Following a comprehensive £20 million refurbishment, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort has reopened its doors with a new design direction led by Glasgow-based studio Graven Images’ Jim Hamilton. The project represents one of the most notable heritage hotel redevelopments in Scotland in recent years and positions Mar Hall for a new chapter in the highend hospitality sector.
Graven’s design brief centred on restoring the architectural heritage of the original 19th-century mansion – originally designed by Sir Robert Smirke – while introducing a new spatial layout and interior design strategy to support contemporary leisure, wellness, and event functions.
The result is a coherent, layered scheme that respects the building’s provenance without resorting to pastiche. Materials, lighting, and finishes were selected to create an atmosphere of quiet confidence, with attention paid to long-term durability and operational efficiency.
Jim Hamilton of Graven comments, “One of the key things we wanted to do was introduce colour and drama into the project. The building is stunning, and the architecture is amazing in terms of the way it was originally planned out.
“The Victorians were big on drama, colour, and pattern – so we’ve used some serious pattern and colour throughout to add the drama back in. We weren’t recreating a Victorian interior though, so we didn’t want to be subservient to it.
“There is a real journey through it – some areas are quiet, serene and reverential, where as in other areas it is noisier and pops with pattern, colour and texture. We’ve added the contemporary into it and brought a twist while being respectful to the historical aspects. It’s such a lovely setting and we wanted people to see something that was a wee bit different and unexpected.”
The entrance sequence has been entirely reconfigured to improve arrival experience and flow. Guests are welcomed into a newly created Palm Parlour, where mature planting and natural light set a calm and inviting tone.
This leads into the reception space, where bespoke joinery, heritage colour palettes and commissioned artwork reinforce the estate’s identity while delivering a more efficient check-in process.
Explains Jim, “We brought the concierge down to the front door, so you now get a welcome as soon as you arrive. The long gallery is a stunning space looking onto the garden, so we brought a bar into the middle of the space to create a focal point and give it life.”
Across the public areas, Graven focused on creating multifunctional, guest-friendly environments that support both informal and formal usage.
A key addition is The Gallery, a central lounge that acts as the social heart of the hotel. Designed to encourage dwell time throughout the day, the space includes a marble-topped champagne bar, custom upholstered seating, and zones for reading or informal meetings.
A restored grand piano provides a visual anchor and is a subtle reference to Mar Hall’s history as a venue for cultural and musical events. As part of the project, the design team enlisted the help of Surface+ who manufactured, supplied and fitted bespoke oak Versailles panels with a matching wide plank oak and herringbone.
The pattern, grade of timber and the finish was chosen by the client and designer. Alan Kennedy from Surface+ said, “It is always great to work alongside established design companies and be part of this great refurbishment.
“This hotel is iconic in Scotland, and we have now fitted a stunning oak floor, that should be there for over 100 years. We offer a very bespoke service that allows the client to choose the timber type, grade of timber, style and finish, so being specified by the Client & Design Team was very special.”
All 74 guest rooms and suites have been redesigned to accommodate a wider range of guest needs. Room categories vary from Classic Rooms, intended for short leisure stays, to more expansive Spa Garden Suites and Grand Suites.
The latter include features such as four-poster beds, standalone baths, private lounges, and in some cases grand pianos or full-size billiards tables. While each room type has a distinct character, a unified design approach ensures a consistent guest experience throughout the property.
Materials such as oak, wool and natural stone were selected for their local relevance and long-term resilience. Each room also features curated artwork referencing the estate’s surroundings and heritage.
The resort’s two restaurants and two bars were included in the redesign scope. The Dining Room has been given a more contemporary edge with pared-back furnishings and ambient lighting designed to shift in tone from day to night.
The menu, developed by Executive Chef Tony Tapia, is complemented by a design that prioritises acoustic control and spatial comfort. The Slàinte Bar, named for the traditional Gaelic toast, was conceived as a high-end cocktail venue with an emphasis on mood, lighting design and theatrical presentation.
Back-of-house workflows and storage were also rethought to support faster service without interrupting guest experience.
The lower ground floor and outbuildings have been repurposed to support a growing range of leisure and private hire amenities. These include a 22-seat private cinema, a games room, and a traditional billiards room.
Meanwhile, The Library, a quieter space designed for reflection or private meetings, features period-appropriate materials and furnishings to reinforce the sense of seclusion and retreat. Throughout the public areas and guest rooms luxury mohair velvet, supplied by Vescom has been used.
A spokesman for the company said, “Vescom is proud to have played a part in the remarkable transformation of Mar Hall, producing and supplying an extensive volume of our luxury mohair velvet throughout the public areas and guest rooms, helping bring this iconic estate into a new era. This ambitious project is a true celebration of collaboration, vision, and craftsmanship.”
While chairs and sofas have been supplied by George Smith . A spokesperson said, “It’s been a pleasure supporting Jim Hamilton at Graven and Lisa Kingfrom Align Partners in bringing their incredible vision for Mar Hall to life.
“This type of project is firmly in our wheelhouse, involving the in-house production and ongoing delivery of hundreds of furniture pieces from our factory in Northumberland – each reflecting our commitment to quality and British craftsmanship.
“The result is a contemporary interior that honours the building’s rich heritage while bringing it confidently into the 21st century.”
Graven worked closely with operators and the ownership team, Dubai-based Dutco Group, to ensure the design aligned with business objectives and long-term asset value. Practical considerations such as maintenance, staffing, and environmental performance were factored into every stage of the process.
The refurbishment also included upgrades to infrastructure, improved guest circulation, and increased opportunities for revenue generation through new private hire and food and beverage spaces