ARDKINGLAS HOUSE

CAIRNDOW, ARGYLL CAIRNDOW PA26 8BG

COMMANDING the head of Loch Fyne, Ardkinglas looks like it’s been here for ever. In fact, it was built only in 1907 by the great Scottish architect, Sir Robert Lorimer, for the Noble family, whose descendants still live here today.

Built in the Arts & Crafts style, Ardkinglas is a classic Scottish mixture of crow-stepped gables, crenellations and candle-snuffer towers, plus fabulous interiors including the drawing room (right). The glowing tones of the sandstone house have been compared to the colour of a fine malt whisky.

OPENING TIMES AND TICKETS: House tours every Friday from April to October, 2pm. Adults £7, children (primary school age), £3. Private house tours available (minimum charge applies). Booking essential

(01499 600 261, info@ardkinglas.com). Woodland garden open daily, dawn to dusk, £5 adults, £15 family.

WHERE TO EAT: Delicious seafood at the Loch Fyne Restaurant and

Oyster Bar five minutes’ drive away on the shores of the loch (01499 60026, info@lochfyne.com).

WHERE TO STAY: In the Butler’s Quarters in the house. From £345 for up to five people ( ardkinglas.com)

WHAT’S NEARBY? Inveraray Castle on the other side of the loch, the woodland at Ardkinglas, where you’ll find a European Silver Fir with the widest girth of any conifer in Europe.