Iconic St Andrews country house hotel, Rufflets, has reached its centenary this year with the third generation of the same family still running the business. Built in 1924, as a private home for the widow of a Dundee merchant, the property was transformed in 1952 by George and Margaret Cook, alongside business partners Anna and James Meldrum, into one of Scotland’s first and finest country house hotels.
Today, Rufflets remains a families-run business. It is owned by Mark and Chris Forrester, grandsons of two of the original founders, their mother, Ann Murray-Smith, who took over the business from her parents in 1976, and Marco Truffelli, an Italo-British hotelier who partnered with them in 2020. Marco brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as former Chief Executive of VisitScotland.com and managing international resorts and hotel groups. Adding to his credentials, he recently earned a Master’s degree in the Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London.
A haven of tranquillity, just a few minutes’ drive from the centre of St Andrews - the home of Golf - Rufflets offers much more. Co-owner and Managing Director, Marco Truffelli shared: “Our passion is to provide an experience that allows guests to connect deeply with nature. The gardens, which include a thriving kitchen garden filled with fresh vegetables and herbs, offer a space for reflection and rejuvenation. Our Centenary Garden Project, currently underway, is a testament to this vision.” He added, “We are continually investing in the business and expanding our hotel room stock, with the latest phase of development being the stunning luxury Woodland Suites, which are self-contained bespoke shepherd huts, featuring wood burning stoves, copper baths, private decks and wonderful views of our leafy grounds and picturesque burn. We will continue to develop our offering and aim to create a local pub in the grounds in the future to further enhance Rufflets offering for the St Andrews community.”
As a client of Business Gateway Fife, Rufflets has received strategic advice on business growth and sustainability initiatives. Business Adviser Alasdair Busby has supported the hotel with its drive toward Net Zero, including a Business Efficiency Grant’s application and ongoing collaboration with Business Energy Scotland.
In addition to these advancements, Marco is spearheading a Leadership Retreat Programme for business leaders and entrepreneurs. The next retreat, scheduled for March 2025, is a unique three-day programme designed to foster sustainable high performance by helping participants "lead and live better." Alasdair Busby praised Marco's vision, stating: “His commitment to integrating mind health into the core of Rufflets’ development showcases how a successful business can also prioritise people’s health alongside performance.”
Rufflets remains a beacon of tradition, innovation, and community spirit as it celebrates its centenary. Whether it’s through enhancing the guest experience, embracing sustainability, or offering transformative leadership retreats, this historic hotel is poised to thrive for generations to come.
