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Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Mar Hall: A Grand Scottish Estate Reimagined For The Modern Luxury Traveller
Set within 240 acres of ancient woodland overlooking the River Clyde and framed by the misty Kilpatrick Hills, Mar Hall is a five-star heritage estate that has recently undergone a meticulous £20 million transformation. A former baronial mansion built in 1828 by the esteemed Sir Robert Smirke–architect of the British Museum–for Major General Robert Walter Stuart, the 11th Lord Blantyre, Mar Hall has long been a symbol of aristocratic grandeur. Lord Blantyre was accidentally shot and killed while in Belgium in 1830. Consequently his wife Fanny carried on with construction of Mar Hall, which eventually became a social hub for the Scottish elite, aristocrats and industrialists, at the peak of Clydebank's shipbuilding industry–which famously produced the Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth Ocean liners for the Royal Family. In the 20th century Mar Hall became a Wartime hospital, transforming from a private residence into a place of care and sanctuary. Mar Hall © Lee Sharrock © Lee Sharrock Today–under new ownership by Dubai-based Dutco Group–Mar Hall redefines what a luxury country estate can be, one that artfully balances Scottish heritage with modern, international design sensibility. My daughter and I arrived for a mother-daughter escape, and from the moment we approached the sweeping, tree-lined driveway–glimpsing deer and rabbits through the forest–the tone was set: escapism and elegance in equal measure. We were given a warm welcome by the inimitable Alan McDougall–concierge extraordinaire–and the Mar Hall team, who anchored our stay in a tradition of Scottish hospitality at its finest. The Gallery at Mar Hall © Mar Hall © Mar Hall A Design-Led Restoration The vision for Mar Hall's new chapter is the result of a carefully considered redesign by Glaswegian interior designer Jim Hamilton. Known for his thoughtful aesthetic rooted in stealth luxury, Hamilton has managed to create an atmosphere that is at once opulent and inviting, with subtle nods to Scotland's industrial and artistic heritage woven throughout. The entrance hall is a masterstroke of timeless elegance, where heritage green walls complement original stained-glass windows, and a canopy of tropical palms sets an unexpected, lush tone. Brass fittings, vintage mirrors, marble worktops, and designer lighting create a glamorous yet grounded ambiance, reminiscent of a 19th-century Parisian brasserie–indeed, the central champagne bar is cog-shaped, inspired by archival drawings from the John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank. There are no Scottish design clichés here–in fact the only tartan you might notice is on the socks worn by the staff–instead, the interiors evoke a refined sensibility. Hamilton has created an environment that feels both grand and cocoon-like, with velvet armchairs in rich jewel tones, sensuous materials like marble and leather, and a confident colour palette that echoes the surrounding natural landscape. Even the hotel's visual identity–incorporating the Earl of Mar's coat of arms–is subtly embossed on everything from breakfast waffles to cocktail mats and the chocolate cake in Mar Hall's signature Afternoon Tea. Hamilton gave me a tour of the hotel, explaining the reasoning behind his design philosophy for Mar Hall: 'I came to the space and remembered it, but it wasn't very welcoming. I thought 'well it was a home, it should feel homely', so my first point of attack was to say 'what's the guest's journey here. What do they experience?' I try to put myself in the shoes of someone arriving on a cold winter's day, a summer's day, a dark night or a bright morning. On a day like today when it's slightly overcast, you get that feeling of the greenery outside. The architecture is pretty amazing, and the scale is great.' Redesigning the interiors of Mar Hall was something of a homecoming for Jim, as he grew up nearby and remembered the space from attending a wedding there years ago. He says: 'We've worked in America, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. We've done a lot of travelling. This is the one that's ten minutes from where I grew up. You never get projects as close to home as this! I'd been to a friend's wedding here so I knew the space.' When Hamilton was invited to take on the interior design for Mar Hall's revamp, he decided to look back at the building's original incarnation as a family home and then as a hospital–both spaces where a warm welcome and metaphorical (or physical) embrace were important. There are also a series of self-contained rooms outside of the main hotel with their own gardens, that are are based on Scottish Mountain Bothies. Hamilton explains: 'When you get into the hills of Scotland there are lots of Bothies–a series of historical little huts, designed for when you get caught in bad weather. When you use a Bothie, you're meant to leave something behind–a piece of food or a drink–so when the next person comes they've got food or a drink. So these rooms are meant to give you a little cuddle, like a Bothie. There are also Coorie rooms–a lot of journalists now are comparing the Scottish word Coorie to the Danish word Hygge, meaning a warm and inviting atmosphere. So the rooms at the far end of Mar Hall have been christened 'Coorie', after the