First Look: Mar Hall to reopen in Spring 2025

Spearheaded by independent Glasgow-based design studio, Graven, the renovation will see a complete transformation and expansion of one of Scotland’s most established heritage hotels.

Article Source: Mar Hall
Last Updated: 23 January 2025 14:55

Nestled within 240-acres of ancient woodland with views of the River Clyde, Mar Hall is one of Scotland’s most established 5-star heritage hotels. Just 10 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, the country estate features an 18-hole championship golf course, grand private event spaces, state-of-the-art leisure facilities, including a 20-metre swimming pool, and spa.

Originally designed in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of London’s British Museum, Mar Hall first opened as a prestigious hotel and golf resort in 2004 and has hosted celebrities and royalty, including Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Harry Styles and Brad Pitt.

The renovation follows the 2024 acquisition of the property by Dubai-based Dutco Group and joins its elite portfolio of hotels in Dubai, the Maldives, Seychelles and Edinburgh, with the £15m renovation led by investment and asset management firm, Align Partners.

Design studio Graven is masterminding a complete overhaul of the hotel’s guest rooms, suites and apartments as well as all public spaces, including the main entrance and reception, Members’ Lounge, Long Gallery, bar, restaurant and private events areas. Enticing new additions include a 24-person private cinema, Gaming Room and Billiards Room.

“We approached Mar Hall’s renovation with a deep respect for the building’s storied past, while reimagining its spaces to meet the expectations of today’s luxury travellers. The transformed Mar Hall blends timeless elegance with a standout contemporary design, allowing guests to experience the hotel’s legacy and surroundings in new, inspiring ways.” - Lisa King, Design Director, Align Partners

For the interior design, art curation and bespoke furnishings, Graven is collaborating with leading Glasgow-based studios Timorous Beasties, Art Pistol and Elegant Clutter to conceive a distinctive, sophisticated identity.

ENTRANCE & RECEPTION
Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed through the original “porte cochère” (carriage porch), a unique architectural feature that leads through to a grand new reception. Paying homage to the property’s Victorian heritage, these spaces feature black and white marble floors, a commanding central chandelier and rich accents of brushed bronze and textured velvets.

BEDROOMS
Mar Hall
Accommodation will include 74 luxurious guest rooms – including three Grand Suites and eight Junior Suites – ranging in size from 25m2 to 115m2. Smaller suites (pictured below) are cosy and inviting, featuring botanical wallpaper, curving contours, soft textures and warm-toned colour palettes, complete with new ensuite bathrooms.

THE LONG GALLERY
The Long Gallery will act as a vibrant central hub of the hotel, showcasing dramatic vistas of the immaculate surrounding gardens with a central bar, with inviting sofas and armchairs and walls featuring an eclectic gallery of artwork. The impressive grandeur of this expansive space can be adapted to host unique exhibitions, private celebrations, charity and corporate events.

BAR, RESTAURANT & PRIVATE EVENTS
Located at the end of the gallery with outstanding panoramic views over the Kilpatrick Hills, a newly refurbished restaurant offers an intimate dining experience, welcoming hotel guests and local visitors into a modern-day Victorian inspired setting. The revitalised bar overlooks the magnificent River Clyde, a focal point for guests to gather and socialise over bespoke craft cocktails and drams of local whisky. A new private dining room brings a touch of theatre – a spectacular celebrations venue for all occasions.

MEMBERS’ LOUNGE

A newly designed private enclave exclusively for Mar Hall members, the Members’ Lounge evokes the charm of a traditional manor house library with bold blue walls and warmly illuminated shelves. With comfortable sofas and armchairs, a fireplace and soft lighting, the Members’ Lounge is a relaxing, private retreat and inspiring space for informal, low-key events.

SPA & LEISURE FACIILITIES
Mar Hall
Housed in the most recently developed wing of the hotel, the luxury spa is a destination for wellness days and weekends, as well as bespoke massages, facials and beauty treatments. A state-of-the-art heated 20-metre indoor swimming pool is surrounded by loungers, steam rooms, saunas and brass-tapped showers. A brand-new gym overlooks the pool, featuring cutting edge PRIMAL Performance Series cardio equipment and weights.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The expansive grounds of the Mar Hall Estate are a defining feature of the Mar Hall experience. Reimagined by Head Landscaper, Wayne Simon Page, themed landscaping has been introduced to compliment the estate’s rich history. 56 acres of ancient woodland and three original fountain pools have been restored, along with the creation of two new maze gardens, a sunken seating and fire-pit area and an al fresco reading room. The extensive planting of new trees and shrub species enhances woodland biodiversity, and new bee gardens and wildlife viewing stations have been established as part of the hotel’s ongoing eco-friendly initiatives.

Room rates at Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort will start from £245 per night, find out more at www.marhall.com

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