Glencoe House

Although Donald Alexander Smith was the descendant of a medieval Scottish duke, he lived his early years in humility. He worked as a town clerk during his teens, but his fortunes soon changed when he saw opportunities in the New World and took the chance.

Donald diligently built up his wealth and influence over the decades, climbing the ranks of the Hudson Bay Company, but also growing his wealth through shrewd and well-placed investments. He also dabbled in politics during the 1870s. By the early 1880s, Donald finally accomplished a feat that would shape the future of Canada - the completion of the ​Canadian Transcontinental Railway.

He returned to Scotland as a man of high esteem and renown, bringing his beloved wife Isabella with him. They acquired a large and majestic tract of land in Glencoe, up in the Scottish Highlands. For designing his home, Donald entrusted the job to the greatest Scottish architect of the time, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson.

Sir Robert drew upon his decades of experience to design the most fitting home for Donald. He eventually settled on an edifice made in the Scottish Baronial style, constructed using the region's solid granite and embellished with red sandstone. Donald had his and Isabella's initials carved into the rocks of the house, symbolizing that their spirits will always be a part of the home. Although the couple was only able to enjoy their home for several weeks in a year due to Donald's job as High Commissioner of Canada, they still envisioned the mansion as a multigenerational home for their children and descendants.

During the 20th century, Glencoe House's role changed into that of a hospital. It happened at the height of World War II and became a place for treating military patients. A decade later, it transitioned into a maternity hospital for a few years before becoming somewhat of a sanatorium for convalescing surgery patients. Later on, it became a place to care for geriatric patients, up until its eventual closure in 2009.

Fortunately, Glencoe House didn't remain neglected for long, as Roger Niemeyer and Judy Pate acquired it in 2011. The partners carefully restored the home, bringing it back to the grandeur of its 19th-century incarnation, and opened the estate as a luxury hotel. Perle Hotels later purchased the hotel from them in 2019, maintaining it as a lavish heritage stay surrounded by Scotland's breathtaking natural beauty.

Commissioned in 1895, Glencoe House embodies the beauty and reliability of Scottish Baronial architecture. The edifice boasts a striking regional flair through its use of locally quarried granite and contrasting red sandstone. Symbols of its owners, Donald Alexander Smith and his wife, Isabelle, adorn the exterior. These qualities give the structure a sense of permanence that reflects its original intended role as a multigenerational family home.

The chief designer, renowned Scottish architect Robert Rowand Anderson, was already known for contributing to the country's architectural landscape. He designed several major national buildings, such as the National Portrait Gallery, along with his renovation and expansion of Balmoral Castle. For Glencoe, the house was envisioned to capture the dramatic Highland landscape, with sweeping views across Loch Leven and toward the Pap of Glencoe.

The same attention to detail and exceptional level of craftsmanship extend to the interiors of Glencoe House. Halls and common areas feature plaster ceilings that are elaborately decorated with motifs representing Scotland, England, and Canada. These include floral elements such as thistles, roses, oak leaves, maple leaves, and fleurs-de-lis. Fixtures such as the sweeping white marble staircase and the finely carved woodwork further add to the refined ambiance. Grand spaces such as the Great Hall, featuring an ornate ceiling, oak flooring, and a grand marble fireplace, capture the essence of the late Victorian Era's love for opulence.

Glencoe House's dining services promise a fulfilling, personalized experience, carefully crafted to suit your palate.

Breakfast

Wake up to a sumptuous morning meal served directly at your private sitting room. These are available in individual options or as complete breakfasts served in traditional, continental, or vegetarian styles. To avail of the service, guests must place their order the night before, with courses arriving at desired intervals.

Picnic Lunch

For guests planning to be out and about, they can arrange for a picnic lunch basket for an additional charge. It comes packed with a selection of sandwiches and other delicious picnic items, and can be prepared in an eco-friendly disposable bag, a backpack-style hamper, or a wicker hamper.

Afternoon Cream Tea

Spend a cozy few hours socializing and indulging in the UK tradition of afternoon tea, this one with a distinct Scottish flair. Do note the service is available only to guests staying at the main building, not in the Strathcona Lodges.

Evening Meals

Dinner for guests in the main Glencoe House building is prepared as a candlelit, in-suite experience. A seasonal, three-course menu is served at your own dining table, and can be adjusted to accommodate special dietary requirements. Families can also avail a hearty and tasty children's menu, made to impress young palates.

In-Room Maxi Bar

Guests looking for a tipple can pour themselves a glass from the in-suite maxi bar. Each room is stocked with a variety of drinks, including wine, champagne, soft drinks, and malt whiskies. Non-alcoholic options are also available, such as Nespresso coffee and tea, along with a selection of snacks.

Guests staying at Glencoe House will notice the many lovely artworks decorating the halls and spaces of the hotel. Dubbing this the Glencoe Art Gallery, the hotel showcases works from native Scottish artists by partnering up with the Strathearn Gallery in Crieff and the Annan Gallery in Glasgow. The pieces hanging on the walls of Glencoe House are for sale, so just approach the management should one of these works speak to your soul.

Like many fine Scottish establishments, Glencoe House celebrates Christmas and also Hogmanay, the Scots' very own brand of New Year. They offer special seasonal packages and dining menus to match the festivities of the holidays.

While Glencoe House offers cozy and luxurious retreats, it also provides access to what is called the Outdoor Capital of the United Kingdom. Various activities become available as the seasons change, from walking and mountain biking during warm months, to skiing come winter. There are also plenty of Water sports like white-water rafting and sea kayaking available through partner services. Glencoe is also home to numerous majestic wildlife, which you can meet via Land Rover safaris and SeaXplorer boat trips.

If cultural and historical immersions are more your thing, you can sightsee or even visit landmarks like Castle Stalker and Inveraray Castle. While you're at it, don't forget to dine at local taverns and restaurants to experience authentic, generations-old recipes and drinks.