The Story of Cromlix

In the stunning countryside of Perthshire, Cromlix house sits amid an estate surrounded by over thirty acres of secluded woodlands and grounds, fishing lochs and two mineral springs. With a name likely deriving from the phrase, Crom Leac, meaning the curve of sloping stone of a hillside – the beauty of the house and its surrounding estate is exceptional. When tennis superstar Andy Murray acquired Cromlix, which is located on the outskirts of his hometown, he set out to redefine this grand country house for the 21st century.

The first known owner of Cromlix was Edmund Chisholm, who acquired the estate in the early 15th century. His son became Bishop of Dunblane in 1487, and the Chisholm family were known to be senior figures in the Church to the Court of King James III and Mary Queen of Scots. Through marriage, Cromlix changed hands to the Hay-Drummonds in 1739, and it was under the helm of aristocrat Arthur Hay-Drummond that a tragedy occurred – the main house was completely destroyed in a devastating fire. Only the chapel, although badly damaged, survived. In 1880, the house was rebuilt to the exact same design and the estate was maintained as the family home for the Hay-Drummonds until 1971.

To this day, many of the historic features of the house hark back to the time of the Hay-Drummond family, such as the needlework in the Chapel, which was intricately sewn by Arthur Hay Drummond’s wife, Mary. Arthur Hay-Drummond was also responsible for the acquisition of the side drums on display – one of which was gifted to him by a commanding officer of the Scots Guard. Moreover, visitors may also notice a tobacco pipe and emblems of a uniform mounted on the wall at the entrance to the Chapel. These items were lovingly entreated to Robert Drummond by a Russian Officer who was comforted by Robert Drummond as he lay mortally wounded on the battlefield of the Crimea.

In 1981, just a decade after Cromlix House changed ownership, it was converted from a private residence to a country house hotel before being completely revived in 2014. Now an elegant Perthshire retreat, Cromlix Hotel has been sensitively refurbished with historic architecture, original furniture, and family portraits taking centre stage. Offering food that showcases locally sourced produce, fifteen luxurious bedrooms, and a myriad of grand common rooms to enjoy, Cromlix exudes the essence of Scottish luxury.