The imposing Mansion of the Tor-na-Coille on the outskirts of Banchory was built in 1873 by Mr George Thompson at a cost of £1000.00. It was to become one of Royal Deeside's best appointed hotels still retaining much of the Victorian elegance, which, over the years has attracted members of European Royal families, and Hollywood legend Charlie Chaplin.

A souvenir and tariff booklet from the 1910's lists the hotel's charges, which include single rooms from 8 shillings per night , doubles for 14 shillings, with an extra charge of 2 shillings for a fire in the evening.