nurses that looked after patients when it was a hospital.' Art, Culture, and Coorie Scotland has produced a remarkable lineage of acclaimed designers and artists, many of whom share a connection to the influential Glasgow School of Art. Among the most iconic is Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a visionary Victorian architect and designer whose work epitomized the Art Nouveau movement and helped define the Glasgow Style–a synthesis of architecture, furniture, and decorative arts with a distinctively modern sensibility. Alongside him, artists like Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh contributed significantly to this era, shaping early modernism in Britain. In the contemporary landscape, Glasgow continues to be a crucible for innovation through alumni such as Jenny Saville, renowned for her large-scale, visceral figurative paintings that challenge conventional representations of the body. Other notable graduates include Douglas Gordon, David Shrigley, and Jim Lambie. Collectively, these artists and designers illustrate Scotland's enduring legacy of artistic excellence and its powerful influence on global visual culture. Since Scotland has such a rich cultural heritage–and Glasgow in particular has produced so many celebrated artists and designers–it's no surprise that the design and art collection of Mar Hall is stunning. Mar Hall's eye-catching kaleidoscopic wallpaper and jewel-coloured velvet cushions, decorated with butterfly motifs–both designed by Timorous Beasties- are a design highlight of Mar Hall's renovation, and a clever introduction by designer Hamilton to complement his unique interior decor scheme. Timorous Beasties was established in 1990 by Glasgow School of Art. alumni Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons, who were inspired by Victorian art critic John Ruskin's view of the universal connection between art, nature and society. Timorous Beasties wallpaper © Mar Hall © Mar Hall Throughout the hotel, original artwork curated by Art Pistol–an acclaimed Glasgow-based consultancy–adds depth and narrative. Art Pistol, known for nurturing talent from the Glasgow School of Art, have selected works that echo the interiors and landscape alike. Scottish artist Nichol Wheatley has been commissioned to create four large panel paintings for the Club Lounge, relative to the four corners of Scotland and representing the four seasons. Scottish luxury is down to more than aesthetics–it's a feeling, perfectly encapsulated by the philosophy of Coorie , a word that conjures warmth, comfort, and closeness. Mar Hall captures this spirit perfectly. Whether you're curled up in a velvet armchair with a novel, strolling through the gardens with immaculately pruned roses and mowed lawns–thanks to the care of landscape gardener Wayne Simon Page–or sipping a 'wee dram' of whisky by the fire, every moment here feels enveloped in a warm Scottish embrace. Rooms that Cocoon Mar Hall offers 74 individually styled guest rooms and suites, including eight elegant Junior Suites, three sprawling Grand Suites, and a selection of new Spa Garden Suites. Hamilton explains that each of the mansion rooms is designed individually: 'The big mansion rooms are a play on colour. So pretty much every room is a different colour. There's no repetition, it's not cookie cutter. Every room has a different colour palette.' We stayed in one of the sumptuous Grand Suites with a breathtaking view of the verdant green golf course adjacent to the River Clyde–mist-covered mountains beckoning in the distance. A thoughtfully curated bookcase contained a rainbow-coloured collection of antique books, including tomes on celebrated Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, perfect for reading whilst sinking into one of the suite's jewel-coloured velvet chairs or sinking into the four-poster bed. Artworks curated by Art Pistol by contemporary Scottish artists decorated the walls, and the marbled bathroom was a masterclass in understated luxury. The overall effect was of staying in a private Mayfair apartment–albeit with an unparalleled view of the Kilpatrick Hills–rather than a hotel. Grand Suite at Mar Hall © Mar Hall © Mar Hall Culinary Delights with a Scottish Soul Dining at Mar Hall is a multi-sensory experience that both honours and reinvents traditional Scottish fare. Executive Chef Tony Tapia leads the charge at The Dining Room, presenting a menu grounded in hyper-local, seasonal ingredients. His interpretation of West Coast Cullen is a delicate, reimagined take on the classic fish and potato soup, while the spicy raw beef tartare–prepared tableside–adds a flourish of theatre to an already compelling dish. Argyll smoked salmon was prepared with cucumber and horseradish, and served so fresh and clean that it melted in the mouth like sashimi. Other standout dishes were Berwick crab with Apple, Kohlrabi and samphire–beautifully presented like a work of culinary art–and Orkney scallops with coriander and cordyceps. Orkney Scallops at Mar Hall © Lee Sharrock © Lee Sharrock The Afternoon Tea–curated by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Szilard Szentesi–is an unmissable indulgence. Served in The Gallery beneath glass palms and stained-glass skylights, the tea includes exquisitely plated savouries and pastries, with flavours as intricate as their presentation. A three-tiered brass tray holds dainty sandwiches (including cucumber sandwiches fit for a Royal