Scotland has plenty to offer when it comes to rolling landscapes, exquisite local food and service with a smile – and nowhere more so than Perthshire.
Nestled in 365 acres of countryside is where you’ll find Murrayshall Country Estate, a luxury country house hotel that recently added a new £1million collection of lodges.
A Perthshire landmark for over 400 years, Murrayshall was once owned by the aristocratic Graham-Murrays family. Now it’s an award-winning hotel with well-designed rooms, cosy corners for drinks and dining with 360-degree views.
Here’s what else we discovered when we checked into this tranquil country estate for the night.
GETTING THERE
Murrayshall Country Estate is a 10-minute drive from Perth train station, easily accessible in under two hours from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Stunning views of the Scottish countryside will see you through to the quiet town, full of charming restaurants and traditional pubs.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Rarely have we encountered a more beautiful location for a country hotel than Murrayshall. Here guests will find 40 bedrooms, a restaurant, bar and reception area. Stunning views over the grounds can be seen from the large windows in almost every room, making the most of the sweeping Perthshire hills that surround the estate on every side.
The 27-hole golf course peeks out from between the hills and from behind trees. Although we visited in the brisk Scottish winter, there are plenty of paved areas and seating areas to make the most of the epic views when the weather is warmer.
THE ROOMS
We stayed in one of the 14 newly-built lodges, tucked around the corner from the main house. Guests can spread out in a one-bedroom lodge that’s all their own, complete with enormous squishy armchairs, a dining table, TV, sofa and spacious bathrooms with freestanding baths and rainfall showers.
Scottish motifs of thistles and local photography carry the same interior style from the main house into the lodges, so guests still feel connected to the heart of the estate no matter where they’re staying.
If you prefer to stay inside the house itself, there are 40 rooms to choose from, ranging from cosy doubles to family suites and those that accommodate dogs.
FOOD AND DRINK
Murrayshall prides itself on sourcing local produce as much as possible, offering a range of food from pub favourites to refined dining. We ate at Eòlas, which is Gaelic for ‘experience’ – and it certainly was one.
The sweeping windows make the most of the sunset views, but even once night has fallen, the restaurant has a cosy yet elegant feeling. Staff were attentive and casual, adding to the relaxed but elevated atmosphere throughout Murrayshall.
There is a choice of a la carte or a seven-course tasting menu priced at £65pp (wine pairing is an extra £45pp). Highlights include Perthshire Partridge and Highland Venison.
If you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, Cairns offers elevated pub classics at a more budget-friendly price point. Think steaks, pasta, fish and chips and burgers or try the Crab Thermidor or Haggis, Neeps and Tatties from the small plates menu. Most mains come in at under £15, in keeping with its less formal vibe.
No matter where you eat, you’ll want to end up at Barossa at some point. The in-house bar area is where Murrayshall feels most closely aligned with its country estate origins, with warm wood decor and cosy sofas and chairs that make the most of the old-fashioned windows.
An enormous fireplace stretches across the room further than the bar does, keeping the entire room warm even in the depths of a Scottish winter night. The bar itself is tucked away in the corner, keeping the focus on the seating and soft decor. You could truly trick yourself into believing you’re drinking the night away in a friend’s home (albeit a well-decorated and stately one). Afternoon Tea is also served here daily between 12pm and 4pm and starts from a reasonable £27.50pp.
EXTRAS
With two parkland golf courses spread across 365 acres, Murrayshall is a golfer’s paradise. With easy to get tee times, you can play a round in just three hours if you wish. Courses are open to all levels with PGS professionals on site to offer lessons.
OVERALL VERDICT
Ultimately, Murrayshall Country Estate knows exactly what it is – and it does it well. There’s no pretension, only genuine smiles. The entire atmosphere offers a real ‘home away from home’ feeling, complete with luxurious touches that make for a delightful stay. If you’re looking for a spot to relax and explore Perthshire, look no further.
Rooms start from £150 a night
Book a stay at Murrayshall Country Estate here
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