Nestled deep within the picturesque heart of rural Perthshire near the town of Crieff, and just an hour’s drive from Edinburgh, stands the newly opened Aberturret Estate House.
Blessed with a secluded location on the Glenturret estate, it was once the Dower House of Clan Murray, one of the great families in Scottish history, who founded Scotland’s oldest working distillery, Glenturret, more than 260 years ago. Clan Murray chose this spot to build the house, which is flanked by high hills and set in a woodland area known as the “Hosh”, not just because of its intensely private location, but for its unique position on the banks of the river Turret, naming it Aberturret (aber being the Gaelic word for a confluence of waters).
Fast-forward to the present day and 19th-century Aberturret Estate House has been acquired and meticulously refurbished by the Lalique group – owners of The Glenturret Distillery – into luxury accommodation consisting of six rooms sleeping up to 12 guests.
Aberturret House comprises four king-size and two double bedrooms, sleeping 12 guests. © Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli.
The restoration of the house has unlocked forgotten history and connected the owners to its Murray roots. Interior designer Will Nolan, of architecture firm Denholms, inspired by the historic estate and its breath-taking scenery, has created a style that seamlessly blends the allure of country living with the refinement of a luxurious retreat. It is a cocooning yet sophisticated space, a modern Scottish estate house that is both deeply welcoming and contemporary.
Set over two floors, the house has all the comforts of a beautifully appointed private home. The interior boasts open fires, fabrics of the finest Scottish quality – think Bute and Harris Tweed – the warmth of an Aga, a formal dining room (complete with cocktail bar) and a collection provided by the Fine Arts Society Edinburgh.
Aberturret House hosts a collection of artworks by Scottish artists curated by the Fine Art Society. © Mark Seager / Simple Photography.
This is a showcase of Scottish art dating from the 18th century up to the modern era and includes works by the likes of Joseph Farquharson, Edward Arthur Walton, George Harvey and Sir Eduardo Paolozzi – all of which are for sale. Touches of antique furniture throughout the house provide another rich layer to the atmospheric setting.
Four king-size and two double en suite bedrooms have been thoughtfully designed and feature a mixture of bespoke furniture and antique pieces, creating sanctuaries perfect for sheer relaxation. The master bedroom comes complete with a copper roll-top bath situated in the bay window area overlooking the garden. To the side, a dressing room is painted in warm tonal colours.
The master bedroom at Aberturret House features a copper roll-top bath overlooking the garden. © Mark Seager / Simple Photography.
The three other king-size bedrooms feature a selection of carefully curated art and thoughtful touches such as window seats, and all have slate-wall showers. Each room is fitted out with luxury Egyptian cotton bedlinen, Lovat Mill throws, and offer divine country views.
On the ground floor an expansive and welcoming entrance hall leads to a cocktail lounge and formal dining room, an entertainment lounge equipped with playful elements such as a record player and board games, a study, and a boot room for your return from muddy walks. There are several entertaining spaces where you can sink into soft seating and sip a drink by a roaring fire. The large contemporary kitchen/dining room includes French doors opening out into the garden – perfect for outdoor entertaining.
The furniture, a collection from the likes of Morgan and Edinburgh-based Catalog and Georgian Antiques, is pleasingly unfussy; and you’ll find pieces of Scottish ceramics by potters such as Jono Smart and Hazel Frost, and various other Scottish knick-knacks dotted all over. It’s a house that’s suitable for families, friends or hosting business events.
The formal dining room and large kitchen at Aberturret House. © Mark Seager / Simple Photography.
Outside, guests can partake in a range of exclusive activities arranged by the Glenturret team. Whether that is a BBQ in the beautiful three-acre garden overlooking the Turret, private distillery tours, exploring the gateway to the Highlands – either on foot or by off-road driving – archery, fishing, golf, or simply red squirrel and deer spotting, the surroundings of Aberturret Estate House offer a treasure trove of recreation.
Guests have the option of arriving by helicopter and preferential access (subject to availability) at the Glenturret Lalique restaurant, which offers a two- Michelin-starred exquisite dining experience and is just a short walk away within the Glenturret Distillery. For those who seek a more intimate gastronomic experience, private catering can also be arranged in the comfort and privacy of the house, with menus that respect the seasons and local terroir.
This is Scottish hospitality at its very best.
More details, bookings and enquiries, HERE.
Words: Linda Hunting
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