Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 31 on 16/02/2007.

This article is 16 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

A slice of luxury (Myres Castle)

Sally Toms finds out what's cooking at Myres Castle

For most of us, a stay in a five-star hotel is the absolute height of luxury.

But we’ve discovered something even more so... imagine having complete run of your own five-star hotel. Such extravagance is off the chart, yet it is more realistic than you might believe.

Myres Castle is a beautiful 16th century estate just 30 minutes from Edinburgh’s Forth Bridge. It is also the first exclusive use property to be awarded the prestigious five stars by VisitScotland.

A stay here is completely private, it’s more like a house-swap than a hotel. There is no reception desk, no room keys or door numbers, nothing that really shouts ‘you are in a hotel.’ Instead it softly whispers, ‘this is your home – relax.’ Staff are discreet but dedicated, appearing when they feel you might need something, slipping away when you’ve fallen asleep on the couch after lunch.

This kind of privacy is bound to appeal to celebrities. When questioned, the staff at Myres Castle refused to disclose the famous names of the most recent guests, but a sneaky peek through the visitors’ book revealed names like photographer David Bailey, musician Morrissey and comedian Rory Bremner.

This is a playground for the rich and famous. There’s even a helipad to whisk you to and from the airport, should you really want to tip the scales. But the surprising thing is that to stay here could only cost £295 per person per night (obviously depending on how many of you are staying), which is the same rate as some posh hotels.

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By Sally Toms

Section : Best of Scotland

Page number : 22