event 

   During May to September each year, the marquee is available, and can be hired with the house if you choose to create your own bespoke event.  The structure attaches to the side of the house to create another event space which is stunning and very unique.  Your guests can enjoy eating ‘outdoors’ while ‘indoors’ in the memorial garden, which has its own pond with fountain, and a summer house that turns into a fully functioning bar.  

7 – Something new! 

And finally, we have some very exciting news!  Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to tell you what that is just yet, but will, in a few months’ time. All I can say is, it will be well worth the wait!   

In our next blog, meet the brilliant Tim Maddams and find out a little bit more about what the Innes House foraging experience is all about.   

Date Published: 6th October 2023

Welcome to our second blog - slightly behind schedule due to a very busy period, but now back on track.

This week, we are going to Introduce our Events and Housekeeping team. These amazing people look after the house in some way, and each have their own areas that they take charge of. Photos may appear on our ‘The Team’ webpage as the weeks go by, but for now, everyone seems a little camera shy!

Sandy McCafferty – Seamstress and Housekeeping Assistant

I first started at Innes House over 13 years ago as assistant housekeeper. Laundry, general and deep cleaning were all a part of the role, but this has since progressed, and I now undertake repairs and renewals of soft furnishings, curtains and blinds for all estate properties, as well as styling the interiors of our holiday let’s . As well as sewing, I recover & fix upholstery, and I have renovated furniture for the house in the past. The job is varied and very interesting.

Jayne Booth – Event and House Manager

I have been employed at Innes House for the past 10 years, and a few years after starting, I was given the opportunity to manage events. Making sure that events and house run efficiently, and a high standard of customer care are prominent on the Innes agenda and making sure these standards are adhered to are a large part of my role. More recently, the house has been let out as a holiday home for variety of different events, and I collaborate with the key guests to make sure that they have everything they need for a for a memorable stay. Each day is different and interesting, and I feel proud to be part of the team that takes care of this beautiful house.

Amy McIntosh - Events Co-ordinator

Over the 7 years I've been at Innes House, I've transitioned from housekeeping to the Events Co-ordinator after I left college in 2019. My role involves managing our holiday lets and coordinating the shooting parties during the winter season, among a variety of other things throughout the year. The dynamic nature of the job is definitely what keeps me engaged and I find that no day at Innes is ever the same as another! This job is nothing like I would've ever imagined myself doing when I left school but I wouldn't change it for the world!

Joanna West – Head Housekeeper

As Head Housekeeper, along with my team of skilled housekeeping staff, we are responsible for maintaining the impeccable standards of all our thoughtfully designed rooms, elegant bathrooms and welcoming living areas. Having an exceptional eye for detail and an attentive nature ensures a desirable experience for not only guests at Innes House, but also across our numerous properties throughout the estate. It really is a rewarding feeling to see excited guests arriving, knowing that I have contributed to their memorable stay. Working in a charming historic home, with the delightful nature that we are surrounded by is also a real benefit of my role.

Kristy Langdale – Archivist and Housekeeping Assistant

I am Kristy, I am part of the house keeping team at Innes House. I also have the responsibility and honour of maintaining and preserving the objects and documents we hold here. As the archivist at Innes House, I am sharing stories of the past and preserving the history for future generations to come.