Set in a tranquil 240-acre estate surrounded by magnificent Aberdeenshire countryside, the handsome Meldrum House Country Hotel (www.meldrumhouse.com) is an unashamedly luxurious property. Once a baronial country house, parts of this historic building date back to the 13th century.
Comfortably blending elegance and charm with tradition, the hotel offers terrific region-driven food, impeccable service, superb views over the Aberdeenshire countryside and a parkland golf course. What’s more, although it may feel remote, it is only a 30-minute drive from Aberdeen Airport and a great base for country or coastal walks and gentle touring. What’s not to love?
Who Is it For?
Ideal for honeymooners, golfers, high-end business travelers and those of all ages who yearn to chill out in a beautiful, peaceful setting. The hotel is family friendly and provides travel cots, activity packs and a children’s menu. It is also a popular wedding venue, hosting around 100 weddings annually.
Accommodation
A multimillion-pound extension in 2016 saw the addition of 28 bedrooms, so now this year-round retreat has 38 individually designed guest rooms in the main building and 13 in the stylish stables. An additional five rooms are available for groups in the Chain Lodge gatehouse. Rooms, traditional and contemporary, come with flat-screen TVs, exquisitely comfortable beds, sumptuous Egyptian cotton bedding, high-quality furniture and enormous bathrooms. Many incorporate original features such as exposed beams and four-poster rooms are also available. Thoughtful touches include a well-stocked hospitality tray, complimentary homemade fudge, macaroons, bottles of Scottish water and umbrellas in the wardrobes. Well, it is Scotland.
Facilities
They keep the fire crackling in the spacious and comfy drawing room which has lots of squishy soft leather chairs and sofas, a grandfather clock, piles of magazines and picture-perfect views of the surrounding countryside. It’s just the place to enjoy pretending to be lord or lady of the manor while sipping a glass of prosecco and indulging in a sumptuous afternoon tea.
For budding or experienced golfers, there is an on-site 18-hole championship golf course, golf academy and clubhouse. The course has been built to exacting specifications while natural terrain and woodland backdrop create an ideal environment.
The estate, which is home to swans and their cygnets, ducks and a couple of Highland cows, has plenty of walking trails to encourage guests to stride out.
Food and Drink
The chic award-winning 2 Red Rosette restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine with an international flavor. Menus change regularly to reflect the highest quality seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
The hotel’s atmospheric 800-year-old stone walled Cave Bar is where to enjoy pre and post-dinner drinks. This is the oldest part of the hotel and has whiskey ambassadors on hand to help guests select from over 120 malts. It is also home to one of the largest collections of Glen Garioch whiskeys. That’s pronounced ‘Glen Geery’ by the way. A light bites menu offers local delights such as a hot smoked salmon platter or beef and *BrewDog pie with mash and veg. (*Brewdog is a locally brewed craft beer).
What’s Nearby
The town of Oldmeldrum, a short walk away, is home to Glen Garioch, (www.glengarioch.com) one of Scotland’s oldest working whiskey distilleries dating back to 1797. The distillery, which has a visitor center, works in partnership with Meldrum House Hotel and guests can take advantage of discounted tastings and tours.
Getting There
The hotel is within easy reach of Aberdeen, Scotland’s third city.
