First look inside 400-year-old Scottish hotel after £3m refurb

Thackray House, located on the bank of the River Teith, Callander, was first built in 1625 as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Perth.

The building, world-famous for its unique pink exterior, has operated as a hotel since 1939, hosting musical stars like The Beatles while on a UK tour in the 1960s, as well as Hollywood director Cecil B DeMille.

The hotel underwent a £3m renovation (Image: Thackray House)

There will be space for events and a 32-seat bistro (Image: Thackray House)

It closed in January to allow for the major renovations, which celebrate the estate's 400-year history and its most famous guests through the creation of the John Lennon Room and Paul McCartney Suite.

The offerings at Thackray House will include 17 bedrooms, a private chapel, riverside gardens and the Drummond Suite, which can host up to 150 guests for weddings and events.

The hotel's eatery will also be reimagined, with the launch of the new 32-seat Strawberry Fields Bistro, offering seasonal dishes and afternoon tea using locally sourced ingredients.

It will offer a venue for events and weddings (Image: Thackray House)

The house forms part of a 20-acre estate (Image: Thackray House)

Future renovations of two cottages within the 20-acre estate are also planned, expanding the hotel's capacity.

The Callander property also includes a walled garden and private fishing rights, with the main house retaining much of its original features, including a wood-panelled library and detailed ceiling carvings.

It was known as Roman Camp before being bought by the Thackray family in late 2025.

Gail Thackray, originally from Yorkshire, was a former glamour model for the British tabloid press and built a £40m porn-business empire in Los Angeles.

The interior has been refreshed while retaining the historic feel of the house (Image: Thackray House)

It is set on the banks of the River Teith (Image: Thackray House)

The Thackray family appointed management firm ICMI to run the property, employing 25 staff members.

The firm manages various luxury hotels in Scotland, including Rocpool Reserve in Inverness, Inverlochy Castle, Glenfinnan House Hotel and Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa.

Norbert Lieder, managing director of ICMI, said: “Thackray House is a beautiful and completely unique building. It is an honour to become part of its rich history.

"Our focus has been on investing in the hotel to preserve its character while enhancing comfort for today’s guests and ensuring it plays a meaningful role in the local community and economy.”