Rufflets Hotel
St Andrews A classy mix of old and new makes for a superb stay
WHEN I was growing up, my family were regular visitors to St Andrews, so I was already quite familiar with the popular golfing destination. My childhood summer days were spent building sandcastles on the West Sands beach or meandering through the gift shops with an ice cream cone.
These memories came flooding back as I drove the five minutes from the centre of town to Rufflets, nestled in the east Fife countryside. The beautiful country house hotel is set within 10 acres of picturesque gardens and woodlands.
The turreted mansion has been privately owned and managed by three generations of the same family since 1952, when it was bought over and converted into a hotel.
A risky venture at the time, it paid off handsomely and remains one of the highest quality country house hotels in Scotland.
After a warm welcome from reception staff and the general manager, I was lead up the main staircase to my room. The décor is a clever mix of old and new. The original charm and features of the house have been preserved but modern furnishings and wall coverings give the hotel a contemporary twist.
Sitting right on the doorstep of The Old Course, it was no surprise to walk down corridors and see the walls dotted with photographs of legendary golfers such as Jack Nicklaus, who have stayed and returned to the hotel many times.
I was lucky to be shown to The Gilroy Suite for my stay. This was the first suite created in January 2000, and named after the original owner of Rufflets House, Mrs A B Gilroy. It’s an impressive space that combines two of the main bedrooms in the original part of the house.
The suite comprised of a well presented king size bed, grand en suite bathroom and a comfortable lounge area with gas fire, perfect for the chilly winter evenings.
A dark wood antique wardrobe and dresser were well equipped with everything we would need for our stay including tea and coffee facilities and homemade shortbread.
Four large glass panelled windows provided an impressive view overlooking the hotel’s award-winning gardens. It was easy to see why this is such a popular wedding venue.
That afternoon, the wet weather put a halt to my plans of exploring the grounds of the hotel, so I settled for a few drams in the bar, which had a relaxed, homely feel to it.
The hotel staff were very attentive and friendly, and seemed genuinely happy to help guests take photos or advise of the local area and the many places to visit close by.
A table in the hotel’s Seasons restaurant had been reserved for me for dinner. The new dining