Sir Andy Murray and his wife Kim have transformed Cromlix, a grand country house in Dunblane, Scotland, into a stylish, world-class hotel – and it’s a must-visit for Traitors fans
Sir Andy Murray may have now retired from playing professional tennis but he’s still acing it in the hospitality world, as I discovered when I visited his Cromlix hotel in his hometown of Dunblane, Scotland – and if watching BBC’s The Traitors has got you looking for the perfect Scottish countryside getaway, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Andy and his wife Kim purchased Cromlix in 2013, and it’s a place that always held sentimental value for the tennis star – it’s where the couple held their wedding reception in 2015, and his brother Jamie also got married here.
This grand country house, dating back to the 1870s, has been recently revamped, with Kim enlisting the help of Suzanne Garuda, the interior designer who worked on their family home in Surrey, to transform the hotel into a chic, world-class retreat – and it’s genuinely one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in.
The warm, homely atmosphere – something that’s sometimes lacking in five-star hotels – is apparent as soon as you walk through the grand entrance and are greeted with a glass of bubbly like an old friend. With just 16 rooms (15 in the main house and one lodge), it never feels busy or crowded.
The interior of the property is a dream for design enthusiasts, with every nook and cranny meticulously curated, from Cromlix’s bespoke fragrance wafting through the rooms to the numerous pieces of art adorning the walls, many from the Murrays’ personal collection, reports OK!.
Guests are invited to feel at home by wandering through the surrounding woodlands (inhabited by red squirrels) and the estate’s own loch, unwinding in the plush sofas and armchairs, or enjoying an after-dinner drink in the billiard rooms, complete with wood-panelled ceiling, vibrant floral wallpaper and enticing jars of sweets.
We had the privilege of staying in the Hyssop suite (rumoured to be Andy’s favourite), a spacious three-room area situated in the house’s ivy-covered turret. Indulge in your room’s complimentary refreshments including buttery shortbread made from Granny Erskine’s secret recipe amidst beautiful surroundings, antique furniture, stunning decor and more unique artwork.
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Owned by Andy and Kim Murray, Cromlix hotel in Dunblane is a stylish country house with a tennis court, impressive art collection and even its own chapel.
What to do at Cromlix
As you might expect, tennis is a focus at Cromlix, with its own courts available for guests, adorned in Wimbledon’s signature purple and green. More relaxed activities such as croquet, cornhole, archery and fishing are also on offer, and whispers of an eagerly awaited wellness suite coming soon have been circulating.
For those keen on a bit of exploration, there are small winding tributaries nearby where you might be lucky enough to spot otters.
Make sure to check out Cromlix’s very own chapel adjoining the house. It’s the only part of the building that survived the devastating fire of 1879 and is steeped in history; it’s reportedly a favourite spot for elopers these days.
The restaurant at Cromlix
The Glasshouse restaurant at Cromlix is a hit with locals, who visit from lunchtime through to afternoon tea and dinner. Our evening meal was an absolute treat, featuring local produce and vegetables, herbs and flowers grown in the hotel’s small kitchen garden, which guests are welcome to explore. A seven-course tasting menu is also available for dinner.
Breakfast the next morning did not disappoint either, with à la carte hot dishes, fresh pastries and even a DIY Bloody Mary cocktail station.
How much does it cost to stay at Cromlix?
Prices for a double room at Cromlix start from £315 on a bed-and-breakfast basis.