‘I stayed at Andy Murray’s Scotland hotel – the interior design is stunning’

Sir Andy Murray may have had to pull out of this year’s Wimbledon tournament – and has also announced that he’ll be retiring from professional tennis after the Paris Olympic Games – but he’s still serving up an ace in the hospitality business, as I discovered when I visited Cromlix hotel in his hometown of Dunblane in Scotland.

Andy and his wife Kim bought Cromlix back in 2013, having held a special place in the tennis champ’s heart throughout his life – it’s even where the couple held their wedding reception in 2015.

This grand country house, which dates back to the 1870s, has been recently refurbished, with Kim enlisting the interior designer that she used for their family home in Surrey, Suzanne Garuda, to transform the hotel into a stylish, world-class getaway – and it’s truly one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed at.

The welcoming, homely feel (something that’s often lacking in posh hotels) is evident as soon as you step through the grand entrance and are handed a glass of fizz like an old friend, and with just 16 rooms (15 in the main house and one lodge), it never feels busy or crowded.

Inside it’s an interior lover’s dream, with every corner and piece of furniture thoughtfully curated, from Cromlix’s own bespoke fragrance that scents the rooms to the many works of art on the walls throughout the building, several of which are from the Murrays’ personal collection. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home by strolling through the surrounding woodlands, home to red squirrels and the estate’s own loch, relaxing in the many comfy sofas and armchairs, or taking a post-dinner drink upstairs to the billiard rooms, with its wood-panelled ceiling, bold floral wallpaper and tempting jars of sweets to tuck in to.

We were lucky enough to stay in the Hyssop suite (reportedly Andy’s favourite), a huge three-room space located in the house’s ivy-clad turret. Help yourself to your room’s complimentary refreshments – including a slice of buttery shortbread from Andy’s Granny Erskine’s secret recipe – in gorgeous settings, surrounded by antique furniture, stunning decor and more unique artwork in the room.

What to do at Cromlix

As you’d expect, tennis plays a big part at Cromlix, and the hotel has its own courts for guests to use, decked out in Wimbledon purple and green. More leisurely pursuits such as croquet, cornhole, archery and fishing are also available to try your hand at, and we heard rumours of a much-anticipated wellness suite coming soon.

Those looking to stretch their legs a little further can walk along the small winding tributaries nearby where, if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot otters.

Don’t miss having a peek at Cromlix’s very own chapel adjoining the house, the only part of the building to survive a devastating fire of 1879, and still steeped in history; it’s reportedly popular with elopers nowadays.

The restaurant at Cromlix

Cromlix’s Glasshouse restaurant is clearly popular all day, with locals visiting from lunch through to afternoon tea and dinner. Our evening meal was a total delight, featuring local produce and vegetables, herbs and flowers grown in the hotel’s small kitchen garden, open for guests to wander around. A tasting seven-course tasting menu is also available at dinner.

Breakfast the next morning was an equally delicious experience, featuring a la carte hot dishes, fresh pastries and even a DIY Bloody Mary cocktail station.

How much does it cost to stay at Cromlix?

Rooms at Cromlix start from £315 for a double room on a bed-and-breakfast basis.