glenturret opens scottish retreat next door to whisky distillery and two michelin star restaurant

the glenturret refurbishes historic aberturret estate house

Awarded its second Michelin star in February 2024, Scotland’s oldest working distillery, The Glenturret, opens its refurbished historic Dower house on the same estate in picturesque Perthshire. Its world-class gastronomic experience has only been fortified further since being acquired by the Lalique Group back in 2019. The exclusive-use hideaway, called the Aberturret Estate House, caters to guests seeking indulgence in Highland whisky, food, and adventures excursions. designboom stayed at the opening, experiencing the Estate’s charms as if part of its former owners, the Murrary Clan.

(top image: © Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli)

retreat for scottish gastronomic experience

The exclusive-use Aberturret Estate House was a dream for the Lalique Group and The Glenturret, offering guests more than just a bolthole after enjoying the best of Scottish whisky and gastronomy at the distillery. Located just across the river on the same estate near Crieff, Perthshire, it is a short walk away from the two Michelin Star restaurant at the heart of the distillery. Formerly the Dower House of the Murrary Clan, who were also the founders of Glenturret more than 260 years ago, the home has undergone a refurbishment that brings Scottish heritage into the modern day.

image © Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli

With interior design by Will Nolan, the house seamlessly blends the allure of country living with the refinement of a luxury Edinburgh townhouse. Downstairs, its grand hallways and interlinked rooms feature sensitively restored decoration alongside a mix of antique and modern furnishings, historic artwork, and soft, traditional fabrics from Bute, Lovat Mills, and Harris Tweed. Complementing the bespoke furniture, the walls are proudly decorated with artwork dating back to the 1800s, provided by the Fine Arts Society Edinburgh, featuring artists like Joseph Farquharson, Edward Arthur Walton, George Harvey, and Sir Edwardo Paolozzi.

image © Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli

Guests walk through the cocktail lounge, just one of many rooms boasting its original fireplace, before arriving in the formal dining room, painted in a happy, warm mustard yellow hue. A leisurely lounge connects to the spacious kitchen, complete with an Aga warming both appetites and the room. The dining table, large enough to seat all 12 guests, is particularly important for private dining arrangements. Upstairs, the home offers six bedrooms capable of hosting 12 guests in total. Four king and two doubles bedrooms are all paired with en-suite bathrooms.

image © Agi Simoes & Reto Guntli

The three-acre garden overlooks the river and distillery beyond, providing a serene backdrop for private tours and activities. From casual BBQs on rare hot Scottish summer days to more cultural pursuits like falconry or archery, the setting caters to a variety of interests It is a gateway to the Highlands for those seeking more adventure.

image © MarkSeager_SimplePhotography

small-batch aberturret gin tasted with 14 botanicals

To coincide with the House’s opening, The Glenturret introduces the similarly named Aberturret Gin. The small-batch enhances the same renowned distilling techniques to create a unique London Dry Gin. 14 carefully selected botanicals include coriander, angelica, cloves, lemon, lime, cinnamon, grapefruit, liquorice root, pine, juniper, and pink peppercorn as well as three local ingredients: chamomile, sumac, and The Glenturret’s famous New Make Spirit. This release marks the Lalique Group’s celebration of the best of Scottish hospitality.

image © MarkSeager_SimplePhotography

image © MarkSeager_SimplePhotography

image © MarkSeager_SimplePhotography

project info:

owner: Lalique Group

distillery: The Glenturret

house: Aberturret Estate House

location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland, UK

interior design: Will Nolan

gin: Aberturret Gin

type: London Dry Gin

botanicals: coriander, angelica, cloves, lemon, lime, cinnamon, grapefruit, liquorice root, pine, juniper, pink peppercorn, chamomile, sumac, and The Glenturret’s famous New Make Spirit