As interior designer Kirsten Blazek heads north for a milestone birthday celebration, she shares her top design destinations, must-try meals and favourite hotels
When I started planning a trip to celebrate my 50th birthday, there was only one place I wanted it to be – my home country, Scotland. I grew up in Scotland and left for America at the age of 25, and being Scottish still remains a huge part of my identity. I was privileged to spend two weeks witnessing the evolution of this dynamic and stunning country through my lens as an interior designer.
Edinburgh
A little bit of everything. Filled with history yet definitively modern, Edinburgh is a unique city and has a very special place in my heart. It ’s architecturally diverse, a mix of the mediaeval Old Town and the elegance of the sandstone Georgian buildings in the New Town. It has a thriving arts and culture scene and I loved the historic port of Leith – its vibrant culinary offering and mix of eclectic shopping is definitely not to be missed. One of my favourite shops to pop into is Bard, a Scottish home design store and gallery.
The national galleries and museums, all housed within stunning historic buildings – make sure you don’t miss the work of Scottish artist John Byrne, a personal favourite of mine.
Gleneagles Townhouse (see left). This beautiful and elegant building, originally a bank, was reimagined as a boutique five-star hotel and the rooms reflect the grandeur of the building. The Spence restaurant and Lamplighters bar provide atmospheric charm.
The Witchery, a Gothic-inspired restaurant steeped in history at the gates of Edinburgh Castle. It’s an immersive fine dining experience where you’re surrounded by devilish busts and bathed in candlelight. The espresso martini was the best I’ve ever had!
If you love a mix of stylish new boutiques and incredible thrift shopping, then Stockbridge should be on your list. Visit Jorum Studio, Dick’s Edinburgh, Toast, Treen, and Edinburgh Mercantile; stop for cheese and wine at Smith & Gertrude, a stylish place to rest and regroup.
Fife & Perthshire
The plethora of amazing villages and towns between the two. Falkland and Culross are both home to palaces and are steeped in rich history and charm – in Culross, I recommend the stylish Dundonald Guesthouse, perfectly curated with a blend of Scandinavian and Scottish design.
StAndrews, famousasthehomeofgolf and also as a thriving university town with an expansive beach, ancient cathedral and castle.
Monachyle Mhor. A converted farmhouse and working farm located on the side of aloch,you can curateyour own experience by choosing from the farmhouse, cabins or an eco lodge nestled in the treetops.
Loch Leven’s Larder for casual y
