Prestonfield Shortlist*

‘An orgy for the senses’, James Thomson’s opulently decorated baroque mansion, next to Royal Holyrood Park, is a more-is-more celebration of gilded furniture, lavish flower arrangements, swags, velvets and brocades, leather-panelled rooms and black-kilted staff. It is managed by Alan McGuiggan. It has art- and antique-filled bedrooms, each seemingly more indulgent than the other. All have a remarkable bed and views over parkland; a welcome bottle of champagne adds sparkle – if more is needed. Chef John McMahon serves Scottish cuisine in the glamorous Rhubarb restaurant; afternoon tea is taken by a log fire, on the terrace or in a ‘Gothic’ tea house. More intimate, but no less atmospheric, The Witchery by the Castle (see Shortlist entry), in Edinburgh Old Town, is under the same ownership. 2 drawing rooms, sitting room, salon, library, whisky bar, Rhubarb restaurant. 4 private dining rooms. Lift. Free Wi-Fi, in-room TV. Background music. Civil wedding licence, function facilities. 20-acre grounds (gardens; croquet, putting; secure dog run; paddocks and woodland walk). Terraces, tea house. Parking (reserved parking for disabled). Children (high chair; babysitting by arrangement) and dogs welcomed. 23 bedrooms (5 suites; 1 suitable for disabled). Per room B&B from £335.