Where Scottish heritage meets contemporary sophistication, Mar Hall is the kind of destination that redefines what a luxury country escape can be. Just 20 minutes from Glasgow yet worlds away in atmosphere, this five-star heritage estate–set on 240 acres of ancient woodland along the River Clyde–has undergone a remarkable £20 million transformation, blending aristocratic history with modern design, culinary excellence, and cultural richness.
Originally built in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect behind the British Museum, Mar Hall was created as a baronial mansion for Major General Robert Walter Stuart, the 11th Lord Blantyre. After his untimely death, his wife Lady Fanny completed the estate, which quickly became a hub for the Scottish elite during Clydebank’s shipbuilding golden age. In the 20th century, it shifted from private residence to wartime hospital, adding another layer to its multifaceted history.
Now under the ownership of Dubai-based Dutco Group, Mar Hall has entered a new chapter. The redesign by acclaimed Glaswegian interior designer Jim Hamilton–known for his subtle, tactile approach to “stealth luxury”–embraces the Scottish principle of Coorie: warmth, comfort, and a deep sense of belonging.
Upon arrival, the tone is immediately set. Winding through a tree-lined drive past deer and rabbits, guests are greeted with old-world hospitality by the Mar Hall team, led by the effortlessly charming Alan McDougall. The entrance hall is a visual feast: deep green walls, original stained-glass windows, tropical palms, and a statement champagne bar shaped like a cog–an homage to Clydebank’s shipbuilding legacy.
Hamilton’s design avoids clichés. Tartan appears only subtly (on the staff’s socks), and instead, rooms are swathed in velvet, marble, and rich jewel tones. Each of the 74 rooms and suites—especially the eight Junior Suites and three Grand Suites–is uniquely styled. The standout Spa Garden Suites draw on Scottish mountain Bothies for inspiration: traditional shelters where travelers leave supplies for the next guest. These rooms are private, comforting sanctuaries with garden views and nods to Mar Hall’s past as a hospital, where Coorie warmth mattered deeply.
The suite we stayed in overlooked the verdant golf course and misty Kilpatrick Hills. Books on Charles Rennie Mackintosh lined the shelves, while walls displayed artwork curated by Art Pistol, a Glasgow-based consultancy supporting Scottish artists. Every design element tells a story–like the kaleidoscopic butterfly wallpaper and velvet cushions by Timorous Beasties, founded by Glasgow School of Art alumni.
This connection to Scottish artistry is central to Mar Hall’s identity. Influences range from Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald to contemporary talents like Jenny Saville, David Shrigley, and Jim Lambie. A highlight is the commissioned work by artist Nichol Wheatley–four seasonal landscape panels representing the corners of Scotland in the Club Lounge.
Dining is equally elevated. Under Executive Chef Tony Tapia, The Dining Room reimagines Scottish fare with finesse. Dishes like a deconstructed Cullen Skink, spicy raw beef tartare prepared tableside, and sashimi-style Argyll smoked salmon celebrate local ingredients with international flair. Seafood lovers will swoon over the Berwick crab with apple and kohlrabi or the Orkney scallops with cordyceps and coriander.
Afternoon Tea in The Gallery is a showstopper, served under glass palms and stained-glass skylights. Expect delicate sandwiches, buttery scones, and intricately crafted desserts–like the signature chocolate cake embossed with Mar Hall’s crest—alongside Champagne or loose-leaf teas.
In the evenings, head to Slàinte, the cocktail bar where Head Mixologist Chris Mullen crafts theatrical drinks like The 180, a whisky sour homage to Mar Hall’s 180-year legacy, often served with smoke and flair.
Outdoors, Mar Hall offers more than manicured gardens (maintained by expert gardener Wayne Simon Page). There’s an 18-hole championship golf course and a host of countryside pursuits–from archery and axe-throwing to falconry. Our own rifle shooting session with a kilted Scandinavian guide was both informative and exhilarating, offering a fun way to connect with Scotland’s rugged spirit.
The spa offers a contrast to the estate’s historic interiors, with minimalist, modern design and treatments focused on natural wellness. Products from Ishga, made from Hebridean seaweed, leave you glowing–our facial and hot stone massage was the perfect end to a day spent exploring the grounds.
During our stay, the hotel buzzed with activity. Celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Richard Ashcroft have made it their retreat, and Glasgow’s city centre was being transformed into New York City for the filming of a new Spiderman movie–underscoring the area’s rising cultural cachet.
Ultimately, Mar Hall is not just a place to stay; it’s a place to experience. It’s where Scotland’s artistic legacy, warm hospitality, architectural grandeur, and modern luxuries come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re here for the art, the food, the history, or simply to unwind in beautiful surroundings, Mar Hall is a destination that brings the past and future together–wrapped in velvet, steeped in story, and touched by Coorie.
