A Lavish Escape: Prestonfield House, Edinburgh – Hotel Review

Occupying a 17th-century building once home to Sir James Dick, Provost of Edinburgh, Prestonfield House plays double duty as both a lavish countryside retreat and a city escape. Located just 10 minutes from Edinburgh’s Old Town, the hotel is set amid 20 acres of immaculate private parkland and, contrary to its unfussy white exterior, Prestonfield House’s interiors are a riot of ornamental rococo opulence fit for royalty.

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Hotel Review: Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

The Garden Room © David Cheskin

STAY

There’s nothing left unadorned at Prestonfield House. Deep rouges and resplendent golds are revealed through rich tapestries, lavish textiles, embellished wallpaper and ornate antiques in the salons and public spaces. This continues through to the 18 exquisitely adorned guestrooms where sumptuous velvets abound, with regal statement beds overlooking the manicured greenery outside, while bathrooms, lined in Venetian glass, have Penhaligon’s toiletries.

Owners Suite © David Cheskin

There’s the Owner’s Suite – discreetly accessed by a private turret staircase and hallway – and five romantic suites named after historical figures; the Winston Churchill suite showcases military memorabilia, while the moodier Benjamin Franklin suite is decked in walls of trompe-l’oeil drapery. Four-legged friends are also welcome, with comfy beds and dog bowls provided, alongside the sweep of land to bound around outside.

© David Cheskin

DO

Adjacent to Royal Holyrood Park, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, Prestonfield House is in a prime location to explore Scotland’s beautiful landscape. Golfers can play a round on the 18-hole course next door and work up an appetite for afternoon tea in the rose garden. And, during the gloomy winter months, the Baroque-inspired Tapestry Room is a cosy spot to enjoy finger sandwiches and board games besides roaring log fires. 

Further afield, Prestonfield House is just a 10 minute drive from Edinburgh’s Old Town, where you’ll also find its sister property, Witchery by The Castle, a sumptuous and eclectically indulgent hotel with a restaurant.

Tea House

EAT

With on-site beehives and a kitchen garden filled with all sorts – from courgette flowers to peas and mint – Prestonfield House is all about the farm-to-fork experience. It is also documented as the first estate to grow rhubarb in the 18th-century, which has inspired the name of the hotel’s restaurant. Here, the fine dining menu offers dishes from land, sea and air (including a separate vegan menu), with a focus on seasonal Scottish produce from artisan suppliers. Expect dishes like Glenkinchie whisky-cured sea trout mousse with ajo blanco, radishes and foraged herbs, followed by a deliciously tender loin of Scottish Borders lamb served with crushed peas, curds and whey.

© David Cheskin

THE FINAL WORD

This sumptuous bolthole offers a peaceful and relaxing getaway while still providing easy access to the beating heart of Edinburgh. With splendid gardens, lavish antique-filled interiors and an excellent restaurant – alongside top service and a never-to-forget team that will look after you during your entire stay – Prestonfield House certainly hits the mark for the best of both worlds.

BOOK IT

Room rates for Prestonfield House start from £375 per room per night, including breakfast. prestonfieldhouse.com

Lumo’s electric trains – which produce over 95 percent less carbon than flying – travel between Edinburgh and London with stops at Morpeth, Newcastle and Stevenage, with an average ticket price of £34.70. lumo.co.uk