In the heart of Perthshire, luxury country house and estate Murrayshall has introduced a new chapter in its hospitality story – with the launch of outdoor accommodation spaces developed by Armadilla.
Driven by a shared vision for premium, sustainable and operationally efficient accommodation, the partnership between Murrayshall and Armadilla, an innovative accommodation spaces provider, has resulted in the successful integration of a new room category on the estate: luxury, five-star rated outdoor accommodation units.
Gary Silcock, general manager at Murrayshall in Perthshire said that from the outset, Armadilla’s turnkey approach proved decisive.
“Every element of the project was designed, built, and refined off-site at Armadilla’s advanced manufacturing facility near Edinburgh,” said Gary. “This off-site approach enabled a smooth and rapid deployment process, with each unit installed on-site in just two hours – eliminating disruption to estate operations and providing instant availability.
“Armadilla’s depth of knowledge and hands-on support also proved critical to the project’s success, from supplier recommendations to best-practice guidance, they brought forward years of experience and a network of trusted collaborators – solving every question with considered, proven solutions.”
The expansion forms a critical part of a strategic investment. Backed by a £1.5 million seed investment – part of a broader £30 million estate redevelopment, including spa, lodges and driving range – Armadilla’s units formed the core of this phased expansion strategy.
The accommodation spaces allowed a low-impact, speedy installation, preserving golf operations and formal gardens with almost zero downtime. And critical to the project’s success was leveraging the units’ classification as a caravan under the 1965 Caravan Act – accelerating the planning process, reducing paperwork and navigating regulatory requirements with greater ease.
The estate now features:
- 4 Waves 40, sleeping four to six guests (with additional sofa bed)
- 17 Pods, installed in 2-hours onsite
For Murrayshall, the new installation of the 21 units is an expansion of its broader room inventory. Fully insulated and equipped with underfloor heating, air conditioning and acoustic insulation, these accommodation spaces deliver a five-star standard experience in a smaller footprint. With options including two-bedroom layouts that sleep up to six, the units are also helping the hotel attract families and younger guests.
By opting for flexible accommodation, the estate has been able to expand its capacity in a cost-efficient and timely manner. Not only was the capital outlay more controlled than traditional builds, but the speed of delivery has meant quicker routes to return.
“Results have been instant,” added Gary. “We’ve already secured strong room night sales over the coming two years and are exploring how to expand our marketing further into new segments that align with the estate’s wider offer.”
As well as increasing capacity, the Armadilla units are helping Murrayshall reach new audiences, including a younger demographic that values unique, outdoor-based accommodation. These guests are not just staying overnight, but engaging more deeply with the wider estate activities, helping drive spend across food and beverage, as well as leisure services.
Ross Hunter, Managing Director at Armadilla, said he was delighted in the success that the accommodation spaces were already seeing at Murrayshall Hotel.
“The project has been a joy to work on,” he said. “The natural beauty of the estate means our accommodation units merge seamlessly. The design ethos at Armadilla is inspired by nature and leans into the Biophilic design principle. That principle is embedded in every one of our spaces. The curved forms, round windows, and natural timber finishes, helps guests feel calm, grounded and connected to the outdoors.”
By integrating flexible, sustainable accommodation into its offering, Murrayshall is positioning itself to meet the expectations of modern travellers without compromising heritage or landscape. And through its partnership with Armadilla, the estate has demonstrated how design-led innovation can align seamlessly with operational agility.
For Armadilla, the project reinforces its belief that hospitality expansion doesn’t need to mean disruption – it can be efficient, elegant and environmentally responsible.
