Strathaven Hotel

Built in 1797, the stately exterior and sweeping grounds of the Strathaven Hotel promise a very pleasant country house escape. Inside, you will find a recently refurbished space offering plenty of modern comforts, including an airy restaurant. However, history is still given centre stage with original period features, fireplaces and a ballroom. The hotel also has a garden, which you can stroll around while pretending to be a laird or lady from a bygone age. Other perks include a lounge bar, free WiFi and a complimentary continental breakfast. The hotel is a handy forty minute drive from Glasgow and offers free self-parking.

Comfortable country house rooms

The Strathaven Hotel has twenty-two ensuite bedrooms, some of which have been recently refurbished. A few offer playful, Scottish-themed decor, including thistle pictures and cushions. All have free WiFi, a digital TV, tea/coffee maker, hairdryer, ironing board and desks.

Experience Scotland’s natural larder

The restuarant’s soft lighting, wooden floors and tasteful colour scheme all create a relaxed space for dining. In true country house style, the menu showcases the natural larder of the surrounding area. This includes produce from quality local suppliers such as St. Brides Farm, Strathaven Ales and the award-winning James Preston Butchers.

Although menus are updated seasonally, you can expect starters such as Richie’s of Rothesay smoked salmon, and Macleod & Macleods original Stornaway black pudding with duck egg. Mains could include wild mushroom risotto with Scottish foraged mushrooms; seared sea bass with Heirloom tomatoes, mussels and baby potatoes; and corn-fed chicken with fondant potato, pea puree, shallot and garlic cream. Grill options include 8oz Sirloin, rib eye and fillet steaks, all aged for a minimum of twenty-eight days. Desserts range from the Scottish to the exotic, including lemon bruleé with shortbread, and pineapple carpaccio with coconut ice cream, chilli and lime syrup.

Cocktails, ales and a selection of wines from around the world are also available. Afternoon tea is served daily, should you have worked up an appetite after exploring.

Lovely Lanarkshire

If you can tear yourself away from your cosy bedroom, plus the lounge bar and the three acres of grounds, then there is plenty to explore in the area too. Strathaven Golf Club is a three minute drive away, while Strathaven Park, Hamilton Park Racecourse and Chatelherault Country Park are all within easy reach. It’s also worth seeing Amazonia, a wildlife-filled tropical rainforest in Strathclyde Country Park. If you fancy some evening entertainment, then both the Hamilton Townhouse and East Kilbride Village theatres are close by.