ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND — Rufflets is a member of Best Loved Hotels and is recognised by the Automobile Association as one of the top 200 hotels in Britain and among the top ten hotels in Scotland.
Set in 10 acres of award winning gardens, the turreted mansion house is located on the outskirts of St Andrews and has been in the same private family ownership since 1952 when the seven bedroom house was bought as a private home, prior to being converted into an hotel.
Considerable investment has been made over the years in sympathetically extending the building in keeping with the character of the original house,whilst still managing to retain the charm and ambience of a private country house. The public rooms and bedrooms are continually being refurbished to meet the exacting standards expected from discerning international guests, One of the owners, Ann Murray-Smith, takes a personal interest in the interior design, and the décor of the spacious public rooms and bedrooms reflect her individual style and taste.
Accommodation consists of 24 bedrooms including two suites, 19 of which are located in the main house, including The Gilroy Suite and our acclaimed Turret Rooms. Additionally, there is a suite in Rufflets Lodge.
The elegant bay windowed drawing room, with Adam fireplace, is renowned for its collection of Russell Flint water colours which adorn the walls. Soft furnishings in pastel shades, comfy sofas and armchairs and glowing lamps make this a relaxing place to curl up in front of the fire with a book, or sample afternoon tea with Rufflets famous home baking.
Bar Lunches are served daily in the brasserie style Music Room Bar and Library, both with magnificent views of the immaculate gardens. In the evening the mood changes and the Bar becomes the place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail whilst ordering dinner from the Terrace Restaurant menu. After dinner you must sample some of the 100 malt whiskies on offer.
The Terrace Restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes for the past fourteen years, and is one of the most popular places to dine in the local area.
Rufflets’ ten acre gardens are a joy to behold and are one of the hotel’s greatest assets. The gardens have won many national awards over the years and Rufflets has also participated in Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, where gardens are open to the public on specific days during the year.
Rufflets’ head gardener, Phil Harper, has been lovingly tending to the gardens, planning stunning, colourful borders and supplying the hotel with freshly cut flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbs throughout the seasons, in addition to keeping the acres of grass and formal hedges neatly trimmed.
Rufflets’ gardens are much sought after for wedding photography, as the romantic streams, bridges and mature trees provide an ideal backdrop for memorable photographs. The terrace and lower garden is also licensed for civil marriage ceremonies.
The secluded setting, woodland and 1.5 acre field, make Rufflets an ideal venue for outdoor sporting activities and team building events, ideal for corporate use.
The sunny, south facing terrace is popular during the summer months, where Afternoon Tea, alfresco lunch and drinks are served. (www.rufflets.co.uk)