Cromlix House gets a makeover

The five-star hotel near Dunblane, owned by Sir Andy Murray and wife Kim, is a special place, both for them and their guests. Dream Escape talks to the couple about its recent 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 borne witness to 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 an impulse to buy it and create a five-star hotel – his way of putting something back into this area of Scotland that 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 to 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.

Verbena

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.

Thyme

Thyme Bathroom

She [Suzanne Garuda] 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.

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!”

Piano Area

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 at the same time it 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.”

Piano Area

The family’s ambitions for Cromlix are just getting started. “We are aiming to build some two-bedroomed family cabins in the 34 acres of grounds. The design is quite modern and Scandi and will use sustainable materials. There will be boathouse-style cabins overlooking our loch and others in the woodland, including treehouses. If we get the planning permission then hopefully the first few will be up and running by September."

“Developing our outdoor activities is also important. We already have tennis coaching, of course – and also offer clay pigeon shooting, archery, fishing, even axe throwing… they’re all options. The business is small enough that we can tailormake itineraries on- and off-site for our guests.

“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, which is a lovely city, and Stirling, with its castle and the Wallace Monument. We’re also only 40 minutes from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.”

Glasshouse

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”.

Billiard Room

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.

Find out more:

Rebecca Morrison, Head of Guest Experience

“I was lucky enough to visit the newly refurbished Cromlix recently. It is such a beautiful property on 34 acres of wonderfully kept grounds; the team and I loved it. With it being a 15-bedroom property, it feels more like a warm and inviting stately home rather than a hotel.

It is the perfect retreat for a couple or family that wish to enjoy the Scottish countryside, with its miles of walks, loch and tennis courts.”

→ rebecca@dreamescape.co.uk

WORDS | EMMA O'REILLY

Lead image Kim Murray - image © Verena Splett