We were amazed at the impeccable 2000 acre grounds surrounding this castle-like inn as you drive in through the trees and lawns on a paved private road. It's only a few minutes drive north - outside of Stirling - in the rolling countryside. It was an amazing inn that looks inside and out like something out of a movie.We found the accomodations to be stunning.
We learned that the prior management were rude and obnoxious and that they were replaced with a charming innkeeper, Benito. Unfortunatley, he is moving on to a major hotel in Glasgow, so there will be another new manager soon, but we were quite pleased with the staff , the incredible meals, as well as the accomodations. We had reserved a superior suite and were upgraded (free) to the Bridal Suite (the Upper Turret room) which with 3 large rooms was as big as an apartment with stunning views of the grounds. King Edward had actually stayed there. Wow...go for a superior room.
The lounges are huge and as luxurious as you would expect. All of the pillows in the lounges and rooms - as an example of tidiness- are creased to have "rabbitt ears". There is a lot of attention to details, and we were pleasantly surprised since we had read the negative toned reviews. I don't think they are fair representations of this beautiful facility. Our 5 course dinner was fabulous as we started with hors d'oeuvres and wine in the beautiful living room and moved to the candle-lit dining room which was as beautiful and luxurious as any we had seen in Scotland. The breakfast, too, included all kinds of good egg-bacon options. The bread with dinner was home baked and better than anything I had ever had anywhere in U.K.!
The inn is large enough to host weddings and special events.
It even has its own chapel with a pipe organ and stained glass windows - built inside the inn! We were amazed. We also took long walks through the gardens, fern-laced forests and to their own trout stocked lake. It was magical there and so peacful with acres of manicured lawns covered with rabbits and ring-necked pheasant. Celebreties stay there for this reason and the grounds accomodate helicopters so they can come and go privately.
We would definitely stay there again if we were in the Stirling area. It's perfect, too, if you are trying to stay with other friends or a small group. We highly recommend this inn.