Auchterarder, 2016
Gleneagles
David Collins Studio designed four distinct areas at Gleneagles Hotel: the Lobby Lounge, Century Bar, American Bar, and Glendevon Lounge. Each space draws inspiration from Scotland’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
They hired some of the UK’s top design talent, including David Collins Studio, Timorous Beasties, Macaulay Sinclair, Goddard Littlefair and their own in-house design studio, with the aim to celebrate the resort’s rich, glamorous heritage, stunning nature and beautiful architecture while signaling the estate’s future. Or, as public relations and communications manager Karen McIntosh put it when she gave recently gave me a property tour, to create something “unabashedly Scottish.
Ann Abel, Forbes
The hotel’s main bar is an important room within the property. Its transition to The Century Bar needed a respectful approach; one that references the art deco grandeur, whilst making a charming, light-filled room by day, and a cosy intimate room by night. My starting point was to anchor the room with dramatic red columns, and layer into the space Scottish textiles, comfy seats, subtle rich colours, and charming detailing.
Simon Rawlings, Chief Creative Officer, David Collins Studio
I didn’t find my favourite Gleneagles bar on the first night. Grown-up, discreet, and miraculously calm amidst the half-term throngs. The ideal silvery-dark corner booth to indulge in the local whisky.
Laura Bailey, British Vogue
David Collins Studio’s design for Gleneagles Hotel elegantly brings together four distinct spaces, each with a unique aesthetic rooted in the hotel’s Scottish heritage. These areas—the Lobby Lounge, Century Bar, American Bar, and Glendevon Lounge—are unified by a commitment to timeless luxury, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.
In the Lobby Lounge, the design invites relaxation with mohair and leather seating, set around a central open fire. The space celebrates the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape, incorporating Celtic green hues and Harris Tweed fabrics. Commissioned artworks, such as Emily Garfield’s map of Gleneagles, infuse the space with a local artistic touch, while custom furniture, including hand-cast bronze benches, enhances the welcoming, residential atmosphere.
The Century Bar draws inspiration from the four seasons of Scotland, using a rich, harmonious colour palette. Garnet red highlights the upholstery, silk wall coverings, and bespoke marble bar counter. The design also embraces Scottish craftsmanship, with stained-glass screens and mosaic flooring referencing traditional textiles. Restored panelling provides a refined backdrop to the intimate, all-day social space, where warmth and comfort reign.
For the American Bar, a more opulent space, David Collins Studio created distinct lounges with varied personalities. Featuring rich oak paneling, heather-dyed cashmere, and custom purple velvet furniture, the design celebrates both luxury and heritage. Gold-leaf tabletops, lilac marble fireplaces, and bespoke brass detailing further elevate the space, which is designed to offer both exclusivity and a welcoming ambiance.
Finally, the Glendevon Lounge reimagines a historic event space into a modern resident’s lounge. The design draws from the natural hues of Scottish flora and fauna, with a palette inspired by pheasant feathers. Curved furniture and custom brass lighting enhance the space’s elegance, while panoramic views over the Ochil Hills connect guests to the breathtaking natural surroundings.
Photography by Kensington Leverne
Awards
The Gold List 2024
Condé Nast Traveller
3 keys 2024
The Michelin Key
The World's 50 Best Hotels
50 Best
The American Bar, Gleneagles
The Worlds 50 Best Bars 2023
#47 Best Resort in the World
Condé Nast Traveller Reader's Choice Awards 2022