Five- star quality at new- look Enterkine

Wedding barn and spa in future plans

Five- star quality at affordable prices.

That’s the bold vision behind one of Ayrshire’s top wedding venues, which is set to enter an ambitious new era.

Enterkine House Hotel, perched amid more than 90 glorious acres on the hills above the River Ayr, has long been revered as one of the county’s most sought- after retreats.

But after an exchange of ownership in October, a plan to revolutionise the estate into an accessible luxury resort is quickly taking shape.

Thirty new bedrooms and a spa are planned long term.

And phase one of significant investment has already seen the hotel’s bar and restaurant revamped.

New local ownership plans to build Ayrshire’s first oak framed and glass pavilion wedding barn.

Enterkine general manager, Fiona Trousdale, said: “The hotel is a fantastic property and represents a great opportunity.

“We are keen to make the most of what is around us and will be working closely with local residents at all times.”

Chef Gordon Hall is to join a kitchen staff set for a new challenge.

He said: “My career has taken me from Kilmarnock to Blackpool to Shetland and back again.

“Ayrshire is home though and food has been my passion from a young age.

“We are blessed with an amazing selection of local suppliers.

“Ayrshire has an abundance of produce, from fresh seafood to some fantastic game, which will be incorporated into the new menu at Enterkine House.

“I am happy to be joining the team at this exciting time.”

And Fiona, who is among the longest serving staff at the property, stressed that a new direction will provide fresh opportunities.

She said: “Until now, we’ve maybe been viewed exclusively as a special occasion venue but we want that to change.

“There is a potential footfall in the area and people will be able to drop in at any time of the day for a meal.”

A stunning Glenfiddich whisky library, which is sponsored by Grants and boasts over 70 whiskies, is just one of the leading attractions in Enterkine’s warm welcome.

The hotel is also home to Scotland’s first Hendricks gin trolley – soon to be followed with the Hendricks Gin Garden.

Plans to move from Enterkine’s temporary wedding marquee to the permanent oak wedding barn are undoubtedly the headline of this stunning transformation.

Capable of hosting between 100 and 300 guests, bosses hope the new look will be a game changer in the wedding market.

Fiona confirmed: “I’ve been here for 18 years and this is by far the most exciting time during my tenure.

“The new owners have come in with a hands- on approach and they are keen to see Enterkine flourish.

“Their plans ( pictured right) are truly magnificent.”