Sneak peak at what £15 million investment has wrought at Erskine’s Mar Hall

A grand Scottish country hotel amidst a golf course an lowland scenery
Mar Hall, with the Clyde and the Kilpatrick Hills behind.

Renovation work at the Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is nearing completion, and its new owners have begun to reveal the results of their £15million investment in the property.

Originally designed in 1828 by noted architect Sir Robert Smirke as a ‘manorial, domestic gothic’ style home for the 11th Lord Blantyre, Mar Hall sits within 240-acres of woodland on the southern bank of the Clyde, to the west of Erskine.

Since first opening as a hotel and golf resort in 2004 it has nurtured a 5-star reputation, attracting celebrities and royalty, including Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Harry Styles and Brad Pitt.

This latest renovation follows its 2024 acquisition by the Dubai-based Dutco Group, where it joins a portfolio of hotels in Dubai, the Maldives, the Seychelles, and Edinburgh.

The actual work is being led by investment and asset management firm, Align Partners, which brought in Glasgow-based design studio, Graven, to undertake a ‘complete transformation and expansion’ of the heritage hotel.

A plush traditionally decorated hotel room
One of the new Junior Suites

This has involved 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.

It has also brought a new 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,” said Align Partners design director, Lisa King.

“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.”

A plush hotel room with modern decor
One of newly decorated Junior Spa suites

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

The new look hotel will offer 74 guest rooms, including three grand suites and eight junior suites, ranging in size from 25m2 to 115m2.

The Long Gallery will act as the central hub of the hotel, showcasing views of the surrounding gardens with a central bar, with sofas and armchairs and an eclectic selection of artwork.

A traditionally decorated manorial lounge
The new Members’ Lounge

Located at the end of the gallery with panoramic views over the Kilpatrick Hills, the newly refurbished restaurant offers an intimate dining experience, in a modern-day Victorian inspired setting, while the revitalised bar overlooks the River Clyde, and will be a focal point for guests to gather and socialise over bespoke craft cocktails and drams. A Mar hall member’s lounge has also been added.

Housed in the most recently developed wing of the hotel, the luxury spa features a state-of-the-art heated 20-metre indoor swimming pool, surrounded by loungers, steam rooms, saunas and brass-tapped showers.

A bright modern luxury swimming pool with loungers alongside
Mar Hall’s swimming pool and spa

A brand-new gym overlooks the pool, featuring cardio equipment and weights.

Out in the grounds, head landscaper Wayne Simon Page, has restored 56 acres of ancient woodland and three original fountain pools, while creating two new maze gardens, a sunken seating and fire-pit area and an al fresco reading room.

With extensive planting of new trees and shrub species to enhance woodland biodiversity, there are new bee gardens and wildlife viewing stations.

Just 10 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, the country estate also features an 18-hole championship golf course.

an aerial view of a golf course
Mar Hall’s 18-hole golf course