Prestonfield

Wrapped in parkland, this gleaming white country house that is only ten minutes from the city centre takes luxury to hedonistic levels, with lavish decorations and indulgent service. The 17th-century mansion, with its shuttered windows and carved ceilings, exudes ‘an air of gorgeous splendour’. Owned by James Thomson, Prestonfield is a glamorous mix of rich colours, antiques, tapestries, gilded portraits and glinting crystal. Intimate rooms with brocade sofas are perfect places to enjoy afternoon tea, and if it’s warm, you can sit on the terrace. ‘Magnificent’ bedrooms come with velvets, antiques, darkly patterned wallpapers, rococo mirrors, and perhaps a Gothic day bed or silver chariot bath. Treats include fruit, complimentary champagne and ‘a real bed with sheets and blanket’. ‘Dinner was excellent, in a gorgeous room with amazing decor.’ The menu might include duck and wood pigeon terrine followed by stone bass with tempura mussels. Vegans are catered for, and the wine list is weighty. ‘Excellent’ breakfasts run from omelettes and smashed avocado to the full Scottish with haggis. (John Barnes)