Undiscovered Scotland

 

Murrayshall Country House Hotel and Golf Club enjoys a sublime setting in the northern flank of the Sidlaw Hills. It's only a mile from Scone and three from Perth, yet it feels like it belongs in a world of its own. Its elevated location gives it truly magnificent views to the north-west which extend for twenty miles or more over Perthshire to the mountains of the Southern Highlands and Cairngorms. At a more local level, Murrayshall is surrounded by its two golf courses which extend down from the front of the hotel towards the Tay Valley and up the hillside behind. The secluded feel of the location gives a sense of tranquility which, on our visit, was sufficient to convince one female oystercatcher to lay its three eggs right next to a path through the gardens behind the hotel.

What you find at Murrayshall is a hotel which provides a perfect escape from the cares of your day-to-day life, a hotel that offers everything you might want in terms of a great welcome, excellent and spotless accommodation, depth of character and... well, did we mention the views? There's also a selection of great food on offer, including what we think is the best full Scottish breakfast we've ever eaten. You can read our dining review for Murrayshall House Hotel here.

Murrayshall House was built here in 1644 and was updated in each of the two centuries that followed. In 1973 it was sold to a group of businessmen who made the most of the 365 acre estate and created the basis for the luxury hotel and golf club you see today.

The original house appears to have been built facing south-west, but over time it has been steadily extended to mean that its longest frontage today faces north-west, ensuring the main public rooms can all enjoy the stupendous views that add so much to the character of the hotel. The entrance is into the oldest part of the hotel, where you find the welcoming reception area. From here you can pass through to the cocktail bar and its views; and beyond that is the main restaurant, the Lynedoch Brasserie, which also makes the most of the views. Alternatively you can pass from the reception through a corridor that takes you past ground floor rooms to Stutts Clubhouse Bar and Grill, which lies at the far end of the building, where the golfing activities are also concentrated.

There are 40 guest rooms at Murrayshall. There's a lot of information about them on the hotel website and they range from the ten standard Murrayshall rooms to the three suites, including two Fairway suites in a separate nearby building. The quality of the housekeeping is outstanding and we found our room to be exceptionally comfortable.

Accessibility is good, with level access to public areas and four ground floor rooms and one suite.

There is a great deal to see and do when staying at Murrayshall. Perth is very close and Dundee only a little less so. And the hotel's location puts a large part of Scotland within easy reach for day trips out. There are also two golf courses right on the doorstep, an 18-hole championship parkland course and a 9-hole course for golfers seeking a quick game of golf or for juniors and those new to the game. For those who do not like their walks disturbed by the need to hit a golf ball, there are waymarked and mapped walking routes around the estate. The hotel also arranges guided walks on Kinnoull Hill; as well as stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing or kayaking on the River Tay or on a purpose built lagoon, with wet suits, safety equipment and instruction provided. Drier pursuits include archery, bushcraft, bike hire and a mini-beast safari. Salmon fishing is available on the River Tay between 15 January and 15 October. Group activities can include team building, mini highland games or triathlons.

While on the theme of groups, the hotel has a number of rooms available for meetings and team gatherings. It also offers weddings ranging in size from 10 members of your family to a larger party with 140 guests.

Murrayshall Country House Hotel and Golf Club is a remarkable place that promises so much and fully delivers. And did we mention the views? And the outstanding full Scottish breakfasts? You can read our dining review for Murrayshall House Hotel here.