The 10 best luxury bed and breakfasts in Scotland
THINK of everything you picture when you hear the words bed and breakfast. Carnaptious landladies peering out disapprovingly from behind net curtains, counting out the number of Rice Krispies guests dare to pour into their breakfast bowl. Now think again.
Across Scotland, boutique B&BS are increasingly fashionable, even becoming the top choice for young travellers.
At Brucefield Boutique B&B in Arbroath there is no flowery wallpaper, avocado bathrooms or paper doilies. Voted as one of Scotland’s best luxury B&BS on Tripadvisor, Brucefield represents a new trend.
During my stay I was treated to a huge feather bed, standalone bath and impeccably stylish interior: more top-quality hotel than seaside B&B and as for shared toilets on the landing – forget it. That was a hallmark of old B&BS, with fully fitted en suites now seen as standard in the modern bed and breakfast.
For owner Raymond Kington, 70, the choice to renovate Brucefield to such a high standard was an obvious one. “When people go away for a weekend or for a holiday, they like to feel that sense of ‘luxury’. That’s why we spent that extra bit of money. We looked around Arbroath and saw there was a niche – there was no real top-quality option.”
Kington and his son bought the 1920s property in 2007, spending two years turning it into five-star accommodation.
They added subtle touches: decking for guests to relax in the summer and an elegant mahogany staircase as the focal point of the entrance hall. Flatscreen TVS, ipod docking stations and walk-in waterfall showers in each room.
Yet, although it looks like a hotel, having just five rooms means that Brucefield retains the personal touch. There is not only a fridge in each room stocked with water and a pint of milk – to ensure guests can make “proper” tea and coffee – but also a complimentary bar downstairs. Wine, beer, spirits and a choice of mixers await those who fancy a tipple. Kington provides visitors with a potted history of the area and tips on what to see, as well as booking tables and taxis in nearby restaurants.
According to him, it is the combination of quality and service that makes boutique B&BS such a popular choice: “I think high-end B&BS are increasingly what people look for. Price-wise we are below top hotels, but we think we actually give more than they do because of the personal touch.”
“Personal” does not mean intrusive, though. Long gone are the days of a cantankerous owner banging on the wall to berate you for being too loud, or chewing your ear off at the end of a long day when you want to go to bed.
The spacious design of Brucefield means each room feels separate from the last, and the owners sleep in a different part of the house so you don’t feel they are intruding.
As for the breakfast? Forget stale sausages and half-burned toast, the guest is king in the world of boutique B&BS.
Rather than being told what you are getting, you choose which breakfast option takes your fancy from a menu delivered to your door on arrival. After deliberating between granola, hot croissants and a traditional Arbroath smokie, I settled for a full Scottish breakfast: sausages, eggs (of your choice), hash brown, mushrooms, bacon and cherry tomatoes.
It is the feeling of being pampered that seems to be drawing a new generation into B&BS. In our fastmoving world it can be all too easy to feel like just another number, and so boutique B&BS can appeal to those looking for a more personal experience.
Kington agrees that there is a “different type of people” coming to B&BS.
“There’s a lot of younger people,” he says, “people who expect more from a bed and breakfast. There are changes in hospitality – even the top hotels are now trying to keep up with what is happening in boutique B&BS.
In the cities, people still go to hotels, and older people usually favour them. But the younger ones are increasingly coming to these high-end B&BS.”
SCOTLAND’S LUXURY B&BS
Barcaldine Castle
Benderloch
If you want to make everyone jealous with your holiday pictures then Barcladine is the place to go: a 17th-century castle that has been turned into an impressive B&B. The dining room with grand chandeliers looks straight out of a painting, and the outside grounds are just as stunning with views of Glencoe.
Two of the rooms have traditional wooden four-poster beds, so you can truly feel like the king or queen of the castle.
Mint Croft Luxury B&B
Skye
Rather than your own room, these suites are actually your own house – traditional Hebridean stone buildings that give a truly authentic island experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows give great views of the rugged landscape and make sure you feel fully in touch with nature. But fear not, tech lovers, each room has wifi, ipod docks and a flatscreen TV. After filling up on a two-course breakfast, the hosts will then provide you with an “Explore the Island Kit” (binoculars, maps and guides) to make sure you get the most of your stay.
Rudha-na-craige
Inveraray, Argyll
Former home of the Duke of Argyll, there are six large rooms in this Victorian B&B, each with a view of Loch Fyne. You can have Loch Fyne
I think high-end B&BS are increasingly what people look for. Price-wise we are below top hotels, but we think we give more because of the personal touch
kippers for breakfast or a full Scottish breakfast and omelettes. For musically minded visitors, there is a baby grand piano and a guitar.
Firhall Highland Bed and Breakfast
Grantown-on-spey
Each of the five rooms has its own uber-stylish decor and all come with underfloor heating in the en suite, a coffee machine and homemade shortbread on arrival. Firhall is in the Cairngorm National Park and you can have a packed lunch made up for you –with a flask of coffee, home baking and a choice of sandwiches.
5 Thornbank House
Stranraer
Looking for a B&B with wow factor? Then look no further: Thornbank House has its own indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and steam room. The large, well-lit pool is usually quiet as there are only three rooms, but if you do want a bit more privacy you can book the room that has its own en suite Jacuzzi. There are excellent views of Loch Ryan from each room, and the centre of Stranraer is only a 10-minute walk away.
Ardtorna Bed and Breakfast
Oban
Voted Scotland’s Best B&B in 2017, Ardtorna is the perfect place to feel pampered. Sweet pastries are served on the day of arrival, and complimentary malt whisky and home-made cream liqueurs are offered throughout your stay. The modern building is light and airy and all rooms have a sea view, along with memoryfoam mattresses and underfloor heating. And, if you are fussy about food, then don’t worry. There are 12 different breakfast dishes to choose from – on top of continental options.
Kingsmuir House
Peebles
More of a mini apartment than a room, each suite has its own separate sitting room and large en suite bathroom (with a built-in champagne bucket should you need it). Expect fresh scones, homemade shortbread and fresh flowers upon your arrival and an extensive, locally sourced breakfast in the morning. There is an acre of well-maintained private grounds.
Lys-na-greyne
Aboyne
The en suite bathrooms are a real standout at Lys-na-greyne: each has a walk-in power shower and some rooms also have a traditional roll-top bath with claw feet. The vibrant, colourful gardens make a great view from each room and the conservatory is available for guests to unwind in. The rooms are equipped with smart TVS to allow you to catch up with your favourite shows, and each room also has a portable Bluetooth speaker so you can play your own music and feel right at home.
Barony House
Edinburgh
Barony House still retains a homely feel in the capital with personalised trip advice from the hosts and homemade bread for breakfast. It is close to the centre of Edinburgh with regular buses into town, but also a quiet haven. If you really want a peaceful night in luxury, book the servants’ quarters with their own entrance and private garden.