Visit & Review: Murrayshall Country Estate

15:00
december 9, 2022

pr stay // All thoughts and opinions are, of course, my own.

A 10 minute drive away from Perth you’ll find the charming Murrayshall Country Estate. I definitely have a soft spot for estate hotels as I’m both so curious to see their architecture and interior design as well as the opportunity for an escape into the Scottish countryside. This particular estate is the former home of Lord Lynedoch and dates back over 400 years. This might be a good one to keep an eye on continuously as they have plans to expand the hotel with a brand new spa venue as well. The hotel also recently won Boutique Hotelier Magazine’s “Best UK Hotel Restaurant” and the Visit Scotland Regional Heat for “Best Hotel Experience”. Besides the main building with its rooms and the restaurant Eòlas you’ll also find little apartments just a 2 minute walk from the main door and a golf course.

The Room

My room was located in one of the cute little houses just 2 minutes away from the head building. The little apartment had a tiny kitchen, bathroom with shower and bath and a little living area with a sofa and tv right by the entrance. The bed was really comfortable and even though I opened my window during the night for some fresh air, I didn’t experience any noise disturbance at all. Just sounds of nature that made the experience feel even more comfortable and enjoyable. The bathroom is equipped with shampoo and conditioner and features both a shower and bath.

The Bar

The Barossa bar can be found in the main building. Before our dinner we enjoyed some cocktails made with spirits from brands like Pommery Champagne, Suntory Roku Gin and Duncan Taylor Black Bull Whisky. When we visited in December the fire was roaring and it was a lovely spot to socialise with a cocktail in hand. I can imagine this being a lovely spot during the day as well, as you have some lovely views over the little valley just outside.

After our dinner we were even treated to an impromptu performance of two of the staff, one pianist and one singer who performed “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserable.

The Dinner at the Eòlas Restaurant

Since we already knew of the recent acknowledgement of winning Best UK Hotel Restaurant, I was really excited about the dinner. Eòlas (pronounced Olass) is located behind the Barossa Bar and had a relaxed yet elegant vibe. We enjoyed dishes like a spiced crab crumpet to start, halibut and venison and to finish a rhubarb crumble soufflé. The crab and venison were the highlights for me, although I can’t fault any of the dishes and the dessert was quite a vision in itself with its fluffy texture and lovely rhubarb tones. I’m a huge fan of rhubarb so was delighted to see it included in the menu. Along with dinner we also enjoyed some intriguing wines, where the accompanying wine to the venison was a stunner – a Grenache Shiraz Mataro Cute Juveniles from the Australian Barossa Valley. As if the chefs were not talented enough, the petit fours we enjoyed with coffees and teas was made by a young agent in-house who is sure to have a promising future if he keeps up this fabulous work.

The Breakfast

The breakfast is also served in the same space as the dinner restaurant and there was a set up with some continental breakfast items and then also a menu with items such as Full Scottish breakfast, salmon and various eggs. I opted for a Full Scottish and really enjoyed my tattie scone, haggis, black pudding, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato and mushrooms. I always forget how full I get from a plate of this!

Overall Murrayshall Country Estate is a lovely spot for a getaway and I will certainly keep an eye out for the developments with the spa which is sure to just add another bonus to this gorgeous estate.