PLACES TO STAY

Cromlix House gets a makeover

6 minute read
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Emma O'Reilly

The five-star hotel near Dunblane, owned by Sir Andy Murray and his wife, Kim, is a special place for both them and their guests. Dream Escape talks to the couple about its transformation and their move to self-management.

Cromlix has always been in Andy Murray’s life. The two-time Olympic and Wimbledon tennis champion was brought up in nearby Dunblane, and the house has witnessed many precious Murray family moments. Andy’s grandparents celebrated their silver and golden wedding anniversaries, and brother Jamie married here. 

When Andy heard it was for sale, he had the impulse to buy it and turn it into a five-star hotel – his way of giving something back to the area of Scotland he loves. Mum Judy initially thought he was mad because it was “falling to bits and there were bats flying around the library”, but ten years on, the Murray clan are still celebrating special occasions at Cromlix – including Andy’s marriage to Kim. Lucky guests get to create memories, too – and enjoy the hotel’s brand-new look.

Kim Murray seems relaxed – and relieved – when we speak after their spring opening. “We’re so happy with how it’s all gone,” she says. They had a tight deadline. 

“We had two weddings booked – and those dates were set in stone. These were couples who already had to postpone due to the pandemic, and there was no way that was going to happen again. There were lots of quick decisions made…which was probably a good thing!” 

“We wanted the look to be luxurious but not stuffy or too formal,” says Kim. “It was definitely in need of an upgrade.” The result is cosy, without being twee, and includes botanical and floral prints turbocharged with splashes of dramatic colour. Kim adds, “I love florals – and wanted to create a bit of a permeable membrane between indoors and outdoors. We’ve got a flowery toilet at home that Andy absolutely hates. I’ve done that kind of look x10 here! But it’s not too girlie. It’s quite a strong look.” She laughs. “Andy does roll his eyes at some of the stuff we’re doing though.”

I ask Andy about his involvement. He is the first to admit that his interest is not in interiors. “But I do get involved in the accounts for the hotel, and I’ve given my input on the art we’ve used”. Andy is a keen art collector and has even used some of his own pieces.

Kim chose interior designer Suzanne Garuda to help her realise her vision for Cromlix House. “She had already worked with me on the design of our home, and I just clicked with her. I’ve got a strong sense of what I like, but I’m not an interior designer – and I’m also trying to raise four small children. Suzanne is amazing at interpreting what I want. She reads me well. We did what seemed like millions of mood boards together.”

It’s great to hear Kim talking so passionately about this project. Most of us only see her on TV, clapping for Andy at his tournaments, but we never get to hear her speak. She comes across as smart, professional and eminently likeable. What sort of guests does Cromlix now attract, I ask her. “They are a real mix,” she says.  “We don’t want to alienate anyone, including our loyal past guests. We want everyone to feel comfortable. We are family friendly, but we are not Center Parcs. We welcome dogs, too. Although I was told this morning that someone’s labrador ate one of our chickens. We would rather they didn’t do that!”

I look at the perfect velvet sofas and fabrics and wonder whether Kim doesn’t feel a tiny bit hesitant about letting children loose here. She laughs. “I’m absolutely worried about my own children (daughters Sophia, Edie and Lola and son Teddy) wrecking the place. But we are not precious. It’s an environment for people who love beautiful things, but it also needs to feel lived in. We want it to feel like a home – soft and enveloping.”

“This has been a huge project, but it’s not just about the interiors. We have moved to self-management, too. The management company who ran Cromlix for the last decade did an amazing job, but I felt we could really make something of the place and, for me, this was a mouthwatering project to take on. The hotel is about so much more than what wallpaper we’ve got. It’s about the ethos and the spirit of the place. We want to create more of a brand identity and have more control over decisions.” 

The family continues to invest in the future of Cromlix, with plans approved for a collection of distinctive woodland cabins set within the estate’s 34 acres. Designed to blend sensitively with the surrounding landscape, the accommodation will include treetop retreats, waterside cabins and secluded woodland hideaways, offering guests an even greater connection to the beauty of the Scottish countryside. 

Alongside its luxurious accommodation, Cromlix offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits that showcase the estate and its surroundings. Guests can enjoy tennis coaching on the hotel’s courts, as well as activities including fishing, archery, clay-pigeon shooting and axe-throwing. Reflecting Dream Escape’s bespoke approach, experiences both on and off the estate can be tailored entirely to individual interests and preferences.

“The location of Cromlix is amazingly secluded and tranquil. I come here and feel so removed from it all. Yet it’s close to Dunblane, a lovely city, and to Stirling, with its castle and the Wallace Monument. We’re also only 40 minutes from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.”

Andy and Kim hope to spend more time in the area as their children grow up. 

In the meantime, Andy needs to get to Cromlix to see the finished look. “I was supposed to get up last month, but my schedule changed so I had to postpone it. I can’t wait,” he says. “I am excited about the billiard room. I’ve seen the pictures, and it’s quite a transformation. We have a blue, full-sized billiards table in there and a pick ‘n’ mix bar… which I like the sound of”.

I tell Andy that I am looking forward to seeing him play at Wimbledon. “I’m feeling good,” he says. “I’ve been working hard on my fitness and movement. I always enjoy the grass and have played some of my best matches at Wimbledon. Hopefully, I’ll be able to put in a good performance.”

We hope so, too, Andy. Fingers crossed… Whatever happens, he and Kim are already winners at the hotel game.  

IMAGE CREDITS: ©Verena Splett

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