A grand and richly storied house in the centre of the capital…
VIBE: A maximalist haven, with tassels, fringes, embellishment and gallery walls. This former 17th-century country house is a secret sanctuary (the late Queen Mother apparently used its Yellow Room as an escape from Holyrood Palace) only a five-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre.
NEED TO KNOW: Edinburgh restaurateur and hotelier James Thomson owns Prestonfield House as well as The Witchery and the Secret Garden, decadent destination restaurants with rooms. Thomson’s hallmark is creating magical, immersive experiences.
ROOMS: There are 18 regal bedrooms and five romantic suites. All are opulent – think vermillion velvet furnishings, toile de Jouy wallpaper, king-size beds, ormolu antiques and romantic lighting – with views over the 20-acre gardens, or the ruins of Craigmillar Castle. Included are lots of lovely treats, great reading material to peruse over complimentary champagne, and fragrant Penhaligon amenities (Blenheim Bouquet) which encourage long leisurely baths. (Mr Dior would approve; the designer spent time in the bathtub as he pondered new designs.)
DINING: Rhubarb restaurant is named after the rhubarb patch in the garden – Prestonfield was the first estate in the UK to propogate rhubarb in the 18th century and it is still grown today. Do order a Rhubarb Patch cocktail as you scan the menu (set menus are £45stg or £70stg) which focuses on Scottish ingredients served with flair and flavour. The setting is beautiful – my table overlooked Arthur’s seat – while breakfast is also a delight. Options for private dining include the Salon Privet for two, the Stuart Room for 14, the Italian room for 24 and the Garden Room for 50.
ACTIVITIES: Linger in the garden, the domain of the resident peacock, enjoy afternoon tea in the Tea House, or a round of golf on the adjacent course. I got lots of ideas for gallery walls (there is not an inch of space on the hotel’s walls!).
VERDICT: If you believe “less is a bore,” then this is nirvana. Overnight stays including breakfast, from £375stg. www.prestonfield.com.