tea), scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of whimsical desserts. The chocolate cake bears the hotel's insignia and pairs perfectly with a glass of Champagne or a pot of loose leaf green tea. Afternoon tea at Mar Hall © Lee Sharrock © Lee Sharrock Slàinte, the newly imagined cocktail bar, is where Head Mixologist Chris Mullen channels Scotland's rich history into liquid artistry. Signature drinks such as The 180 —a floral twist on the classic whisky sour named in honour of Mar Hall's 180-year legacy—are delivered with showmanship, sometimes accompanied by smoke and mirrors. Bar at Mar Hall © Mar Hall © Mar Hall Experiences Rooted in Place Mar Hall's sprawling estate offers more than just beautiful vistas. The hotel boasts an 18-hole championship golf course with panoramic views over the River Clyde, as well as a full menu of countryside pursuits–from falconry and axe throwing to archery and rifle shooting. Our own archery and rifle shooting session–led by a kilted Scandinavian instructor–proved both enlightening and exhilarating. We learned the storied history of the bow and arrow, and enjoyed the unspoiled setting, which we accessed via golf buggy through whispering woodlands. Mar Hall © Mar Hall © Mar Hall A Sanctuary of Wellness The spa is a sleek, modern counterpoint to the hotel's heritage interiors, discreetly connected to the main building by a glass corridor. Here, contemporary design prevails–muted tones, clean lines, and a focus on natural Scottish wellness. Treatments use Ishga products, and we floated out of the spa on a cloud after our facial and hot stone massage. Derived from sustainably harvested Hebridean seaweed, Ishga is named after the Gaelic word for water. Mar Hall Spa © Mar Hall © Mar Hall A Destination for a New Generation of Scotophiles Mar Hall is a favourite hideaway for celebrities such as Kylie Minogue and Richard Ashcroft–who was in Scotland to support Oasis at their Edinburgh gig during our visit. Mar Hall offers a serene contrast in a countryside setting to the creative hustle of Glasgow's bustling city centre, which is part of the reason that it attracts an eclectic clientele–from rock stars to families, wedding parties to golfers. During our stay, excitement buzzed in the air as several streets in Glasgow's city centre had been transformed into a New York City location for the new Spiderman movie, and we visited the location where we saw a chase scene involving yellow taxi cabs being filmed. In its latest incarnation, Mar Hall doesn't just preserve its storied past–it elevates it through a sympathetic reimagining of the historic building for a contemporary destination. If you're looking for an experience that fuses history with storytelling, design with discovery, culinary excellence with Coorie , contemporary art with classic design, and breathtaking Scottish scenery with outdoors activities, Mar Hall is the perfect place to visit. In short, Mar Hall is more than a hotel–it's a destination, an oasis of calcm, serenity and old school service surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. One that whispers luxury in a distinctly Scottish accent.
The National
11-08-2025
- Business
- The National
Dubai's JA Resorts & Hotels makes UK debut with two heritage properties in Scotland
Dubai's JA Resorts & Hotels has taken over the management of two heritage hotels in Scotland, marking the homegrown hospitality brand's entry into the UK. The first property, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, is a historic 97-hectare estate outside Glasgow, while The Bruntsfield is a boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. Part of the prestigious Dutco Group, JA Resorts & Hotels operates hotels across Dubai and in the Maldives, including some of the oldest hotels in the UAE – JA Hatta Fort Hotel and JA Beach Hotel, which opened in 1981. Originally designed and built in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of London's British Museum, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is a historic five-star hotel set within a 97-hectare estate on the banks of the River Clyde. Dutco Group acquired the property last year and officially re-opened it in May following a £25 million ($33.6 million) refurbishment. The resort features 74 restored guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, as well as a 22-seater private cinema, gaming room and billiards room. The Bruntsfield, meanwhile, is located in Edinburgh's historic city centre and is a short walk from landmarks such as the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens. The boutique hotel was originally built as a Baronial-style residence on Borough Muir in 1861. The property underwent an extensive £1 million refurbishment in 2022, and was acquired by the Dutco Group last year. It features 72 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a heated secret garden, as well as spacious event facilities. The hotel holds a Gold Green Tourism accreditation for its focus on sustainability. 'Our journey as a brand has been both dynamic and deeply personal. Since opening JA Hatta Fort Hotel and JA Beach Hotel in 1981, we've proudly evolved – not just in our properties, but in the scope and spirit of the company itself," said Ahmed Baker, the chairman of Dutco Group. "As a homegrown brand rooted in Dubai's hospitality heritage, it is especially meaningful to see our growth extend internationally in ways that remain true to who we are.'
