The Balvaird Wing
Scone Palace Experience a short break in rooms used by royalty
LUXURY hotels, boutique B&BS and stunning Highland lodges – I’ve reviewed them all.
None top a stay at Scone Palace’s Balvaird Wing. What a privilege to enjoy one of Scotland’s most iconic buildings, on a site that’s arguably the most historically significant in the country.
This is where rulers were crowned for more than 600 years, going back to Scotland’s first king, Kenneth Macalpin in AD 840.
It’s an incredible history. And it kind of makes the notion that you can book a short break here – in the actual palace – all seem a bit unreal. But it’s true!
The palace and estate are owned by the Earl of Mansfield and his family. The Balvaird Wing is an apartment situated on the second floor in the north-west corner of the building. It overlooks beautiful rolling parkland with sweeping views down to the River Tay.
The Balvaird consists of three en-suite bedrooms that sleep up to six guests. The selfcontained self-catering apartment also boasts a dining kitchen and magnificent sitting room, linked by an impressive arched corridor.
I slept in The Macgregor Room. It’s stunning, with high ceilings, fireplace, sumptuous floor coverings and period furniture – including an incredible writing desk, beautifully preserved.
The bed, with drapes hanging from a ceiling rose, is super-kingsize and very comfortable – I was out like a light. I’ve no idea what the thread count was but it must’ve been the highest quality I’ve slept on – so smooth and soft. But you’d expect nothing less in a palace!
The bathroom was modern, with Italian marble flooring but otherwise traditional in feel. Pride of place was an original, enormous, enamelled, free-standing roll-top bath. It’s easily the longest and deepest I’ve ever been in – I’m 1.8m (5ft 11in) and I could pretty much float in it without touching any of the sides.
The other bedrooms were twins, appointed to an equally exceptional standard and each with two kingsize beds.
The kitchen has all the amenities you’d expect. However, the palace chef and his team are available should you wish to book. They’ll prepare and serve you a meal in the apartment – that’s the option we took and the food was exquisite.
A welcome pack of bread, preserves and shortbread – made on the premises – plus tea, coffee, butter and other essentials is provided.