Nominee Summary
Craigadam is a country house B&B
What makes your nominee stand out?
What truly sets Craigadam apart is the warmth, authenticity, and deep personal investment of its owners, Celia and Richard Pickup. They don’t just run a bed and breakfast—they welcome guests into their home. Visitors dine surrounded by family photos, seated together at a communal table that fosters conversation and connection. It’s this sense of genuine hospitality that makes a stay at Craigadam feel like being among old friends. Celia personally prepares every meal, using produce from their own farm beef, venison, lamb alongside game such as pheasant and partridge—giving guests a true taste of the land. The on-site country larder offers even more local flavour, showcasing homemade and regional goods for visitors to enjoy or take home. Each guest room is uniquely themed, with global influences reflecting the Pickups’ travels and passions, creating a rich tapestry of design that’s far from ordinary. But beyond hospitality, Craigadam is also rooted in values. During the COVID-19 crisis, Celia was committed to ensuring that grant money was spent locally, supporting nearby tradespeople and small businesses who were also struggling. The estate is equally passionate about wildlife conservation, preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity that surrounds Craigadam. This powerful combination of personal touch, local pride, sustainability, and creative vision is what makes Craigadam a standout nominee.
Changes that have been implemented
In response to evolving guest expectations, Craigadam has continued to adapt and enhance its offering while staying true to its core values. A self-contained cottage was designed with a view to the future, designed with comfort and privacy in mind. Moving away from more traditional shared facilities, Celia and Richard chose to provide hotel-style rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom—offering guests the best of both worlds: the charm of a country escape with the convenience of modern amenities. Another well-received addition has been the installation of hot tubs, allowing guests to unwind in warmth while soaking up the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. These thoughtful upgrades reflect Craigadam’s ongoing commitment to improving the visitor experience while celebrating the beauty and tranquility of rural life.
Overcoming challenges
Craigadam began life as a traditional sheep hill farm, whose only chance of survival was through diversification. Faced with the challenge of a tight grant deadline, the team had to act fast—so fast, in fact, that there wasn’t even time to get a quote from a building company. So, they set up their own! Gamekeepers worked through the night under fairy lights, joined by local plumbers, electricians, and friends who rallied around to make the transformation possible. Despite immense time pressure, Celia Pickup was determined that Craigadam would not settle for uniformity. She envisioned each room having its own identity, avoiding a copy-and-paste approach. With support from family and friends, they sourced unique furniture and décor from around the world. Each suite was individually inspired, one xample being the Creole suite, created after Celia and Richard returned from a holiday in New Orleans, bringing back artwork that sparked the room’s distinctive character. All of this was accomplished while still welcoming and accommodating guests—adding another layer of complexity to the process. The Pickups managed not only to renovate but to reimagine Craigadam, overcoming immense logistical and creative challenges to deliver a visitor experience full of personality, history, and heart.
