Cromlix is owned by Kim and Andy Murray
Hidden away in the lush green landscapes of Stirling and Perthshire lies Cromlix, the beautiful country hotel owned by Andy Murray and his wife Kim.
Making my way down the tree-lined driveway, as I approached the entrance, I can’t help but feel excited to see what lies within – will the experience serve a grand slam ace or an amateur rally?
The first thing I noticed once the car was parked was the tennis courts, all designed in the iconic Wimbledon colours – dark green and purple. A small dose of SW19 had been woven into the landscaped grounds.
On arrival, I was warmly greeted by hotel staff and was offered a glass of champagne (I opted for the refreshing bottle of chilled water). There was also a roaring fire, and I immediately felt right at home.
The former Victorian mansion had recently undergone a multimillion-pound refurbishment, masterminded by Kim and Belfast designer Suzanne Garuda, transforming the place into a trendy and playful establishment.
I can safely say, Kim has done a brilliant job meticulously reviving this historic gem and updating it into something more contemporary and chic.
The hotel plays an important role in Kim and Andy’s lives from family celebrations when the tennis star was a child, to holding their wedding reception.
Suites
The hotel has 16 rooms (named after local flowers) – ten bedrooms, five suites and the private gate lodge located at the entrance. Peeking through the hotel brochure before heading upstairs, I was eager to see which suite I would be staying in – the Hyssop.
There was something special about walking up the original staircase – on each floor, you are either welcomed by eye-catching artwork from the Murray’s private collection or an organ with pipes fully exposed within the walls.
Each of the uniquely designed bedrooms and suites are a tribute to the hotel’s commitment to luxury, comfort and the ‘home away from home’ feel. Expect antique furniture, sumptuous fabrics, and lighting that combines to create a refined yet cosy atmosphere.
This Hyssop suite, I was pleased to see was a top-floor turret bedroom with French-style Mansard ceilings and dormer windows overlooking the 34-acre plot, vegetable garden and tennis courts.
The bedroom was fresh with soft sage-green walls and a king-sized half-tester canopy bed, wooden bedside tables, a matching dressing table and an antique roll-top bureau. The view outside was just as calming – sweeping vistas of Scottish woodland and gardens.
An extra special touch also came in the form of shortbread! Each guest gets to try Andy’s grandmother Shirley Erskine’s legendary sweet treat.
I enjoyed dinner at Cromlix’s The Glasshouse restaurant, and was delighted with the classic preparation and presentation of the food, which was predominantly British with the odd European influence, and plentiful in portion size.