Inside: Mar Hall, Golf & Spa Resort

In spring 2025, Mar Hall, an iconic gothic revival estate nestled along the banks of the River Clyde reopened its doors after an extensive £20 million transformation, marking one of Scotland’s most significant and anticipated hotel renovations in recent years.

The Project

Mar Hall was acquired in 2024 by Dubai-based Dutco Group to reposition the grand mansion as an international destination. The £20 million renovation has been led by Lisa King from investment and asset management firm, Align Partners.

Spearheaded by Jim Hamilton from the independent Glasgow-based design studio, Graven, the renovation has seen a complete transformation of the resort’s 74 guest rooms – including three grand suites and eight junior suites – as well as all public spaces, including the main entrance and reception, members’ lounge, long gallery, bar, restaurant and private events areas.

Jim, you brought in some iconic pieces from George Smith, what drew you to them for this project?

I’ve had the pleasure of working with George Smith on various projects over a number of years, and have been fortunate enough to visit the factory and witness the craftsmanship firsthand. The level of care, detail, and dedication that goes into every piece of furniture is extraordinary.

The furniture strikes a beautiful balance between elegance and style, with just the right amount of character to make a statement throughout the hotel. It was also a real bonus to incorporate a number of bespoke pieces into the mix, along with a well-curated selection of tables.

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Jim, was there a particular George Smith piece that anchored a room or helped define a space?

I was already familiar with many of the pieces in the wider George Smith portfolio, but during a visit to the King’s Road showroom, I was introduced to the Muffin collection.

I was immediately drawn to its exaggerated proportions, elegant curves, and distinctive low-slung back. Several pieces from this collection now sit beautifully within the larger Mansion House rooms, bringing a sense of sculptural comfort to the spaces.

The Muffin Collection →

George Smith Furniture For Mar Hall

Public Spaces

Across Mar Hall’s elegant public spaces, from The Gallery and Slàinte Bar to the refined Reception Area, our furniture brings warmth, comfort, and character, creating inviting settings for guests to connect, unwind, and indulge.

This project is a testament to our expertise in delivering bespoke solutions for the hospitality and commercial sectors, where functionality, durability, and aesthetic harmony are essential. From luxury hotels to private members clubs, we work closely with designers to tailor furnishings that meet the demands of high-traffic environments while maintaining an exceptional standard of style and comfort.

Hospitality & Commercial Capabilities →

Guest Rooms

With 74 rooms and suites across seven categories, Mar Hall called for furniture that offered both elevated style and everyday comfort. We delivered an extensive collection of bespoke pieces for the guest bedrooms, suites, and spa garden accommodations.

Our bespoke process allows us to collaborate closely with designers, ensuring that every detail, from dimensions to finishes is carefully considered and expertly executed. This approach ensures that our furniture not only complements the aesthetic vision of each project but also delivers on the practical requirements of luxury hospitality settings.

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Lisa King

Collaborating with a British company like George Smith allowed us to reinforce Mar Hall’s unique sense of place and authenticity, while supporting exceptional local artisanship that echoes throughout the guest experience.

The History Of Marr Hall

Originally built in 1828, Mar Hall has long been admired for its architectural grandeur and deep Scottish heritage.

Designed by Sir Robert Smirke for Major General Robert Walter Stuart, 11th Lord Blantyre, an Old Etonian and Scots Guards officer. The mansion was envisioned as a bold and fashionable home inspired by Blantyre’s travels across Europe and Egypt. His vision brought a distinctive and exotic twist to Scotland’s neoclassical style, which astonished locals as it rose from the ground.

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