The estate’s beauty, luxury and location make it a Scottish gem visitors can’t help but share.
Murrayshall Country Estate, near Perth, offers 40 rooms, dining, 28-hole golf and a range of activities alongside amazing views(Image: Murrayshall)
We have enjoyed one of the warmest and longest summers in recent memory this year. Although in Scotland we’ve not had quite as many heatwaves as our neighbours south of the border, we’ve not been short of sunshine.
But as the nights start to grow shorter and the days get a wee bit cooler, our minds turn to the next season. And Perthshire is emerging as a prime destination for an autumn getaway.
With the nights drawing in and leaves beginning to turn, the region comes alive in a vivid display of reds, oranges, yellows and browns.
Known as the ‘Big Tree Country’, Perthshire boasts more than 200,000 acres of woodland alongside serene glens, rivers, waterfalls and moors.
Sir Walter Scott once described it as “the fairest portion of the northern kingdom”, and the landscape still lives up to the accolade. A 64-mile trek along the Cateran Trail provides one way to explore the area’s forests, Munros, waterfalls and gardens over five days.
Overlooking this spectacular countryside is Murrayshall Country Estate, just a short drive from Perth city centre.
Known as the “Big Tree Country, Perthshire’s woodlands, glens and rivers come alive in beautiful colours in autumn(Image: Getty Images)
Described on its website as “a luxury country house and estate nestled between the towering trees”, Murrayshall offers 40 rooms and suites, fine dining at Eòlas, casual meals at Cairns Bar, 28 holes of parkland golf and a range of activities across the estate.
Douglas Dickie, of the Scottish Daily Express, described his stay as “a tranquil few days”, adding: “We were housed in a cosy suite away from the main country house building, giving plenty of space for the little one to run around. And she certainly seemed to enjoy her free-standing bath sat in a huge bathroom.”
“While we weren’t able to take advantage of some of the more adventurous activities on offer – including quad bike trekking, archery, and axe throwing – there was time for a round at the 18-hole golf course which winds its way around the hotel grounds.
“A short course, it certainly had teeth and proved a tricky challenge. I’m already desperate for another go at it to put into practice what I learned. Enjoying a cold drink outside the Cairns Bar, overlooking the 18th green, was the ideal way to mull over my day on the links.
Set on 365 acres, Murrayshall features two golf courses, including a championship course with tree-lined fairways and views over the Perthshire glens.(Image: Murrayshall)
“For my wife, there was a relaxing massage at the friendly spa located in the converted gatehouse. Treatments include facials, deep tissue and hot stones massage, all using organic seaweed products from Ishga.”
Speaking about the stunning dining options on offer, Douglas was effusive in his praise of both the food and the staff.
He said: “The first night, we dined at luxury restaurant Eolas. The staff at Murrayshall all went above and beyond during our stay, but I have to give a special mention to those working at Eolas. They probably weren’t used to serving up pizza for toddlers, but nothing was too much trouble for them.
“The food, as you’d expect at an award-winning venue, was exquisite, with the highlight being the goat’s cheese tart starter. While we would have loved to try the tasting menu, it was such a relaxing experience and credit again must go to the staff.
“Cairns Bar offers something completely different – great pub grub in a more casual atmosphere. Again, the staff made sure the meal was as stress-free as possible, and the steak comes highly recommended.”
While Douglas was overwhelmingly positive about the estate itself, he highlighted its excellent position as a starting point for venturing further into the heart of Scotland.
He said: “Murrayshall isn’t just a great place to stay in its own right. It’s also a wonderful base to explore one of Scotland’s most stunning regions.
“The village of Scone is just a few minutes away at the bottom of the hill where you can visit Scone Palace – where ancient Scottish kings were crowned as they sat on the Stone of Destiny. If you prefer the real thing, the actual relic sits in a purpose-created museum in the old Perth city hall, although the exhibit was sadly closed during our stay.
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“Even just a simple stroll between Perth’s famous Inch parks by the mighty Tay proved good for the soul. Murrayshall would also make a perfect base for those attending the iconic Enchanted Forest at Faskally Woods in October.
“Set just outside Pitlochry, this immersive sound and light show is hugely popular and this year has the theme of ‘Luminara’, a celebration of the unseen connections between nature and technology. The Enchanted Forest takes place between October 2 and November 2 with tickets on sale from the website.”
Rooms at Murrayshall are available for under £200 a night, making it accessible for families or couples seeking a scenic autumn retreat.
The estate’s combination of natural beauty, luxury amenities and proximity to iconic Perthshire sites has earned it a reputation as one of the region’s best-kept secrets, one visitors are unlikely to keep to themselves after experiencing it.
