History and Brief
Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort has emerged from a £20 million renovation with a new identity. Once the 19th-century dream of Major General Robert Walter Stuart, the 11th Lord Blantyre, it’s now reimagined as a luxury retreat for the modern age, complete with a hotel, spa, and championship golf course.
Working closely with their marketing team, we redefined the Mar Hall brand, creating a visual distinctness befitting the bold new era in the estate’s rich history. Above all else, we wanted to convey this history embracing contemporary luxury, very much a celebration of past and present.
Just a short drive from Glasgow, Mar Hall is an estate with origins that can be traced back to 1828. Its predominant focus is its grand Tudor-Gothic mansion designed by Sir Robert Smirke, a renowned architect of the British Museum. Once a place that provided care during World War I, this enchanting manor is now an impressive resort that blends elegance and heritage. Set within 240 acres of woodland with 74 rooms and suites, two restaurants, an 18-hole golf course and a spa, Mar Hall is the ultimate serene escape.
Concept
To capture both the modern spirit and the history of the new brand, our studio wanted to create a visual identity that intertwined these themes. At the identity’s heart is a quatrefoil clover shape – a symbol of good fortune through the ages. This shape is prevalent in the original decorative architectural detail of the hall. Whether seen in wooden panelling or the stonework of the ramparts, it acts as an ever-present icon of positivity.
In the same way the quatrefoil lends personality to the hall, its inclusion in the brand identity reinforces this personality in all of the resort’s messaging and inextricably links the guests with its past.
The quatrefoil is used both subtly and boldly. Its refined addition to the letter ‘A’ of the logotype gently enhances the character of the mark. It’s this character that’s already firmly established by using a sophisticated, decorative font at its core.
Conversely, there’s an outright celebration of the quatrefoil within the MH monogram. Created as decorative shorthand for the brand across its expression, it also allows entry into the lucrative merchandising market. We also recognised the potential for the quatrefoil to become a repeat pattern, adding richness, texture or depth to the marketing collateral.
Colour and Typography
The colour palette is inspired by nature and the epic Scottish landscape that surrounds the estate. A natural palette was vital in affirming Mar Hall as a soulful escape. Green signifies renewal in the natural world, but also carries a sense of heritage, luxury and timeless elegance. Fawn has warm, calming qualities which perfectly reflect the peace and tranquillity to be found within the resort. The ivory has been introduced as an organic neutral to complement both the green and fawn. Gold foil not only injects an energy that aligns perfectly with the hall’s contemporary interiors but also brings with it an affirmation of the magnificence that defines a stay at Mar Hall. The typography once again celebrates past and present, combining the timeless serif font Ivy Presto with the modern sans serif Montserrat.
Solution
All these carefully crafted visual elements work together to express a cohesive and compelling brand identity at every stage of the customer journey.
From brochures and illustrated maps to door hangers, key cards, stationery, and menus, each touchpoint has been thoughtfully designed to reinforce the brand’s personality and values.
Across this wide range of materials, we’ve ensured that every interaction feels intentional, memorable, and aligned with the overall experience, leaving a lasting impression long after the moment of engagement.
‘It was a pleasure working with Thissaway on the creation of our new logo and brand symbol for Mar Hall. Their creativity, insight, and collaborative approach were instrumental in bringing the brand to life. The quatrefoil they developed now acts as a powerful shorthand for Mar Hall, a distinctive symbol that reflects both our heritage and our future. They truly understood our vision and delivered a brand identity that is both elegant and enduring.’
Gemma Wayne-Wills, Director of Marketing – Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort
Key Photography by Gerardo Jaconelli
Photography by Gabriel Reynolds
Video by Takt Agency & Wandern Media
Illustration by Owen Mathers