Sir Andy Murray may have officially hung up his tennis racket, but he's still serving aces in the hospitality sector, as I found out during my visit to Cromlix hotel in his hometown of Dunblane, Scotland. If you're hooked on the new series of BBC's hit TV show The Traitors and yearn for a stay in a Scottish country house, it doesn't get much better than this.
Andy and his wife Kim purchased Cromlix in 2013, a place that has always held a special spot in the heart of the tennis champion - it's even where they hosted their wedding reception in 2015. This grand country house, dating back to the 1870s, has recently undergone a refurbishment. Kim enlisted the services of Suzanne Garuda, the interior designer who worked on their family home in Surrey, to transform the hotel into a chic, world-class retreat - and it's genuinely one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in.
The warm, homely atmosphere (often missing in upscale hotels) is apparent as soon as you step through the grand entrance and are greeted with a glass of bubbly like an old friend. With just 16 rooms (15 in the main house and one lodge), it never feels busy or overcrowded.
The interior of Cromlix is a haven for design enthusiasts, with every nook and piece of furniture meticulously chosen. From the bespoke fragrance that permeates the rooms to the numerous artworks adorning the walls throughout the property, many of which are from the Murrays' private collection.
Guests are invited to feel at home by wandering through the surrounding woodlands, inhabited by red squirrels and the estate's own loch, unwinding on the plethora of cosy sofas and armchairs, or enjoying an after-dinner tipple in the billiard rooms, complete with its wood-panelled ceiling, vibrant floral wallpaper and enticing jars of sweets.
We had the privilege of staying in the Hyssop suite (allegedly Andy's preferred choice), a spacious three-room area nestled in the house's ivy-covered turret. Indulge in your room's complimentary refreshments - including a slice of buttery shortbread made from Granny Erskine's secret recipe - amidst beautiful surroundings, surrounded by antique furniture, exquisite decor and more unique artwork.
What to do at Cromlix
As anticipated, tennis is a significant feature at Cromlix, with the hotel boasting its own courts for guests to utilise, adorned in Wimbledon's signature purple and green. More relaxed activities such as croquet, cornhole, archery and fishing are also on offer for guests to try their hand at, and whispers of an eagerly awaited wellness suite have been circulating.
For those keen on a longer stroll, the nearby winding tributaries offer a chance to spot otters if you're fortunate.
Be sure not to miss Cromlix's own chapel, the only part of the estate that survived the catastrophic fire of 1879. Steeped in history, it's become a favourite spot for elopers in recent times.
The Glasshouse restaurant at Cromlix is a hit with locals and guests alike, serving meals from lunch through to dinner. Our evening repast was an absolute treat, showcasing local produce alongside vegetables, herbs and flowers harvested from the hotel's kitchen garden, which guests are welcome to explore.
A seven-course tasting menu is also on offer for dinner.
Breakfast the following morning did not disappoint either, with a la carte hot dishes, fresh pastries and even a DIY Bloody Mary cocktail station.
As for the cost of staying at Cromlix?
Prices for a double room, including breakfast, start from £410.