Glenapp Castle

Once the seat of the Earl of Inchcape, this 19th-century Scottish baronial castle was turned by Graham and Fay Cowan into a luxurious country hotel (Relais & Châteaux). 'Highly recommended as a place of peace and privacy,' says a long-standing Guide reader. 'The atmosphere is warm. They have furnished it beautifully with antiques lovingly collected during the restoration.' There are fine paintings, colourful rugs, intricate plasterwork; an Austrian oak-panelled entrance and staircase, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the parquet-floored library. The massive main drawing room feels 'cosy'. The spacious bedrooms have an open fire, there are wide beds, books, 'everything for your comfort'. The staff are 'attentive yet unobtrusive'. John Orr, the manager, is 'informed and helpful with his recommendations in the dining room'. Adam Stokes, the 'innovative and confident' chef, serves modern dishes, eg, baby artichoke tart with veal sweetbread; poached and roasted Ayrshire grouse with Morteau sausage. Guests 'can wander at will' through the large wooded grounds which have a lake, a walled garden, and a magnificent Victorian glasshouse. 'The Cowans will suggest local jaunts.' (Dr John D Schofield)