First phase of new-look Gleneagles unveiled

21 June 2016 by Janet Harmer

The five-red-AA-star, 232-bedroom Gleneagles hotel in Auchterarder, Perthshire, has completed the first phase of a multi-million redevelopment to create a "bold and creative" resort under its new owner, Ennismore.

Ennismore, which bought the property in July 2015 for around £200m, intends to mark a new chapter in the 92 year history of Gleneagles, while simultaneously acknowledging the hotel's rich history.

Sharan Pasricha, owner and founder of Ennismore, said: "As part of the evolution of the brand, we wanted the designs to reflect all the unique Gleneagles elements - the stunning views, the art deco origins, the country pursuits - which have inspired generations of guests, but we also wanted them to breathe new life into the hotel.

"The bar launches have also created exciting new dining concepts and we look forward to introducing these experiences to our residents and guests."

Goddard Littefair has overseen the refurbishment of the initial 35 bedrooms and linking corridors, with five design concepts and many one-off touches employed.

Jo Littlefair, co-founder and director of Goddard Littlefair, said that the design was influenced by the surrounding location, with contemporary luxury sitting alongside antiques and original art.

"Inspiration came from our initial visit to the hotel and from seeing the building for the very first time: taking in its scale, presence and grandeur, as well as its incredible location, with rolling Scottish hills and an amazing palate of natural colours in every direction.

"The linking corridors are also sumptuous and feature a special carpet based on an antique Persian pattern and a special herringbone wall covering reaching from the dado rail to the ceiling with soft grey timber panelling below and charcoal grey doors, each of which features a bespoke lantern highlighting the room number."

The Century Bar

The Century Bar, which has been the social hub of the hotel since its foundation, has been given a new look by David Collins Studio, with a feature bar at its centre now offering counter dining.

Restored original panelling, art deco-style lighting and a brighter colour palette reflect the history of the hotel, while window spaces have been opened up to maximise the views of the Ochil Hills. Accent fabrics have been sourced from Johnstons of Elgin and custom stained glass screens created by Dunblane-based Ramoyle Glass.

Simon Rawlings, creative director at David Collins Studio, said: "My starting point was to anchor the room with dramatic red columns, and layer into the space Scottish textiles, comfy seats, subtle rich colours, and charming detailing.

"Our design has resulted in a bar which is wonderful at any time, for any occasion; a bar that feels very Scottish, and extremely Gleneagles."

Meanwhile, the new Auchterarder 70 bar - named after the hotel's original telephone number - has opened in the Dormy Clubhouse. Created by Macaulay Sinclair, the 1920s-style space, overlooking the 18th hole of the King's Course, serves locally-sourced craft beer and snacks.

Auchterarder 70 bar

Details include an oak-panelled bar, chesterfield sofas, vintage furnishings, and a wooden crank wall-mounted telephone from which guests can place table orders.

Mike Sinclair, director of Macaulay Sinclair, said the intention was to create an interior which evokes and echoes the rich nostalgia surrounding the clubhouse.

In addition to Gleneagles, Ennismore also owns the Hoxton, the design-led budget brand, with two properties in London and one in Amsterdam. Last week the company announced the launch of NoCo, a new budget hotel brand at a lower price point than the Hoxton.

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