Introducing our newest member property: Prestonfield
We are delighted to welcome the landmark Edinburgh hotel Prestonfield to the Luxury Scotland collection.
This exquisite country estate is just over five minutes’ drive from the Royal Mile, but feels a world away from the bustle of the capital.
Think 20 acres of lush garden grounds, Highland cows peacefully champing grass… and a peacock called Colin strutting across the lawn.
The rooms
Bold, theatrical and oh-so-opulent, each of the 23 rooms and suites at Prestonfield is a maximalist set piece – decked out in beautiful antiques, intense colours and ravishing fabrics.
All spaces at Prestonfield are individually furnished and decadent details abound, like Venetian glass in the bathrooms and inky velvet bedspreads.
Despite the sumptuous period aesthetic, every modern luxury has been considered, including air conditioning, mood lighting and Penhaligon’s toiletries.
If you can tear your eyes away from the sensory whirlwind going on inside, you’ll notice the views of the garden grounds and beyond to Arthur’s seat are quite something, too.
The food
Meals are served in Rhubarb, Prestonfield’s destination restaurant, so called because rhubarb was first introduced to the country in 1746 by Prestonfield’s owner, Sir Alexander Dick.
Here, diners can tuck into an array of gorgeous gourmet ingredients like pan-roasted hake, Angus beef chateaubriand, lamb loin – and of course, rhubarb! The only thing more appetising than the menu may be the decadent surroundings – it’s all theatrical chandeliers, velvet seating and candelabras. Sumptuous.
Rhubarb has held AA 2 Rosettes since 2005 and is open daily for lunch and dinner.
The history
Priestfield, as Prestonfield was first known, was founded in 1150 as a monastery by Henry, Earl of Huntingdon. After the Wars of Independence, it was sold to the Wardlaw family, then passed to printer Walter Chepman.
By the late 17th century, the estate had fallen into hardship, and was sold to Sir James Dick, Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The house burned down during an anti-Catholic riot in 1681, and a luxurious new manor building was commissioned in its place, designed by Sir William Bruce. It was then renamed 'Prestonfield’.
After Sir James’s death, the estate passed to his grandson William, and eventually his brother, Alexander Cunyngham – who changed his name to Sir Alexander Dick. Not only was he president of the Royal College of Physicians, he was also a keen horticulturalist and brought rhubarb to Scotland.
Prestonfield opened as a hotel in the 1960s and in 2003 was acquired by James Thomson, who also owns The Witchery by Edinburgh Castle. Since 2006, Prestonfield has had 5 Red Stars from the AA Inspectors Choice awards, and a 5 Gold Star Accolade from VisitScotland.
The Fringe at Prestonfield
From 16th to 25th August, the Fringe is coming to Prestonfield and will be hosted by showbiz legend Christopher Biggins.
A packed program of cabaret and chat awaits, featuring Katherine Ryan, Lulu, Kerry Ellis and John Owen-Jones, Dean Friedman, Jasper Carrott and Alistair McGowan, Hayley Mills, Janet Street-Porter and more to be announced!
You’ll enjoy an array of refreshments including champagne, beers, Pimm’s, pizza and ice cream in the Fringe Garden before or after taking your seat to enjoy the show.
Discover the full programme and buy tickets here.