I stayed at Andy Murray’s newly renovated Cromlix - it's a tranquil retreat

Cromlix hotel in Dunblane reopened this month after being closed since January in order for the next in a series of renovations to take place. This grand former private home was given a new lease of life by Andy and Kim Murray when they bought it back in 2013. One renovation later, it reopened in 2014 and normally that’d be enough but the couple have ambitious plans for the Michelin Key holding property. A brand new extension - home to the Garden Room restaurant - a new fine dining restaurant, a huge new kitchen, new bedrooms and a woodland retreat are the result of this latest makeover.

Budget or boutique

With 20 rooms, lovely personalised service and overnight stays from £445 per night, this is a boutique offering.

Cromlix hotel in Dunblane | contributed

Room service

Our Clematis room was a huge, beautifully decorated suite with a living room; large bedroom with canopy bed and dressing area and light-filled bathroom with copper stand alone tub and huge walk in shower. As with the rest of the hotel it was an exploration of maximalist decoration with floral wallpaper and prints, bright colours and plenty of warmth from velvet cushions and woollen throws. A desk area overlooking the garden is an ideal spot for guests who need to work.

Wining and dining

We were one of the first to try Cradle, the new fine dining restaurant that’s located in a former private dining room. A cosy space complete with dark walls and fungi themed lighting, it’s here where guests can indulge in a multiple course seasonal tasting menu with paired wines or non alcoholic drinks.

The Garden Room serves more bistro style food in a lovely bright and airy setting with views across the lawn. Bi-folding doors here can be opened for al fresco style dining. Dishes on the menu include: twice baked goats cheese souffle; prime Scottish sirloin steak and Scottish west coast monkfish as well as a rice pudding dessert that Kim Murray has called her favourite. There’s also an impressive looking Sunday lunch menu. It’s here where a buffet and a la carte breakfast is served by the friendly staff. Classics such as a full Scottish; kippers and poached eggs and porridge are served alongside Shakshuka baked eggs, avocado on toast and eggs Cromlix.

The Glasshouse, the original restaurant, has been redesigned with its kitchen removed and now serves afternoon tea.

The bedroom in the Clematis room at Cromlix | contributed

Worth getting out of bed for

Keen tennis players can test their serve at Cromlix’s tennis court that’s decked out in the Wimbledon colours. Pickle ball is also available as are garden tours with head gardener Kathy. Fishing can be arranged with the ghillie as can falconry. A new addition is the woodland retreat spa which has MODM and Bamford treatments and outdoor sauna and cold plunge. Outwith the estate, guests can visit Loch Lubnaig, Loch Lomond or the town of Dunblane with its historic Leighton Library. Cromlix is dog-friendly, so we spent our time exploring the estate while walking Archie.

Little extras

On arrival every guest is offered a welcome glass of fizz, alcoholic or non alcoholic as well as a warm welcome from staff. Our room had homemade shortbread - a secret recipe of Judy Murray’s mum - as well as extensive tea and coffee options. A well stocked mini bar and fruit bowl were a nice addition. Branded robes in the bathroom, along with slippers as well as full sized bespoke Cromlix toiletries from MODM gave a luxurious touch.

The new sauna and cold plunge at Cromlix | contributed

Guestbook comments

Set within 34 acres of peaceful woodland and gardens near Dunblane, Cromlix Hotel is a beautifully restored Victorian country house offering a relaxed but refined Scottish countryside escape. The hotel features individually designed bedrooms and suites, each combining classic country house style with modern comfort. Many rooms overlook the surrounding grounds, creating a calm and secluded atmosphere that makes Cromlix ideal for a quiet getaway.

Hotel info

Cromlix, Kinbuck, Stirling FK15 9JT

01786 820310

www.cromlix.com