Set in a remote and secluded area of the Scottish Highlands, the magnificent Ardanaiseig hotel overlooks the romantic Loch Awe and boasts breathtaking views of the Argyll glens. Originally built in 1834 for Colonel James Archibald Campbell of Clan Campbell, the hotel has been restored to its former glory by owner, art lover and London antiquarian Bennie Gray.

Most recently, the hotel was awarded the winner of the Scottish Wedding Hotel of the Year 2008 - Intimate event and Gold Medals for Management Excellence 2008, by the Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards 2008.

Ardanaiseig’s remote and dramatic setting offers the ideal place to escape. Surrounded by rivers, lochs, craggy peaks and isolated beaches, the 16 bedroom baronial house offers a number of country sports in the surrounding countryside whilst the Lost Gardens that surround the house offer plenty scope for exploration and quiet contemplation.

The bedrooms are all decorated and furnished with original art and antiques handpicked by Gray himself. Individually designed and each with a character of it’s own, two of the master bedrooms even boast traditional cast iron baths forming part of the room from which guests can enjoy views of the gardens. The houses public rooms are equally gracious with the dining room boasting a former Victorian portrait painted over with icons from the Sixties in contrast to the drawing room which showcases more classical sculpture and elegant period furniture. A recent Victorian boat shed conversion showcases another facet of the house, offering contemporary, chic and secluded accommodation by the waters edge.

View of Loch Awe from the hotel

Using only the finest local and season ingredients, including seafood sourced from nearby Loch Awe, the award winning restaurant at Ardanaiseig is renowned throughout the Highlands. At the kitchens helm for the last 10 years, Head Chef Gary Goldie has won critical acclaim alongside a number of industry accolades for the impeccable 5 course tasting menu he and his kitchen staff serve.

Contact 

Ardanaiseig Hotel, Kilchrenan by Taynuilt, Argyll PA35 1HE
http://www.ardanaiseig.com
Tel: 00 44 (0) 1866 833 333
Fax: 00 44 (0) 1866 833 222

Owner Bennie Gray is perhaps most well known as the founder of the SPACE organization – the Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Creative Enterprise. In the 1960’s he developed the concept of indoor antique markets specifically designed to accommodate hundreds of traders in a congenial environment. He rescued and restored a number of London’s old buildings, giving them new life as antique markets.

Awards and Accolades
- Intimate Wedding Hotel of the Year (Scottish Hotel Awards, 2007)
- Scotland’s Most Romantic Hotel (Scottish Hotel Awards, 2006)
- One of top five restaurant in Scotland (listed in the Glasgow Herald)
- Gary Goldie – runner up at the Chef of the Year Awards (2004)

Activites at Ardanaiseig
WALKING
Literally hundreds of miles of wonderful hill, forest and lochside walks begin on the doorstep. Apart from Ben Cruachan (3659 ft) there are eleven other Munroes (peaks over 3000 ft) within an hours drive. Maps and rucksacks are freely available. Picnics, mountain bikes and horses can be arranged.

TENNIS, SNOOKER, CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING, ETC
There is a hard tennis court in a woodland clearing and a clay pigeon shoot close by. Gliding and horse riding can be arranged. There is a full sized billiard table in the games room.

DEER STALKING
Can be arranged locally and is available all year round. Please check at reception to make a booking, 24hrs is usally required.

BOATING & FISHING
In the bay below the hotel there is an old stone boat house. There are boats for fishing, sailing or simply exploring the many islands, crannogs, ruined castles and holy places of Loch Awe, including Ardanaiseig's private island, Eilean a Chomlraidh.
Fishing tackle is available and there is a small trout lochan for fly casting. Salmon, pike, trout, char and perch abound.

CROQUET
Afternoon tea can be served on the croquet lawn. The implements for this apparently dignified but actually most vicious of games are available on request.

THE GRAND TOUR
Ardanaiseig is an excellent staging post for touring the Highlands and Islands. Loch Ness, the victorian port of Oban with its regular ferries to Skye, Mull, Iona and the Outer Islands, and Loch Lomond are all within easy reach. In winter when the snow is good, there is skiing at Glen Coe and Ben Nevis.