Cromlix

When Scottish tennis superstar Andy Murray acquired Cromlix, close to his hometown of Dunblane, it signalled not only a return to his roots but the chance to reinvent the glorious era of grand country house living. Following extensive refurbishment, the US Open and Olympic champion has now transformed the elegant Victorian Perthshire mansion into a luxury 15-bedroom and Gate Lodge, five star destination, ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup, which is being staged a short drive away at Gleneagles.

The hotel, which opened in Spring 2014, offers guests the chance to experience the sort of decadent lifestyle once enjoyed by the Lairds of Cromlix, redefined for the 21st century by sumptuous surroundings and impeccable yet discreet service. Situated in beautiful countryside, just three miles from Dunblane, Cromlix is set in 34 acres of secluded woodlands and garden grounds, with its own chapel and house loch. The hotel boasts a Chez Roux restaurant, offering reasonable priced menus that focus on using seasonal locally sourced produce wherever possible, five suites and ten bedrooms, gate lodge accommodation, reception hall, two drawing rooms, conservatory, dining room, snooker and meeting rooms. Elegantly re-designed to showcase much of the house’s original heritage, Cromlix has been furnished with specially-sourced Scottish antique furniture.