Gleneagles is delighted to announce the launch of Ochil House, a unique new meeting and events space.
Gleneagles has been a destination for gatherings and historic meetings since 1924 – a place of lively celebration and animated conversation. Ochil House, the latest strand of the hotel’s investment programme, will pay homage to the inventors, dreamers, pioneers and partiers who helped shape Scottish history.
The design was inspired by the original private members clubs, where great minds would gather, and friendships were forged over vibrant debates, parlour games, a passion for pursuits and a love of food and drink.
“Ochil House brings that warmth, heritage and vivacious spirit to life,” said Charlie North, Design Director at Ennismore, Gleneagles’ parent company. “The overarching ambition of the design was to inspire, rouse ideas and stimulate conversation – encouraging guests to look around, explore and discuss, rather than sit at a table in a blank function room.”
He added: “It’s a reinvention of the meeting space concept – somewhere that’s not just practical but also beautiful, as well as homely, welcoming and fun – and a place where people naturally want to gather and enjoy conversation.”
Overlooking the hotel’s croquet lawn, Ochil House boasts some of the best views from Gleneagles, and a south-west-facing aspect provides an abundance of natural light. The impressive house is 380sqm in size and encompasses six beautiful rooms, each with their own distinctive flair and all named after original rooms in the hotel, including The Card Room, The Reading Room, The Writing Room and The Broadcasting Room. The space is also available to book exclusively for bespoke events, with guests able to enjoy Ochil House in its entirety. Exclusive use benefits from private access and beautiful outdoor breakout lawns.
The design team behind Ochil House, Ennismore Design Studio, sourced British and French antiques and used the finest fabrics, materials and bespoke craftsmanship to blend country-house tradition with a warm, relaxed atmosphere and contemporary touches.
The team also created a range of ‘inventor blue prints’ and illustrations which decorate the walls of Ochil House. These honour the great Scottish inventions and ideas – from the bicycle to the gin & tonic and from the television to the telephone – and provide talking points throughout the space, reflecting the lively and informal spirit of Ochil House.
Conor O’Leary, Gleneagles’ General Manager, said: “Whether guests use the space to hold a fabulous candlelit supper; an elegant wedding reception; a lively cocktail party with friends; a decadent evening of whisky tasting with colleagues; or an important board room meeting – it’s the perfect place for any kind of celebration or social gathering, and the various rooms provide an inspiring setting for good conversation, good ideas, good food and good times.”
A typical day on the 850-acre estate offers an authentic Scottish experience and a glorious playground of over 50 pursuits and activities. Groups can choose from activities such as shooting and fishing to gun-dog handling and off-road driving, offering the perfect opportunity to clear the head, gain a new perspective, generate ideas and rekindle a spirit of adventure.
