Fairytale castles and historic country house hotels in Scotland

With a history that goes back thousands of years and a nobility that spans the centuries, Scotland is rich in country houses, many of which have become hotels, all showcasing the warmth and hospitality of a country accustomed to hearty celebrations and bracing against the winter cold.

Surrounded by mountainous vistas and dramatic coastlines, these spectacular Scottish locations are a haven for wildlife and perfect for walkers and hikers and combine their sometimes eccentric and sometimes lavish style with superb food sourced from the surrounding area.

Fish on the lochs or sail into the deep blue yonder at the likes of Toravaig House, where the owners have two yachts that can be used in fairer weather.  There must have been a moment in time when Scotland had an army of barons for the number of mansions they appear to have acquired over the years, many of which enjoy historic design features such as turrets and crow-stepped gables which give a real sense of being in a fairytale castle.

Scotland’s country house hotels are of a uniquely different style to those common in England.  Where England has a number of refined, Georgian country house estates, Scotland’s idea of aristocracy has a rather more dramatic impact, in many cases the age of the buildings really is breathtaking.

That said, it’s not short of its Regency offerings, the likes of Boath House is a delightful and luxurious experience designed by architect Archibald Simpson, while Prestonfield in Edinburgh gives another aspect entirely.  Next to Royal Holyrood Park, this city based hotel has been described enticingly as ‘an orgy for the senses.’