Killiecrankie House Hotel

Perthshire

Delve into rural Scotland’s natural larder at this 1840 country manor poised on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Killiecrankie House is the brainchild of a husband-and-wife team – Leith’s-trained chef Tom Tsappis and sommelier Matilda Ruffle – who’ve created a modern design-led stay. And the big draw is their ambitious 12-course tasting menu. As you’d expect, regional produce from forest, field and sea takes a plum spot at the table, with each dish revealing a chapter of Scotland’s culinary story. Tom gives heritage dishes and ingredients – venison, bramble, whisky – a modern makeover: think dripping-fried porridge, slow-cooked Highland wagyu oxtail and Firth of Moray squid cooked in a stew of its ink.

The experience concludes with the likes of cinnamon-crusted madeleines filled with a Stornoway black pudding caramel. Don’t miss a postprandial stop at the art deco bar to sample Matilda’s Scottish-inspired drinks, including the whisky-based Penicillin. Enjoy it all against a backdrop of sophisticated blues and dark woods, with pared-back Scandi touchstones and statement lighting throughout. Luxury touches in the five bedrooms include four-poster beds, velvet textiles and roll-top baths.

With hiking and cycling trails (and even wild swimming) on the doorstep, the crackling fire of the drawing room and guided whisky tasting make for a warming return back at base.

Doubles from £450, including dinner and breakfast. 01796 473213, killiecrankiehouse.com

Words by Megan Dickson