Macdonald Houstoun House

We can almost see the appeal of hiking up a snow-covered mountain on a crisp winter’s day.

It is just that given the choice, we would prefer to float around a heated pool for the afternoon followed by a candlelit dinner in a two AA Rosette restaurant.

Ideally, we would finish with a night cap in front of a log fire before retiring early to our luxurious bedroom.

We always like to get a good eight hours in before tackling a full Scottish in the morning.

If the pool/dinner/luxurious bedroom combo appeals more than the hill walk/blisters/march then today’s Big Deal on an overnight stay at Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel has your name all over it it.

Or indeed the name of your other half.

The offer is for a cosy winter getaway for two. Valid from now until the end of February, it would make a very romantic Christmas gift.

Convenient escape

Set in 22 acres of beautiful woodlands, just west of Edinburgh, Macdonald Houstoun House is an elegant country hotel and retreat.

Once visited by Mary Queen of Scots, the historic building has the classic grace of a 16th century Tower House at its heart.

The hotel’s Vaulted Bar is particularly appealing at this time of year. Comprising three connected rooms, they are all kept toasty with large open fireplaces.

Seven days a week

This Big Deal is for an overnight stay for two with dinner and a full Scottish breakfast.

Option one is for a Sunday night stay in a Classic double or twin room.

Option two is for a one night stay, Monday to Saturday, in an executive double or twin room.

Individually decorated, the Classic bedrooms at Macdonald Houstoun House are extremely comfortable with traditional furnishings and unlimited, free WiFi.

Executive bedrooms offer more space along with comfy slippers and cosy, fluffy robes.

Dinner is two courses from the market menu or a £25 per person allowance towards the a la carte menu.

All guests have full use of the hotel’s well-equipped Vital Health Club and Spa, including the pool.

Award-winning restaurant

Head Chef Jeremy Wares has cooked for everyone from President Mitterand to Joanna Lumley and his kitchen team produces traditional Scottish food with a modern twist.

As part of the offer, guests will enjoy dinner in the hotel’s two AA Rosette restaurant: Jeremy Wares at Houston House.

Expect excellent local and seasonal ingredients cooked with flair and thought.

The menus change regularly. A typical main course on the a la carte menu might be the corn-fed chicken breast with salsify, Jerusalem artichokes, wild mushrooms and pickled potatoes.

Or the sole stuffed with truffle and served with squid ink tortellini filled with scallop mouse, cauliflower oil and a smoked almond purée.

Heated pool

All guests are welcome to use the facilities in the hotel’s Vital Health Club and Spa. As well as the sauna, steam room and fully-equipped Technogym, there is the warm pool which overlooks the surrounding woodlands.

Happy guests

Macdonald Houstoun House has plenty of recommendations on TripAdvisor. These are excerpts from recent reviews:

‘A taste of luxury in a beautiful setting… Set in the countryside with a large, well laid-out and stunning garden. This was a very pleasant one night stay and would have liked to have stayed for a few more.’

‘Lovely stay. I stayed here recently for three nights… The room was lovely and the bed was honestly one of the best I’ve ever slept in… Dinner in the restaurant and bar were great and breakfast was a brilliant way to start the day. Also enjoyed the gym facilities. Thank you for a great stay!!’

‘The grounds and buildings are really beautiful. A fantastic piece of Scottish architecture with the bonus that it is a superb hotel… the pool was just what was needed after a long day… followed by a simple but excellent dinner in the vaulted pub and a sound night’s rest in a very comfortable room.’

Christmas gift idea

Macdonald Houstoun House is just two minutes from the M8 and very convenient for Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.

As we have mentioned, this offer would be ideal for a romantic Christmas getaway.

It could also be used as a pre-Christmas escape or indeed a restorative, post-festive break.

An overnight stay in a tranquil woodland setting can seem very attractive after an action-packed week with the in-laws.