Andy bought Cromlix on a whim: Judy

Tennis ace Andy Murray bought Cromlix Hotel on a whim after the former owners left their card at his uncle’s optometrist business, his mum Judy has revealed, ahead of today’s opening of the luxury hotel.

TENNIS ACE Andy Murray bought Cromlix on a whim after the hotel’s former owners left their card at his uncle’s optometrists business in Dunblane, his mum Judy has revealed.

TheWimbledon champion was later told by Judy that it was on the market during a telephone conversation and after a whistle-stop tour he shelled out just under £2 million for the rundown Victorian mansion.

Speaking ahead of today’s opening of the luxury hotel, Judy also admitted that the renovation cost her son “much more” than the price he paid for the 15-bedroom property.

She said: “The Edens dropped a card into my brother’s shop. I was on the phone to Andy about something else and I dropped it in that it was up for sale. He said: ‘Oh, I’d quite like to buy that’.

“He came up and had a look. It was very dark and cluttered. It needed a lot of love and attention. It cost a lot more to do it up than it did to buy it.”

There has been much speculation that Andy intends to marry long-term girlfriend Kim Sears at Cromlix after he sent a “tongue in cheek” tweet about tying the knot after Wimbledon.

His brother Jamie’s wedding was held at the hotel and Judy spoke of it as a “very special place” where her family has enjoyed many celebrations over 25 years.

However, when asked whether there are any big family occasions planned at Cromlix in the near future, she laughed and said: “No, not at the moment.”

The venue is likely to be a home away from home for Andy, who has yet to see the redesign which was given the final seal of approval by Kim Sears.

“She has a great sense of style,” said Judy. “She has been up three times.

“Andy hasn’t seen it but we sent pictures. I think he will recognise a lot but a lot is new. It was very important to keep the character and history of the house while modernising it.

“Andy is going to stay in April. He doesn’t come to Scotland very often but this will be a place of peace and quiet. It’ll be great for him.”

Judy will offer a tennis coaching session to local schoolchildren and teachers at today’s low-key launch while Michelinstarred chefAlbert Roux, who has overseen the menu development, will lead cookery classes for the youngsters.

But the tennis influence begins and ends in the grounds, where two courts have been decked out in theAll England Club colours.

Judy said: “Apart from the courts, you won’t find any link to tennis. Andy didn’t want that.”

Despite taking a back seat in the redesign, Dunblane’s most famous son did insist on naming the 15 rooms after famous Scots.

Contemporary choices include former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Olympian Sir Chris Hoy and singer Annie Lennox.

Also featured are historic figures such as Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Robert Burns.

Guests who enjoy a stay at Cromlix can also take advantage of a well-stocked whisky room, a full-sized snooker table, a private fishing loch and the original chapel complete with a pipe organ built by Dundee-based John R. Miller.

Cromlix is run by Inverlochy Castle Management International on behalf of Murray.

Managing director Norbert Lieder said: “The interiors, service, food and attention to every detail of the customer journey will make sure Cromlix becomes as well known for its service as it is for its famous owner.”

Judy Murray has revealed that tennis star Andy bought luxury Dunblane hotel Cromlix on impulse.

Picture: PA. Kim Sears gave the final seal of approval to the redesign of the hotel which opens its doors today.