On the southern outskirts of the city, in the shadow of the volcanic outcrop of Arthur's Seat and surrounded by 20 acres of parkland, it feels rural yet is only a ten-minute taxi ride from Waverley Station and Princes Street. Apart from the cossetting luxury, you come here for the peace - and, should you choose, there are gentle walks around the slopes of Arthur's Seat, passing lochs and a nature reserve.
By car: Glasgow is around 1 hour and Newcastle is 2 hours 40 mins. There's free on-site parking.
By train: Glasgow Queens Street is around 50 mins, Manchester Picadilly around 3 hours and London Kings Cross is 4 hours 45 mins. A taxi from Edinburgh Waverley station takes 10 minutes. Book trains to Edinburgh.
By plane: Edinburgh Airport (30-minute drive)
It may look like a typical Scottish country house, late 17th century with Georgian additions, but its interiors are shamelessly seductive. With swags and columns, brocades and velvets, sumptuous colours of wine-red and purple, art-covered walls and polished antiques, glittering brasswork and flickering fires, it is wildly opulent. Drama, theatre, romance and passion hang heavily in the air. Minimalism be damned; more is definitely more.
It's hard not to feel relaxed when there are four sitting rooms to choose from - one leading to a small roof terrace - each with log fires. In warmer weather, the lawns, terrace and rose garden are set with tables and chairs. There's golf next door, electric bikes to hire, and a helipad should you need it. Staff can organise pretty much anything you desire, from chauffeured day trips with picnic hampers to shopping deliveries.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Golf course
- Pet-friendly
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Rooms are rich, romantic and a riot of velvet and satin. Colours are seductive, lighting romantically dimmed, curtains spill generously, while beds are heaped with cushions and pillows. Antiques mix with the hi-tech (TVs hidden behind mirrors), and all have marbled bathrooms.
Room types: Classic, Estate, Luxury rooms; Lord Provost, Churchill, Allan Ramsay, Benjamin Franklin, Owners suites
Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, Penhaligon toiletries, TV, desk, free Wi-Fi
This is accomplished Modern British cooking without fads and pretensions but with confident flavour balances and proud Scottish sourcing. The wine list stretches to some 800 bottles, with good Burgundy and Bordeaux selections and there are over 100 malt whiskies.
Rhubarb Restaurant: Scottish fine dining, à la carte and set menu options. Open daily. Mains from £18.
Afternoon tea: served daily 12-7pm, from £40 per person.
To view Booking.com’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.