It could be hailed as Scotland’s biggest and most ambitious honeymoon suite. The doors have just opened on the Balmoral Suite at Cornhill Castle near Biggar in Lanarkshire.
The newly completed suite is located in one of the original turrets of the castle and it occupies three floors. It’s where couples can enjoy perfect seclusion … and there’s an added surprise. This hidden gem of a feature is like walking into the wardrobe and finding Narnia. A magical secret doorway will leave couples wondering – what lies behind the door?
This ambitious project has been undertaken by the Manorview Group, who acquired the property in 2016.
The Group have a reputation for breathing life into tired properties but stunning Cornhill Castle was already thriving, and the venue gave the Group a new challenge – to enhance what was already there.
The Cornhill Castle redevelopment programme totals £850,000, with £200,000 of this being spent on the Balmoral Suite. It’s a spacious haven for couples, which is set over three levels.
The first level is a large sitting room complete with separate bathroom. The fireplace incorporates a discreetly hidden flat screen television fronted by comfy sofas. Windows let in lots of natural light, with armchairs by the windows to enjoy the views.
Walk up the swirling turret staircase, to the next level and you’re met with a stunning bedroom. The space is a secluded and magical bolthole. The room includes a wonderfully high ceiling, part of which was only discovered once renovation work started. A huge sparkling chandelier hangs above the bed which was shipped from Italy and was so large it had to be taken into the room via a window. Lots of natural light floods into the room and there’s comfortable armchairs to enjoy the stunning Lanarkshire countryside and views of the River Clyde.
Step down a few steps into the bathroom and you’ll be met with a large hot tub bath, which was so big, it also had to be brought in through a window. There’s a two-person sauna and a rainfall shower which has been built into one of the original castle turrets. A discreetly hidden fridge will keep the champagne chilled.
The journey isn’t finished there. There’s more stairs to climb up into the castle turret where you’ll be met with another doorway which leads to a hidden surprise. Open the door and walk into a secret room which captures the magic of Cornhill Castle.
All throughout the Balmoral Suite the furniture and fittings completes the tasteful yet elegant feel, which is in keeping with the entire ambience of the castle. It oozes an understated and timeless glamour.
The completion of the Balmoral Suite concludes a nine-month redevelopment programme which has included the inclusion of a new Grand Ballroom and the addition of three new bedrooms.
Further planned developments include a proposed conversation of an existing Grade B listed stable block into 15 bedrooms with an additional courtyard.
The Manorview Group have built up a strong reputation in the wedding market. They have nine hotels in their portfolio including The Busby Hotel, winner of the Scottish VOW Awards Wedding Venue of the Year for 2016, as well as the elegant Boclair House Hotel in Glasgow, and the Lynnhurst Hotel in Johnstone. Each venue offers a different experience and the Group take great pride in their diverse offers for brides and grooms. Their stunning venues with unique honeymoon suites are an important feature.
Working behind the scenes on the ambitious redevelopment programmes is something Development Director Anthony Cowley relishes, as each venue throws up a different design challenge.
Anthony Cowley, Group Development Director said, “We allow each hotel to have its own personality and we offer something different at every venue. The Balmoral Suite at Cornhill Castle was an ambitious project in an old building which threw up a few challenges. This is not just a formulaic honeymoon suite. Every tiny detail has been carefully considered. The overall effect takes a couple on a journey, and we’ve built in a few hidden secrets to add to that experience”.
Iain Fleming, General Manager, Cornhill Castle, said, “It’s been exciting to see Balmoral Suite taking shape. We’ve got a stunning venue and the new honeymoon suite elevates us to yet another level. Every little detail adds to the amazing experience we offer couples”.