The new owners of the world famous Gleneagles Hotel have taken the wraps off a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
The extensive renovation, which began in March, involved a series of major upgrades and improvements throughout the historic Perthshire establishment.
It has been the biggest project since London-based property developer Ennismore took the reigns last year in a deal understood to be worth £150 million.
The first phase of redevelopment featured a complete overhaul of the hotel’s main bar – now renamed the Century Bar – as well as the creation of a brand new bar, Auchterarder 70. There were also renovations across 35 luxury bedrooms.
Ennismore CEO Sharan Pasricha said he was “delighted” to launch the new spaces which “mark a new chapter in the Gleneagles story”.
He said: “As part of the evolution of the brand, we wanted the designs to reflect the unique Gleneagles elements – the stunning views, the art deco origins, the country pursuits – which have inspired generations of guests, but we also wanted to breathe new life into the hotel.”
The venue, on the edge of Auctherarder, famously played host to the Ryder Cup in 2014 and the G8 summit nine years earlier.
The Century Bar which has been a focal point of Gleneagles for almost 100 years, was completely revamped by leading design house David Collins Studio, which is currently working on a new jewellery room at Harrods.
The design team was tasked with creating “an elegant and contemporary space” which would celebrate the hotels’ rich heritage and Scottish identity.
Original panelling was restored to complement art deco-style lighting. Window space has been opened up to give guests a stunning view of the Ochil Hills.
Creative director Simon Rawlings of London-based David Collins Studios said: “The hotel’s main bar is an important room within the property.
“It’s transition to the Century Bar needed a respectful approach, one which references the art deco grandeur, whilst making a charming, light-filled room by day, and a cosy intimate room by night.”
He 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.”
Mr Rawlings added: “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.”
Auchterarder 70 – named after the hotel’s original telephone number – has been unveiled in the Dormy Clubhouse and is the creation of celebrated deisgners Macaulay Sinclair.
Again influenced by the 1920s, the new room boasts striking views of the 18th hole on the King’s Course.
Gleneagles worked with design team Goddard Littlefair to refurbish the 35 luxury bedrooms, fitting them with new displays of antiques and art.
