Dream a little dream...

Ardanaiseig charm? It’s in ‘middle of nowhere’

IF you really want to get away from it all, Ardanaiseig is the place to go.

Discreetly tucked away at the end of a 10-mile single road, this four-star country hotel is off the beaten track. In fact, it’s about as remote as you can get.

But when you step out of the car and catch that first glance of the breathtaking view, you’ll realise it was definitely worth the trip.

The charming 14th Century stately home in Taynuilt sits on the bonnie banks of Loch Awe, against a backdrop of stunning Scottish mountain scenery.

It’s truly magical. In fact, one of the most beautiful secluded spots of natural beauty I think I’ve ever seen.

I’m blown away – and that’s before we’ve even set a foot inside.

Ardanaiseig (pronounced ar-den-ass-ay) is the epitome of old Scots, but with a bit of a twist.

Think of a scene from Harry Potter, add a little Laurence Llewelyn Bowen flair… and you’re almost there.

Outside, it’s very traditional – a big grey stone house with turrets and sash windows.

But as soon as you step over the threshold, it all gets a bit ‘old baronial meets rock and roll’.

When owner Bennie Gray bought the listed building, he set out to create something a little different.

And the boldly coloured walls coupled with old antiques, many from Gray’s own personal collection, certainly conjure up a unique charm.

Vintage vases and lamps from long, long ago sit alongside the art dealer’s paintings, which include reworked oil paintings of Bianca Jagger and Lauren Bacall.

But the piece de resistance in paintings is one in the restaurant.

The famous faces of Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Frank Sinatra and Ringo Starr look down on diners from an original Victorian masterpiece. It’s definitely different, but in a good way.

The picture was acquired by a restaurant owner in London in the 1960s. Not knowing who the people in the picture were, he had the faces painted over with those of his favourite politicians, rock stars and businessmen.

Bennie loved the unusual piece so much that he bought it at an auction in the early 90s and decided to share it with guests at his hotel.

Our room, Ben Lui, is a master suite, commanding views over the loch.

It’s spacious with a big comfy bed and rustic roll top bath – and a cupboard full of blankets and hot water bottles for those cold Scottish winter nights.

Thankfully during our stay it hadn’t quite hit minus temperatures yet, so we made the most of the favourable weather, pulled on some wellies (the hotel has its own supply for guests) and went out to explore.

Ardanaiseig might be a good few miles from civilisation, but there’s no shortage of things to do. From fishing to clay pigeon shooting and even archery, there are on-site instructors to show you the ropes in a whole host of country pursuits.

We settled for a much less strenuous walk around the 240 acre grounds, where there’s enough wild woodland and gardens to lose yourself in.

We also found our sea legs by taking one of the hotel’s boats out for a sail on the serene island-studded loch.

Legend has it that the enchanted basin – and, in fact, the third largest freshwater loch in Scotland – was created when a goddess forgot to replace the plug on a sacred spring situated high up mighty Ben Cruachan – and looking out at the alluring vista, it’s an easy myth to believe.

You can even take a dip in it if it’s warm enough.

With a sky full of fluffy clouds above our heads and the sun beating on our backs, we whizzed around the water, stopping to disembark and check out the hidden secrets on the isles, including an amazing ancient castle and an old Celtic burial ground.

If you want to venture outside the estate, Oban is a half-hour drive away and the town of Inverary an hour in the opposite direction.

But that’s the beauty of Ardanaiseig, once you’re there you really don’t need to do anything at all apart from relax.

The wine list so extensive that it recently earned the hotel an AA award.

Dining is a pleasant experience, with the hotel’s award-winning chef cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Our evenings began with drinks and canapés in the bar and so smooth was the operation that by the time we moved through to the restaurant, our wine had been poured and starters were on their way.

From the fresh salmon sourced at nearby Inerawe to the Isle of Mull scallops, ingredients are sourced locally where possible.

The gourmet beef, duck and halibut were cooked to perfection… and looked as beautiful on the plate as the view over the lawns to the loch.

And the desserts were to die for – especially the dark chocolate pot and granny smith apple fritters.

Overall, the Ardanaiseig experience was superb – and comfortably chilled.

It may be in the middle of nowhere but that, in fact, is the best bit!