Great location. Excellent breakfast and excellent service, too. Accommodation is very clean throughout. It's a quirky but entirely positive experience (with a comprehensive welcome) to stay in an old church in a beautiful part of Scotland.

I was genuinely baffled as to why there wasn't a kettle in the room and just a coffee machine. Most tea drinkers aren't going to use a coffee machine for tea, especially when the water isn't boiling. There is limited shelf space in the bathroom.

Kev and Helen are the absolute best hosts, and Auld Kirk is one of the most interesting, comfortable, and delightful B&Bs where we have ever stayed. It’s historic, beautifully restored, and very true to Highland hospitality in every respect. Fantastic breakfasts and great bedrooms with very modern bathrooms. Easy free parking on street. 5 minute walk to town and lots of choices in inviting restaurants. Other interesting guests rounded out the perfect experience in this charming small town, just a couple miles from Balmoral and the Lochnager distillery.

Everything! Simply the best! Helen and Kevin are a beautiful couple who love what they do. They care about their guests and you can feel it since the chat we had when we met! The rooms were wonderful, with a lot of little details which makes the difference between a hotel and a B&B like this! In the room there were homemade shortbreads and a taste of local whiskey (delicious!) for my husband and me and orange juice for our teenagers. What should we say about the breakfast? No words enough to say how good it was...we will be in Scotland for others 10 day...it would be difficult to beat it! Helen is a great cook! A plus is the waiter: she is very smiley and kind! Thanks Helen and Kevin, everything has been perfect!

Absolutely nothing!

Lovely conversion of a kirk (church) retaining many original features. Carpeted floors mean very little noise. Really convenient for shops, restaurants and walks around Ballater. Kevin was very helpful in advising where to go to catch sight of deer, places to visit and where to eat. Room was light with storage and good bathroom with heated towel rail and strong shower. Our room was average size, prefer a larger room. Breakfasts were great. Lots of choice; we had porridge daily and Helen's delicious scones. Cooked breakfasts were excellent and eggs cooked to perfection.

Only the proliferation of diffusers or room fresheners!

The breakfast is the best you will ever get, I’m talking 5 star hotel standard, cakes and scones cooked fresh that morning, fruit, etc, cooked breakfast to order from local produce. Everything served quickly and as you requested. Plus a bowl of strawberries on the table, that won the wife over. The couple who own and run this establishment along with its staff are about the nicest people you could wish to meet, the place is quirky, spotlessly clean, near to all amenities and without doubt the best b and b accommodation I’ve ever stayed in. ( that also includes beating most of the 5 star hotels I’ve stayed in around the world) Your biggest issue is finding your next accommodation anyway near this to this high level. I’m not sure you will.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Perfect — Felt Like Home! We had an unforgettable stay at this beautiful B&B in Ballater! Set inside a stunning Victorian Scottish church from 1860, the property is full of charm and character. Helen and Kevin are incredible hosts — from the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family. Their warmth and hospitality made us feel instantly at home. Our room was spotless, cozy, and the bed was one of the most comfortable we’ve slept in during our entire trip. The B&B’s location couldn’t be better — right in the heart of Ballater, within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and the gorgeous surrounding scenery. Our morning started with a delicious breakfast, served with smiles by Lisa, Helen, and Kevin. Everything was fresh and tasty, but Helen’s homemade scones were absolutely divine — a true highlight! It’s easy to see why they won Best B&B of 2024 — they truly go above and beyond. We left with full hearts (and full stomachs!) and can’t wait for the chance to return. Highly, highly recommend!

A beautiful church that has been thoughtfully transformed into a boutique hotel, run by a welcoming hosts. We were given a lot of information when we arrived, including tips to avoid crowds at Balmoral (arrive before 11am), and when we went to the room there were a couple of whiskies waiting for us, along with my name on a welcome screen on the TV - both were a nice touch! The bed was super comfy, the room warm and cozy with plenty of space and storage. Breakfast was personalised and plentiful, home cooked to order and was the best breakfast that I had during our month away! We had been told by the hosts that restaurants need to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. We hadn't booked anywhere, but grabbed a pub meal, and had a couple of drinks in another bar afterwards.

We only had 1 night in Ballater so found the 4pm check in time and early shop closing times meant that we didn't have time to explore the little town. We arrived at 4.30pm but then had a 40 min briefing chat from the owner, so it was late by the time we got out to look for dinner and then we set off at 10am, straight after breakfast. The host advised 4pm check in time is quite usual in that area so next time, I would arrive earlier and explore before check in.

Kevin and Helen clearly love what they do and it shows in their hospitality. Obviously it is a very unique B&B but it lives up to its reputation with all the little extras and time the hosts put into it. Our room was very comfortable and the bed was perfect. The breakfast is delicious and all homemade, But, the afternoon tea was the highlight for my wife (I enjoyed it very much also). We wanted to book a tea and are very happy we booked it here. Helen is quite the baker and puts on a spread to rival the best in London (although her pastries are better). The Auld Kirk is a pretty little gem within walking distance of Ballater and a quiet place to relax. Kevin and Helen are very personable and we enjoyed getting to know them a little.

Nothing

A great find and the best place to stay. Every comfort from the quality of the bedroom/bathroom furnishings to the wee dram left for us in our room on arrival. Beautifully furnished in the public areas and spotlessly clean Absolutely fabulous breakfast as much as you want, even a bag provided to take the scones and muffins if too full to eat at breakfast. Owners were friendly and welcoming also Lisa who served us with a smile every morning. Would definitely recommend and will return next time we’re in the area

Nothing

The owners Kevin & Helen personally greeted us, invited us to sit down in the drawing room (of the former church!) and share our plans and receive their welcome, guidance, and oriented us to town which was so helpful since we were in town for the Highland Games. A welcome whiskey from the nearby small-batch distillery and generous coffee & biscuits in the room. Great location. 5 minute walk to town center, pubs, shops, supermarket, etc. Excellent breakfast too!