“We’re staying in a castle?!” yelped an excited 8-year-old with his nose pressed against the window as we pulled into the car park at Mar Hall.
The imposing Victorian-gothic mansion is a jaw-dropper when it comes into view, looking out across the golf course to the River Clyde and Kilpatrick Hills beyond. It’s a world away from the urban bustle of Glasgow, just 20 minutes away (Glasgow Airport is even closer), and following an extensive £20 million transformation, it is now a vibrant, sophisticated destination that skilfully blends history with modernity.
We are cheerfully welcomed by the concierge and enter via the dramatic Palm Parlour, vaulted ceiling up-lit by lanterns lining the stone steps that lead into the reception area.
It is a bold revamp of a historic building; blending period features with modern furnishings is a delicate balance, but here the two blend perfectly and to dramatic effect. Rich paint hues offset the original wooden panelling while brass light fittings and velvet upholstery give the public spaces a deeply glamourous feel.
The Gallery is the main space, with blush walls, floral velvet armchairs and a marble-topped champagne bar as the centre piece. This is the spot for Mar Hall’s signature Afternoon Tea experience, curated by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef, Szilard Szentesi.
Hidden spaces are tucked away; there’s a brooding library, perfect for hunkering down in on a stormy day, the Slàinte Bar (pronounced “slanche”) pays homage to the Scottish Gaelic tradition of toasting “to good health” and is an opulent jewel of a space, where Mar Hall’s Head Mixologist Chris Mullen has drawn inspiration from the hotel’s storied past and Scotland’s native flavours to create a menu of signature cocktails, including creations such as The 180 — a floral twist on the classic whisky sour, crafted in celebration of Mar Hall’s 180-year heritage.
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Breakfast and dinner are served in The Dining Room, another dramatic space where the menu shines a spotlight on local produce in dishes such as West Coast Cullen, Perthshire beef and Berwick crab.
Guestrooms are light-filled and spacious. The seven categories of room range from cosy Classic Bedrooms to Grand Suites. All feature super king-sized beds, elegant finishes and curated details that speak to the building’s heritage. Grand Suites feel more like stately apartments with separate lounges, grand pianos or pool tables.
Throughout the hotel, bold hand printed wallpapers and fabrics from Glasgow-based design studio Timorous Beasties are used to dramatic effect. The artwork on the walls was curated by Art Pistol, using local emerging and established artists.
There are no Scottish clichés here, but there is a nod to the city’s industrial past in the metalwork of the bar and dining room. The landscape surrounding the hotel has subtly influenced the colour palates chosen without being too obvious a reference. The combined effect is to create a uniquely characterful space that feels fresh and contemporary but also opulent and theatrical and above all faithful to the building’s architecture history. It is as thoughtful a renovation as any I’ve seen.
There are further developments in the pipeline at Mar Hall, including the construction of private woodland lodges on the 240-acre site, renovations to the clubhouse and further enhancements to the luxury spa and gym which will continue the fantastic transformation of what is now surely one of Scotland’s finest golf resorts.
Mar Hall Golf Course
The Mar Hall Golf Course is as challenging as it is beautiful. Designed by legendary course architect Dave Thomas, the par-70 championship parkland course winds through rolling fairways and natural woodlands of indigenous oak and chestnut trees over 200 years old.
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The riverside views along the Clyde Estuary and the landscape beyond are stunning. It was crafted as two loops of nine with generous fairways which suit players of all abilities. Additionally, its siting on land of raised shingle beach means the course has excellent drainage and is playable all year round.
NCG Top 100s Rankings
Thanks to its location and its amenities, Mar Hall is one of the best golfing resorts in Scotland. The venue, which includes the glorious Hall itself where all of the accommodation is housed, plays host to a championship-level 18-hole golf course, along with a spa and fitness centre and several restaurants.
And don’t forget, you’re within 30 minutes of Scotland’s most populous city as well…
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VISIT THEM – Mar Hall’s website
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