Andy Murray Buys Cromlix House Hotel: A New Start
Early 2013 saw Scotland’s very own Grand Slam champion Andy Murray splash out around £2 million on Cromlix House Hotel near his hometown of Dunblane. Once a thriving four star country hotel, Cromlix House was unexpectedly forced to cease trading in February 2012. Despite the increased popularity of ‘staycations’ during the downturn, the Scottish hotel industry has taken a hit.
The exquisite Cromlix House
Built in 1874, this glorious Victorian property sits in 36 acres of landscaped grounds within a 2,000-acre estate, and includes four fishing lochs and two celebrated mineral springs. It has 14 bedrooms including eight suites, three dining rooms for up to 112 covers, as well as conference rooms and a manager’s flat. There is also a consecrated Episcopalian chapel, which was the venue for the wedding of Andy’s brother Jamie and his Colombian girlfriend Alejandra Gutierrez in 2010.
We are eagerly awaiting news regarding Andy Murray’s intentions with the hotel – located just 10 minutes by helicopter from Gleneagles, it would be the perfect luxury base for him during the 2014 Ryder Cup. Murray’s notoriety will hopefully bring increased tourism to the area, and if the property retains its hotel status it will undoubtedly be a popular choice of lodgings for his army of worldwide fans.
The Brisbane skyline from Kangaroo Point
Murray, who won the US Open and Olympic titles last year, began the 2013 season by retaining his Brisbane Internationaltitle. As a holiday destination, Brisbane is often overshadowed by Sydney and Melbourne, though many British tourists made the trip over early 2013 to support Andy Murray and explore the surrounding area. In 2012, UK visitors constituted 10% of all international visitors to Queensland, and talkHoliday are looking forward to helping you plan your 2013 holidays there. Animal lovers must pay a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, whilst shopaholics can check out the buzzing Brisbane shopping scene. Those of you looking for a relaxing break can laze in the lush gardens of South Bank and make a day trip to sandy Moreton Island. For more adventurous folk, you can embark upon eye-popping tours along the Brisbane River.
Miami’s South Beach
The tennis ace also owns a flat in Miami, where he does his winter training. Miami is one of Florida’s most popular holiday destinations, well-known for beaches including South Beach, its buzzing nightlife, the trendy Art Deco district, the Calle Ocho Festival and Little Havana. Thousands of British sun-worshippers flock to the area each year, and our team at talkholiday can’t wait to start engaging with our Miami-loving social media pioneers.
Here at talkholiday we are proud to support our own, and look forward to cheering Murray on in his 2013 tournaments across the globe.