Pine Trees Hotel in Pitlochry reopened for business just before Christmas with a totally new look and feel. The hotel, which was bought by Apex Hotels early last year, has undergone an extensive refurbishment, which has transformed the hotel into a ‘Coorie retreat.’
Pine Trees now has 32 beautifully appointed rooms, including The Coach House, Heatherbank House and a Cottage and offers a range of room types – from Snug, and Comfy Luxe to Luxury Suites and dog-friendly rooms too.
ISA Architecture and Design, who were behind the redesign, have managed to create a modern country house hotel which retains the charm of the traditional hotel with a classic country look and feel, which is no mean feat.
Many of the hotel’s original features have been retained and have been restored including its marble staircase, cornicing and stained glass. Each room has nice touches including bespoke furniture, vintage-style DAB radios and telephones, GHD hairdryers, fluffy slippers and original panels which have been upcycled for hanging your Do Not Disturb sign.
The colours used are country colours- sage green, mustard, blue and off-white. And there are pops of colour all over the place whether it is an occasional chair, pouffe or cushions.
The historic Drina Suite overlooking the hotel grounds, features a club class pocket sprung super king-sized Mattison bed, and a free-standing feature bathtub in the bedroom, with a walk-in shower too, and it has a great view of the forested valley below.
The designers have also ensured that Pine Trees lives up to the sustainability ethos of Apex, with existing bedroom items being beautifully upcycled by Samsara.
Alison Cook of Samsara Home Creations, comments, “This has been a wonderful opportunity to provide a colourful selection of carefully refurbished, vintage furniture to the beautiful Pine Trees Hotel.
“Seeing it in situ, within those wonderfully styled rooms brings me so much joy and I’m very proud of this experience.“
The carpets have been made from recycled fishing net and the bathrooms feature a range of sustainable toiletries by Laura Thomas Co.
The first-floor landing is now a space where residents can relax with sofas and a tea and coffee station which is also a nice touch. The navy blue walls in the hallways and reception areas are dramatic and are the perfect backdrop for the artwork which all comes from Scottish artists.
The hotel also has a destination bar and restaurant, in the shape of Flora and Fauna which makes the most of Perthshire’s larder while the bar is a sanctuary for whisky aficionados and wine lovers alike.
As a portal to Highland Perthshire, Pine Trees showcases the best of local cuisine, crafts and customs and has many elements inspired by contemporary Scottish culture, as well as a suite of cosy Coorie products that reflect the best from the region.
These Coorie products include handmade jam from Isabella’s Preserves and ethically sourced Elementos Tea.
Said a spokesperson for Elementos, “Elementos Tea and Coffee is delighted to be working with the Apex Hotels and Pitlochry’s Pine Trees Hotel, supplying a range of ten luxury blends of tea, as well as private label coffee and hot chocolate products.”
Angela Vickers, Chief Executive of Apex Hotels said, “We are delighted to welcome guests to Pine Trees, our beautifully refurbished country house hotel, and the ultimate Coorie retreat. At Pine Trees, we are championing a slowed-down, wholesome way of living, where the hustle of the modern world gives way to the tranquillity of nature.
“Our philosophy is all about stripping back the unnecessary, focussing on what truly matters: quality, simplicity, and peace. This isn’t just a retreat from everyday life; it’s a return to a more grounded, mindful way of being.”