FROM impressive, castle-style buildings to understated manor houses, country house hotels in Scotland are some of the most beautiful places to stay.
Here, The Good Hotel Guide details ten of the best, which come complete with the most exquisite afternoon teas, fine dining and warm welcomes.
Glenapp Castle, Ballantree
Up a wooded driveway through impressive gates, Glenapp Castle is a magnificent 19th-century Scottish baronial castle where interiors are as grand as the architecture. French/Scottish cuisine from many ingredients grown in the on-site greenhouse, adds another level of authenticity to the experience. It is the height of country house hotel elegance.
Culdearn House, Spey
Stocks of whisky to warm after hours roaming the Scottish countryside, delectable fine dining, and beautifully decorated rooms and suites peppered with antiques, Culdearn House is a cosy and welcoming country house hotel. If you get the chance to sample the wine, you will not be disappointed!
Douneside House, Tarland
Taking in views of the Grampian mountains, Douneside House is a peaceful location with a delicate sense of grandeur. Surrounded by the Aberdeen countryside, the hotel is a collection of rooms, apartments and cottages within the grounds making it an ideal destination for families and groups of friends on holiday in Scotland.
Kinloch House, Blairgowrie
A Victorian country house hotel, Kinloch House stands in parkland, gazing over Highland cattle and gently rolling hills. Curiosities pepper the hotel, such as a bear guarding the front door and antlers and sheep horns on the panelled walls. Scottish ingredients such as local meat and fish dominate the menu, while an intimate vibe makes it a warm and welcoming destination.
Ballathie House, Kinclaven
The ultimate country house hotel on the banks of the Rive Tay in Perthshire, Ballathie House Hotel has been a country house retreat for generations. The four star luxury hotel has a two AA rosette award-winning fine dining restaurant and provides a wonderful base from which to explore the area.
Cringletie House, Peebles
Beautiful architecture where every bedroom is individually decorated with its own characteristics. Romantic turrets and feature fireplaces, as well as a cottage within the grounds for friends to share, while unpretentious fine dining using seasonal ingredients is the order of the day.
Rufflets, St Andrews
A family owned hotel since 1952, Rufflets has the reputation for one of the highest quality country house hotels in Scotland. With a catalogue of awards and 10 acres of gardens, it is a beautiful wedding location as well as a peaceful retreat.
Greywalls, Gullane
Perhaps best known as a golfers paradise in a coastal location, Greywalls is an understated country house hotel with a family of proprietors. Afternoon tea is a favourite pastime at this hotel, while classic French dishes are served at dinner. It is all surrounded by natural beauty with fields of green to the Lammermuir hills.
Prestonfield, Edinburgh
Beautiful gardens with a hint of exotic style, and a characterful hotel complete with ornate furnishings, Prestonfield sits next to Royal Holyrood Park. Fusing romance, glamour and beautiful grounds, you can take afternoon tea by a log fire, in rose-filled gardens or in a Gothic tea house and marvel at the velvet-lined walls or a tapestry-hung tester bed and the bathrooms lined in Venetian glass mosaic and marble.
Boath House, Auldearn
Once thought of as the most beautiful Regency house in Scotland, Boath House is now a family run hotel in Scotland, where the food is second to none. Set against an original backdrop, the Michelin starred chef serves three course and six course menus in the evening and five-star service at every meal.
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