Cromlix, a luxurious five-star hotel nestled in the Stirlingshire countryside near Dunblane, Scotland, is a testament to the vision of tennis icon Andy Murray and his wife, Kim Murray. This Victorian mansion, set on 34 acres of lush woodlands and gardens, has evolved from a historic estate into one of Scotland’s premier hospitality destinations. Since its purchase in 2013, Cromlix has earned prestigious awards, undergone ambitious renovations, and become a cherished part of the Murray family’s legacy.
The Establishment of Cromlix: A Personal Passion
Cromlix’s history predates Andy Murray’s involvement. Originally built in 1874 as a family home for Captain Arthur Drummond Hay, the mansion was rebuilt in 1880 after a fire and later operated as a hotel from 1981 until its closure in 2012. In 2013, Andy, a Dunblane native and two-time Wimbledon champion, acquired the estate for nearly £2 million to preserve its legacy and maintain a connection to his hometown.
The hotel holds deep sentimental value for the Murray family. Andy’s grandparents celebrated milestone anniversaries there, and both Andy and his brother Jamie held their wedding receptions at Cromlix. This personal tie drove the Murrays to transform Cromlix into a welcoming retreat that feels like a home.
Initially managed by a hospitality group, Cromlix became self-managed in January 2023, with Kim leading a major refurbishment. Collaborating with designer Suzanne Garuda, she redesigned the hotel’s 10 bedrooms, five suites, and one-bedroom Laurel Gate Lodge, blending Victorian charm with modern comforts.
Awards and Recognition: A Pinnacle of Scottish Hospitality
Cromlix has earned a reputation as one of Scotland’s finest hotels, collecting accolades that highlight its excellence. Just 27 days after its April 2014 reopening, it was named Scotland’s Hotel of the Year at the Scottish Hotel Awards.
In 2023, Cromlix won Independent Hotel of the Year and Chef of the Year for Executive Head Chef Darin Campbell at the Scottish Excellence Awards. In 2024, the hotel was celebrated as the best in Scotland at the AA Hospitality Awards. In 2025, Cromlix received a Michelin Key, a prestigious new award for exceptional hospitality.
The hotel also competed in BBC Scotland’s *Scotland’s Greatest Escape* in 2024, where judges praised its regal experience and unique touches, like shortbread made from “Andy’s gran’s secret recipe.”
### **Guest Experience: Luxury Meets Homely Charm**
Cromlix offers a distinctive guest experience, combining five-star amenities with a warm, homely feel. Guests are welcomed with Prosecco in a wood-paneled entrance hall and can enjoy 34 acres of grounds featuring Wimbledon-inspired tennis courts, a padel court, a private loch, and activities like falconry and fishing.
The Glasshouse restaurant, led by Chef Darin Campbell, serves seasonal dishes using estate-grown produce, while the hotel’s afternoon tea has become a viral sensation, serving around 1,000 monthly.
The hotel’s 15 rooms—10 bedrooms and five suites—start at £304 for two, including breakfast, and feature botanical wallpapers, jewel-toned furnishings, and MODM skincare amenities.
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### **Ambitious Plans for Cromlix’s Future**
Since retiring from tennis in August 2024, Andy Murray has focused on Cromlix’s growth, with Kim driving the creative vision. Recent plans include:
– **New Restaurant and Kitchen**: A glass-fronted restaurant, doubling seating capacity, is set for completion by spring 2026.
– **Additional Bedrooms**: New rooms will be added by reconfiguring existing spaces.
– **Wellness Cottage and Cabins**: A wellness cottage will open in summer 2025, along with nine luxury woodland cabins.
– **Outhouse Renovation**: Plans to repair an outhouse faced scrutiny due to potential bat roosts, requiring ecological compliance.
These initiatives reflect Kim’s goal to make Cromlix “indulgent and aspirational” yet homely.
Financial and Operational Insights
Cromlix reported a £369,045 loss in the year ending March 2024, an improvement from £919,572 the previous year. These losses stem from refurbishment costs, but record occupancy and increased private events signal growth.
Cromlix is more than a hotel—it’s a labor of love for Andy and Kim Murray, blending Victorian elegance with modern luxury. From its rapid rise to Scotland’s Hotel of the Year in 2014 to its 2025 Michelin Key, Cromlix exemplifies hospitality excellence. Ambitious plans for expansion signal a bright future, rooted in the Murray family’s Dunblane legacy.