The UK hotel with huge golf course, clay-pigeon shooting and heated indoor pool
“IT’S a time machine,” the receptionist tells me as we wander around the 17th-century manor house.
Heavy fabrics drape the beds and the wallpaper is adorned with images of animals found within the grounds.
I was exploring Schloss Roxburghe hotel, hidden away in the Scottish Borders in the small town of Kelso.
This rustic manor house, once owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, is steeped in rich history and has seen a wealth of aristocrats walk through its doors, including Charles Edward Stuart, known as Bonnie Prince Charlie.
He lived at the property during his rebellion against George II, when it was known as Sunlaws and owned by Lady Chatto.
Today, it’s a Destination by Hyatt hotel featuring 20 rooms and suites, each individually designed with a grand four-poster bed.
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There are another 58 rooms and suites in a modern extension, many with views of the 300 acres of land.
Much of the fun lies outside of these walls, though.
The hotel is a haven for nature enthusiasts and activity lovers, with everything from a par-72 golf course and a 1,100sqm spa to clay pigeon shooting and trout fishing, all on site.
For me, the real showstopper is Sunlaws, Schloss Roxburghe’s intimate fine dining restaurant.
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It seats just 40 guests – so your every need will be attended to all night while knowledgeable staff explain every element of the seven plates rolled out.
The deer dish alone, made with animals from the estate, is worth the £120 cost of the tasting menu – and for an extra £65 you can add wine pairings that really elevate the meal to another level.
After this slap-up dinner, retreat to Bar 1745.
It is tucked away in a cosy corner, lit up by a crackling fireplace and adorned with the Duke of Roxeburghe’s personal collection of books and art.
It’s the perfect setting for late-night conversations over a Lady Chatto’s Rose gin, mixed with a dash of tonic.
A stay at Schloss Roxburghe wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the spa either.
The facilities are hard to beat. There’s a 32C indoor pool which extends outside, plus a hot tub, plunge pool and two saunas in the gardens, so you can take advantage of the picturesque scenery.
Book a full-body Swedish massage for £120 or an essential rose facial, which leaves the skin soft, smooth and smelling like a bouquet.
If you fancy something more active, then you can master your hand-eye co-ordination during a clay pigeon shooting lesson at the new ten-trap range.
Instructors will guide you every step of the way to hitting the disc, for £95 an hour including 50 cartridges.
Or you can opt for a fly-fishing session at Trout Loch.
You’ll learn expert skills from a former world Spey casting champion, Eoin Fairgrieve, whose patience and friendliness goes above and beyond (even if you are shrieking at the sight of a fish hook flailing in the air.)
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And if your heart desires, the hotel even offers the chance to hunt or stalk the estate’s deer to be served up at Sunlaws.
I think I’ll just stick to eating it, thanks.
GO: Schloss Roxburghe hotel
STAYING THERE: One night in a King Bed Courtyard Room costs from £209, while a night in an Estate Suite costs from £559.
Dogs can stay for an extra £30 and activities cost extra.
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