Cromlix

Past a set of wrought-iron gates, a narrow leafy driveway flanked with beech trees winds though the forest grounds before reaching the Cromlix's handsome country manor. Reception is efficient and unobtrusive -- guests are warmly welcomed by a formal yet friendly staff, smartly dressed and impeccably mannered, who take bags and offer a a quick tour of the property. Its two floors are scattered with numerous antiques and artworks, most kept from the original house, while downstairs includes a cozy wood-paneled lounge with crackling wood fire (lit year-round), a bright, sun-filled drawing room, and a small chapel with original stained-glass windows. A chic bar adorned with gold murals leads to the hotel's restaurant, housed in a modern conservatory and dominated by an open kitchen. Upstairs are located the 10 guest rooms and five suites, as well as a traditional game room, and private dining and meeting rooms. 

Architecture is in the Scottish Baronial style, with tall chimneys, natural stone facades, and slate-coned turrets (clad in ivy that turns from green to red over the summer months). The estate comprises 34 acres of semi-tamed woodland brimming with deer, rabbits, foxes, and mink, plus a herb garden, croquet lawn, and private loch with trout. While the Cromlix name can be traced back to the 15th century, the house was rebuilt in 1880 after a fire and became a hotel about a century later. Famous local boy and tennis star Andy Murray bought the property in 2013 and after a year of multimillion-pound renovations reopened the following year -- adding tennis courts in Wimbledon's signature green and purple.

The hotel is located in a rural setting in the heart of Perthshire, surrounded by green fields and forests. While its location feels secluded -- there's certainly little within walking distance -- it's within a 45-minute drive of both Edinburgh and Glasgow. There's also plenty to explore in the surrounding area, with Doune and Drummond castle a 15- and 30-minute drive away, respectively. Guests looking to explore Scotland's rugged landscape will also find Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park a half-hour away by car. Gleneagles, famous for its golf course, is a 20-minute drive and also has direct train services from London. The nearest airports are those serving Edinburgh and Glasgow, both about an hour away by car. 

Each of the hotel's 10 Small Double and Double Rooms, and five Spa Junior Suites and Suites, is named after a famous Scot chosen by Andy, ranging from royals (Robert the Bruce), to literary icons (Robert Burns), to sport stars (Sir Alex Ferguson). While no two rooms are identical, all follow the similar style of a traditional country house, with antique furniture, oil paintings, Victorian etchings, and the occasional curio. Heavy brocade drapes, 400-thread-count Egyptian sheets, and plump seating create a cozy and luxurious feel.  

Where possible any modern trappings are absent or hidden; for example, gilt-framed mirrors turn into 32-inch wide-screen TVs when switched on. Channels are digital-terrestrial (no cable or movies-on-demand), though DVD players are available on request, and there's an extensive DVD library. The only technology on display are iPod docks. Free Wi-Fi is available, though the connection was very slow on our visit and has been for many guests. There are no minibars or coffee- and tea-making facilities, but hot drinks can be ordered up around the clock; room service is also available 24/7. 

Most of the rooms have views over the pretty gardens and surrounding woodland, though two overlook an inner courtyard. Bathrooms impress, with underfloor heating (during colder months), heated towel rails, and either spacious walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, plus quality toiletries in large bottles. Some suites add gold-, silver-, or copper-toned freestanding tubs and double showers with rainfall heads. In addition to the 15 rooms in the main house, there is also a large Gate Lodge Suite with a full kitchen. It's also possible to rent out the entire property for exclusive use.  

The centerpiece of hotel Cromlix is its fine-dining restaurant, Chez Roux, overseen by the celebrated French-born chef and restaurateur Albert Roux. Its setting in a modern glass-walled conservatory with large skylight lends itself well to breakfast, which is served a la carte (with cold buffet items) and includes local favorites such as Full Scottish breakfast, smoked trout, and porridge with whisky; it is also included in the room rate. Lunch and dinner is served from a la carte or set menus (though dishes are interchangeable for a surcharge) and typically combine Scottish produce with French-style cooking -- herbs and some vegetables are also grown on-site. The open kitchen forms part of the dining area, which allows some diners to watch their food being prepared -- but also means cooking smells and fumes can encroach on the dining experience. Diners have also complained that drinks are on the pricey side. Besides the main bar, beautifully decorated in gold with Art Deco touches, guests can pick from over 60 single malts in the Whisky Room, take afternoon tea in the drawing room, or take a drink by the fire (one of nine working fireplaces) in the cozy lounge. 

While there's not a great deal in the way of on-site health facilities (no swimming pool or spa), in-room massages can be arranged. There's also a games room complete with full-size snooker table and board games, plus a croquet lawn with giant chessboard. As well as tennis courts, activities on the estate include clay-pigeon shooting, archery, and trout fishing on the lake. Part of the original building, a small chapel with lovely stained-glass windows is also available for weddings (Andy's brother Jamie got married here).