The Home of Golf is renowned for its famous links courses. But Scotland boasts great parkland courses as well. One really good is located just 30 kilometers outside of downtown Aberdeen: Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course.
In the mid 1990s the old baronial manor house was transformed into a 97 hectare golf resort (11th hole pictured above). This is a true hideaway for nature lovers and gourmets complete with highland cattle and swans and far away from big city hustle and bustle.
The focal point of the resort is still the manor house built in 1236 and set on the outskirts of the village of Oldmeldrum. Today the Manor House, a solid granite property, complete with spires, turrets and grand external staircase hosts the reception, lounge, restaurant, bar and ten rooms. Each room designed in keeping with the baronial character of the hotel’s history, with original antiques associated with Meldrum over the centuries.
Adjacent to the Manor house, The Stables are offering generously proportioned double rooms in a contemporary Scottish style. There is also an annex with a ballroom and a selection of 28 rooms, ten of them with great views over the golf course and countryside beyond.
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Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course, 18th hole. All Photos by Meldrum House
Scottish designed parkland course
The private members’ 18 hole golf course was designed by Scottish architect Graeme Webster in 1996. This beautiful parkland layout measures a tad more than 6400 meters (approximately 7000 yards) from the tips. With ponds on ten of the holes, intelligently placed bunkers, cunningly positioned mature trees and undulating USGA-standard greens it is a stern test even for bombers and accomplished players.
A choice of forward tee positions is available for golfers who want to take it leisurely. The large practice facility comes with target greens, a short game area and a golf academy led by head professional Neil Marr.
Due to its location in the tranquil Aberdeenshire countryside, Meldrum House is a perfect base to play the great links courses of Scotland’s north east coastline. The hotel reception can arrange tee times at Trump Links, Royal Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, Murcar Links and Fraserburgh, all between 25 and 50 kilometers away. Meldrum House also offers stay-and-play packages with some of the famous links courses.
Back at the hotel you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the cozy lounge, relax in leather chairs in front an open fire place and a grandfather clock. While the Dining Room at Meldrum House is a real treat for the palate. After the meal guests can enjoy a wee dram at the 800 year old Cave Bar, which offers more than 120 single malts and a wide selection of Scottish gins.
For whisky lovers, the local distillery is located only 800 meters from Meldrum House. Glen Garioch is one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland. They specialize in producing precious small batch scotch whisky which are rare and well sought after. Cheers!
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