At this Victorian mansion turned country hotel, Andy and Kim Murray have successfully brought to life their vision for a five-star stay in the Wimbledon champion’s hometown
Location
Cromlix hotel is tucked away in Stirlingshire countryside on a 34-acre estate near the bucolic town of Dunblane, which is filled with traditional stone-built houses, country pubs and quaint cafes. It’s also the area where Cromlix owner and tennis legend Andy Murray grew up.
Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are both less than an hour’s taxi ride away. Or travel to Dunblane by train from major stations such as Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Queen Street and Stirling for sweeping views of central Scotland’s hillscapes from the carriage windows. Call reception ahead of time to arrange private transfers to and from the station. There are parking spaces if you arrive by car.
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The vibe
With just 20 rooms on the estate, Cromlix feels less like a hotel and more like a wealthy friend’s countryside manor. Thanks to the residential-style layout, which has been retained from the hotel’s past life as a laird’s private home, nothing about a stay here feels sterile.
Cromlix was given a full makeover in 2023 after Kim and Andy Murray took the hotel back into self-management 10 years after purchasing the property. It also closed earlier this year so that a new glass-fronted restaurant and a spa outhouse, the Woodland Retreat, could be added.
Service
Staff at Cromlix were on hand to help when we needed it, providing a map of the grounds and recommending local and popular whiskies in the restaurant, but were never overbearing and let us enjoy the hotel in our own time. Bonus points for providing jobs to the friendliest young people in the local area.
Bed and bath
There are six room categories to choose from, ranging from the generously large Turret Suites to smaller suites, cosy rooms and a ground floor apartment with a wet room. The Gatehouse at the entrance of the estate has been turned into a one-bedroom, self-catering lodge with a substantial kitchen.
I stayed in one of the Turret Suites, which comes with a large bathroom with a walk-in shower and a brass roll-top bath, a living room with a flat-screen TV and a separate bedroom, all connected by a private corridor. The complimentary minibar and hot drinks cabinet were accompanied by slabs of shortbread baked according to Andy’s Granny Erskine’s recipe.
As I arrived in a heatwave, and the historic suites don’t have air conditioning, a Dyson fan was set up in the bedroom to keep things cool.
Kim Murray was central to the interior design decisions, managing to echo the best of Cromlix’s surroundings without feeling obligated to throw in the stereotypical Scottish tartans and tweeds. Walls are papered in floral patterns, overlaid with chunky picture frames displaying horticultural motifs. More patterns and colours are injected into the space with pastel sofas, heavy drapes and upholstered headboards or bed canopies.
Vintage dressers, wooden vanities and twin basins add vintage charm; while original features such as the bay windows and high ceilings add to Cromlix’s homely vibe.
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Food and drink
Come the evening, the bar, outside terrace and Cromlix’s new restaurant, the Garden Room, have a buzzy atmosphere, and are as popular with locals as guests. The sophisticated, locally-sourced menu at the Garden Room serves dishes such as goat’s cheese soufflé, crab crumpets, wild turbot and local poultry dishes; with cheese plates and Scottish strawberry pavlovas to follow. The menu uses vegetables, fruit and herbs grown on the estate. All allergies and dietary requirements can be discussed with your server, who can recommend the best dishes for you.
Breakfast is served in the new glass-fronted Garden Room, consisting of a small continental spread and a la carte hot dishes, such as a full Scottish breakfast with haggis.
The 16-cover Cradle is Cromlix’s fine dining restaurant, offering a Scottish produce-focused tasting menu. It’s open Thursday to Sunday. An afternoon tea is also laid out in the light-filled Glasshouse every afternoon.
Facilities
The intimate one-room Woodland Retreat is where massages and facials take place. It felt particularly tranquil during my 80-minute full-body massage. The same goes for the nearby cold plunge and sauna, which look out over a small loch, and can be booked for private slots. Crocs and Dryrobes are provided. Booking ahead for all wellness offerings is advised.
Would this be a hotel owned by Andy Murray without a tennis court? It’s hard to miss the netted court (which is beside a pickleball court) in the distinct Wimbledon shades of green and purple, ready for guests to serve up some aces.
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Accessibility
There are three accessible ground floor rooms, two with walk-in showers and one with an adapted wet room. A new turning circle allows for drop-offs directly outside the reception. Due to Cromlix being a listed building, there are no lifts in the main building. The path leading to the tennis court is gravel, and access to the spa may currently be trickier due to pathways still being laid.
Pet policy
The hotel offers a “very important pup package”, where dog beds, bowls and a hamper are laid out in rooms before the guest of honour arrives with their owners. There’s also a doggie breakfast menu available for room service and treats are left at turndown.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in is at 3pm; check out is 11am.
Family-friendly
The hotel welcomes children of all ages, and can arrange connected rooms, cots, sofa beds and extra beds in certain rooms. Children under five visiting with an adult can stay free of charge. Those aged between five and 15 will be charged a bed and breakfast rate of £65 per day.
There is no kids’ club at Cromlix, with stays at the hotel more suited to families who want to explore the local area. Kids’ menus are available in the Garden room. A kids’ package is also available, which includes a teepee set up in your room, toiletries, a bathrobe, milk, cookies and a storybook at bedtime. An external babysitting service can be arranged ahead of your stay.
At a glance
Best thing: Sauna time overlooking the loch.
Perfect for: A relaxed retreat to the countryside.
Not right for: People who want action-packed days.
Instagram from: The front lawn. Make sure to put on the Halley Stevensons wax jacket and Barbour wellies that can be grabbed from the porch.
Address: Cromlix, Kinbuck, Stirling FK15 9JT
Phone: 01786 820310
Website: cromlix.com
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Amelia was a guest of Cromlix
