Prestonfield House

Prestonfield is a luxury hotel that is "So extravagant it's like walking onto the set of some flamboyant costume drama." Conde Nast Traveller Magazine. James Thomson, owner of the capital's celebrated Witchery and Tower restaurants, acquired this historic 17th-century mansion, which had already been a hotel for fifty years. The purchase of this luxury country house hotel realised a long held ambition. For, while still a student at catering college, Thomson had worked at Prestonfield as a banqueting waiter. He fell in love with the magical place, and dreamt of one day becoming its owner. Distinguished by opulent furnishings, fine paintings and antiques, the decadent and quixotic splendours of Prestonfield provide the ultimate retort to minimalism. It is surely Edinburgh's most indulgent chic retreat. For, although only 5 minutes from the heart of Scotland's historic capital, this ravishing 17th-century mansion is set in 20 acres of verdant parkland.

Originally built by the king's architect, Sir William Bruce in 1687, Prestonfield was home to successive generations of the Dick-Cunynhams one of Scotland's wealthiest and most distinguished dynastic families. Throughout its long and colourful history, this unique and memorable place has always been fabled for its hospitality. Successive Dick-Cunynham baronets of Prestonfield entertained the luminaries of their day. In the eighteenth century, these included the writers and intellectuals of the Scottish Enlightenment.

More recently, the sumptuous interiors at this luxury hotel have become the preferred hang-out for famous names from the worlds of music and film, and the Prestonfield's long-established reputation for fine dining has been rekindled with the debut of Rhubarb, as the first estate in Scotland to grow rhubarb, Prestonfield's restaurant is aptly named after the plant – and still grows its own today.

Rhubarb serves fine dining dishes with a focus on Scottish fare, and boasts an extensive wine list. They also do a deliciously indulgent Afternoon Tea, to be enjoyed with Champagne, should you wish. In the mornings a hearty breakfast is dished up.

The 23 guest bedrooms and suites at Prestonfield have state-of-the-art technology discreetly located amid their antique splendours. All are air-conditioned, with WIFI, Bose sound systems, DVD players and flat screen TVs. Bed linens by Frette, luxurious bathrobes, fresh flowers and exclusive toiletries complete the pampering experience.

The Owner's Suite - Prestonfield's premier suite is located in the most historic part of Prestonfield, in rooms traditionally reserved by former owners for their personal use. Entered from a private stone turret stair and hallway, this dramatically furnished suite comprises entrance hall, bedroom with library-style bathroom and large separate sitting room.

The views over Prestonfield's parkland and gardens include the romantic ruins of Craigmillar Castle which can be admired from the bathroom. Lavishly-draped in raspberry silk, the domed four-poster bed is complete with ostrich plumes and is the centrepiece of the opulent bedroom, which also features a second plasma TV and seating area. A complimentary laptop with WIFI is available for the duration of your stay.

Prestonfield is situated only 10 minutes by taxi from Edinburgh's finest shopping streets and the historic attractions of the Royal Mile. Yet, as this luxury country house hotel is surrounded by 20 acres of parkland (which is home to a herd of highland cattle plus eighteen peacocks), it provides all the privacy of a country estate.

Free Wi-fi is available.

By Car

Holyrood House: 7 minutes

Royal Mile: 7 minutes

Craigmillar Castle: 8 minutes

Princes Street: 15 minutes

Arthur’s Seat: 22 minutes