Murrayshall Country House Hotel & Golf Club

This charming country retreat is set on a beautiful 350-acre estate of woodland and Perthshire countryside. The historic house dates  to 1664 and has been in the hands of a succession of aristocratic owners; now it provides a secluded and peaceful respite for guests seeking a dose of the countryside or a golfing holiday. The interiors are traditionally decorated (though some might find the decor a bit old-fashioned), and are filled with wooden furnishings and antique pieces, like the grandfather clock and large wooden front desk with intricate decorative carvings in the reception area. The elegant decor extends to the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, a sunlit space filled with white tablecloths, oil paintings, a log-burning fireplace, a grand piano in the corner, and lots of natural light that streams in through large windows. The cocktail bar is bedecked in bright floral wallpaper, a lovely backdrop (though it might not suit all tastes) for an assortment of comfortable couches and chairs in an eclectic mix of colors and patterns, and another cozy, log-burning fireplace. In the more casual Club Bar and Restaurant, decor is toned down and the atmosphere is relaxed.

The hotel is situated on 350 acres of grounds near the village of Scone, surrounded by the beautiful Perthshire countryside. The village, where travelers will find a few restaurants, bars, and shops, is a five-minute drive away from the hotel. The nearby city of Perth, a 12-minute drive away, has more offerings. The historic Scone palace is worth a visit (a 10-minute drive away), as is the gorgeous Glamis Castle (40-minute drive). Other nearby sights include the Black Watch Castle and Museum and the Perth Museum and Art Gallery (both within a 10-minute drive), and the Huntingtower Castle (16-minute drive).

Rooms and suites are all individually decorated in a tasteful and traditional style and warm color palette. The bright and inviting spaces are filled with lots of natural light from the large windows, and colorful details like bedspreads, couches, and patterned curtains. The rooms are pleasant and in keeping with the nature of the property, but some might find them dated. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi (though the signal can be spotty). Other thoughtful freebies include bottled water and cookies. Rooms vary in size: Superior Rooms offer more space than Standard Rooms, and Suites consist of either open-plan studios or units with separate living rooms. Modern bathrooms are stocked with Elemis products and have shower/tub combos (some rooms also add walk-in showers).

For families or groups looking for more space and privacy, a self-catering lodge is also available. Occupying the gate house near the entrance of the property, the three-bedroom lodge sleeps up to six people and has a fully equipped kitchen, as well as a living room.

The hotel’s sprawling grounds include two 18-hole golf courses, as well as a well-stocked golf shop and golf training facilities. There is no fitness center, however. Catering to business needs, the hotel offers several meeting rooms and conference facilities for a variety of functions. The hotel is also a popular wedding venue and can accommodate up to 130 people.

The hotel has two restaurants: the fine-dining Old Masters restaurant that has been awarded two AA Rosettes and serves seasonal and locally sourced Scottish fare, and the more casual Club Bar and Restaurant, which has a kids’ menu. The restaurants get mixed reviews, however. There is also a lovely, atmospheric cocktail bar with a fireplace. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and some room packages also include dinner. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.