LONDON — A business venture owned by tennis champion Sir Andy Murray and his wife Kim is set to close its doors permanently within weeks, following a major announcement that has surprised fans and the business community alike. The couple's luxury hotel, Cromlix, located near Dunblane in Scotland, will cease operations as a hotel at the end of May 2025.
The Murrays, who purchased the Victorian-era mansion and its 34-acre estate in 2013 for £1.8 million, have decided to sell the property. In a statement, they confirmed that the hotel will close to guests on May 31, 2025, with a sale already agreed upon. The future of the ten-bedroom hotel, which has hosted numerous celebrities and was the venue for Kim and Andy's wedding reception in 2015, is now uncertain.
A Passion Project and a Homecoming
For Andy Murray, Cromlix was more than a business investment; it was a deeply personal project and a homecoming. The hotel is situated just a few miles from where he grew up, and its purchase was seen as a way of giving back to the local community and preserving a piece of Scottish heritage. The three-time Grand Slam winner was actively involved, often describing it as a passion project he and Kim embarked upon together. They oversaw a multi-million-pound refurbishment, transforming it into a five-star retreat complete with a fine-dining restaurant, a tennis court, and a chapel.
In their joint statement announcing the closure, the Murrays expressed mixed emotions, stating: "We have made the difficult decision to sell Cromlix. It’s a place that’s incredibly special to us, having been our wedding venue and home for the past decade. We’ve loved every moment of being the custodians of such a beautiful property, but the time has come for us to pass on the responsibility to new owners." The decision underscores the significant personal and professional commitments the couple now balances, including Andy's ongoing tennis career and recovery from injury, and their growing family.
The Business Realities Behind the Decision
While the closure is framed as a personal choice, it also reflects the challenging economic landscape for the luxury hospitality sector. Operating a high-end, seasonal hotel in a rural location comes with substantial fixed costs, staffing challenges, and vulnerability to economic downturns. The post-pandemic recovery for hospitality has been uneven, with many establishments grappling with increased supply costs and changing consumer spending habits.
A spokesperson for the Murrays emphasized that the sale was a strategic decision made after careful consideration. Key factors influencing the move included:
- Shifting Priorities: With Andy's career in its latter stages and a young family, the couple's focus has naturally evolved.
- Operational Demands: Running a world-class hotel is a full-time endeavor requiring constant attention, even with a dedicated management team in place.
- Strategic Sale: The offer presented an opportunity to sell the asset in a way that secured its future and provided closure on a successful chapter.
Impact on Staff and the Local Community
The announcement has immediate implications for the hotel's employees and the local economy. Cromlix was a significant employer in the Perthshire area, with a team dedicated to hospitality, kitchen, and grounds maintenance. The Murrays have confirmed that all staff have been informed and that the process will be managed with their welfare in mind. The statement added, "Our incredible team at Cromlix have been instrumental in its success, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication and hard work over the years. We are committed to supporting them through this transition." Local suppliers who provided produce for the hotel's acclaimed restaurant, led for years by acclaimed chef Darin Campbell, will also feel the impact of the closure.
A Legacy of Success and Celebrity Clientele
During the Murrays' tenure, Cromlix earned a reputation as one of Scotland's premier boutique hotels. It held a 5-star rating and was a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association. The hotel's guest book read like a who's who of the sports and entertainment worlds, attracting visitors drawn by its privacy, luxury, and connection to the Murray family. Notable guests reportedly included tennis stars like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, actors, and musicians seeking a secluded Scottish escape.
The on-site tennis court, naturally, became a legendary feature. It was not uncommon for Andy to practice there or for visiting players to enjoy a hit. The hotel's "Tennis Break" package became a popular offering for fans of the sport. Beyond tennis, Cromlix was celebrated for its commitment to local sourcing, with its kitchen garden supplying the restaurant and its decor reflecting a refined, contemporary Scottish style.
What Comes Next for the Property?
The identity of the buyer and their plans for the Cromlix estate have not been publicly disclosed. The sale is expected to be finalized later this year. Speculation ranges from it continuing as a hotel under a new brand or management group, to being converted into a private residence or a corporate retreat. Given its scale and listed status, any significant change of use would require planning permission. The local community and hospitality watchers will be keenly observing to see if the new owners maintain the property's connection to its recent storied past.
Industry analysts suggest the sale likely represents a sound financial conclusion for the Murrays' investment, given the substantial capital poured into renovations and the property's enhanced profile. As one hospitality expert noted, "Turning a historic property like Cromlix into a profitable enterprise is a monumental task. The Murrays brought it unprecedented global fame and elevated its standing. A sale at this juncture, after establishing its value, is a logical business exit strategy."
Conclusion: The End of an Era
The closure of Cromlix Hotel marks the end of a significant chapter for Andy and Kim Murray. It was a venture that blended personal sentiment with entrepreneurial ambition, successfully putting a corner of rural Scotland on the map for international luxury travel. While the doors will soon close to paying guests, the legacy of their stewardship—a beautifully restored estate, a boost to local tourism, and a world-class hospitality experience—will remain. The decision, though difficult, allows the couple to concentrate on the next phases of their lives, both on and off the court, while passing the torch of this cherished property to its next custodian. As their statement concluded, "We look forward to watching its next chapter unfold and will always cherish the memories we made there."