Old Argyll House
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Overview
Located just a few minutes from Dunoon on the stunning Cowal Peninsula on the southern edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Old Argyll House is a fabulous bet for those that love fresh air and the great outdoors. Built around the historic Castle Mound and famous for its iconic Victorian pier, Dunoon offers much with a fantastic array of craft shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, boat trips and an excellent museum. It is a fabulous base to explore the beautiful surroundings including the Holy Loch, the mystical Puck’s Glen and the sensational Benmore Botanic Garden. The Holy Loch forms part of the the Cowal Peninsula coast of the Firth of Clyde with its name dating from the sixth century. Spreading north from the Holy Loch is the stunning Ardentinny Peninsula, home to beautiful beaches and woodland. It is part of the Argyll Forest Park. The whole area is famous for its scenic splendour. Favoured walks from Old Argyll House include Pucks Glen, the Ardnadam Heritage Trail, Glen Finnairt, the Ardentinny Forest, the Cowal Way and the fabulous Kilmun Arboretum. The house is very popular for yoga retreats and other events as well as being a fantastic holiday home for groups of friends or family. With seven bedrooms, Old Argyll House sleeps up to sixteen guests and boasts some fabulous treats including a sauna, hot tub and billiard table. For events, there is a wonderful yurt in the grounds.
Old Argyll House was originally built in 1696 by the Duke of Argyll. During the nineteenth century, the house was home to James Duncan who founded the nearby Benmore Botanic Garden. The current owners bought the property in 2019 and have renovated and refurbished it whilst retaining its magical character. It is a cherished, comfortable place to stay. The house boasts fabulous living spaces, a very grand dining room, seven bedrooms, a games room and gorgeous gardens. Some of the rooms and the grounds enjoy the most breathtaking views of Holy Loch. Old Argyll House is a blissful, dreamy haven so it is not suprising that yoga enthusiasts have found it for their wellness retreats. Burt the Yurt sits quietly in the gardens with mats, bolsters, eye pillows, bricks and a wood burning stove. If you want to book the yurt, there is an additional cost. The house is also popular for intimate weddings and other special events.
Sitting in lush, colourful gardens, Old Argyll House boasts a beautiful facade with period sash windows and mellow stonework. Inside, a huge living room offers comfy leather sofas, a feature fireplace, a giant mirror and some wonderful modern artwork. The kitchen is a modern space with a shaker style kitchen, a small island and a delightful breakfast area. The dining room enjoys characterful panelling, another fireplace and antique furnishings, not to mention gorgeous garden views. With the fire roaring, it is a splendid room for a celebratory meal. The lower ground floor is home to a games room with a billiard table.
Five of the seven bedrooms are located on the first floor along with two family bathrooms. The third family bathroom is on the ground floor. Four of the bedrooms enjoy stunning views of the loch. Two of these offer flexible sleeping arrangements with beds that can be set up as super kingsize beds or singles. Two other bedrooms with loch views offer double beds, all dressed with crisp Egyptian cottons. The bedroom facing the other side of the property also offers a bed that can be arranged as a super kingsize bed or twins. There is a wonderful range of vintage and modern furnishings, all beautifully presented. The bathrooms are gorgeous with roll top or freestanding modern baths and/or showers and with luxurious toiletries. The remaining two bedrooms are on the top floor, both with three single beds. They are cosy attic rooms with charming sloping ceilings.
The gardens are stunning, perfect for alfresco dining, dips in the six person hot tub and walks to the loch. Children are not forgotten with football nets on the lawn. The sauna is an indulgent addition to the house, perfect for relaxation and unwinding. It is so beautiful at Old Argyll House, you may feel like staying put but the surrounding scenery will beckon you. You cannot miss Pucks Glen and the stunning Benmore Gardens!
What you should know…
- Mobile signal can be weak in certain parts of the house but there is Wi-Fi so you can make and receive WhatsApp calls
- Please let us know if you have particular requirements regarding the bed set up
- There is a small stream in the grounds so please take care of young children
This home is a part of our Great Value and Heritage Collection!
This is a historic home, and as such:
- It has probably been standing for over 100 years, which means it's full of historic value and charm but it may also have one or two quirks!
- Some of the decor and furnishings may not be brand new, but that should not detract from your holiday experience in this unique setting that allows you to take a step back in time!
Property Features
Lower Ground Floor (Basement)
- TV & DVD
- 3/4 billiards table
Ground Floor
- Drawing room with fireplace
- Fully-equipped kitchen with a Rangemaster cooker, oven, microwave, fridge freezer and dishwasher
- Dining room with seating for 10 (9 additional people can be sat around the table on extra chairs)
- Bathroom with shower
First Floor
- Bedroom with king-size bed and loch view
- Bedroom with double bed and loch view
- Bedroom with double bed and loch view
- Bedroom with king-size bed and loch view
- Bedroom with double bed
- Family bathroom with sauna, rolltop bath and rainfall shower
- Family bathroom with rainfall shower
- Claokroom with WC
Second Floor
- Bedroom with three single beds
- Bedroom with three single beds
Exterior Grounds
- Large gardens
- Hot tub with loch view (please see T&Cs for additional cost)
- Two football goals
- Barbecue
- Seating
- Picnic table
- Stream with waterfall
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Smart TV with access to Netflix, Prime etc
- Washing machine & dryer
- DVD player
- Plenty of parking
Location
About the surrounding area of Old Argyll HouseOld Argyll House enjoys a fabulous position overlooking Holy Loch and just minutes from Dunoon. Surrounded by glorious countryside, forests, walking trails and stunning gardens, it is an idyllic spot on the southern edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
The nearby Benmore Botanic Garden is known for its beautiful collections of rhododendrons and conifers grown to immense stature on its mountainous landscape. The gardens boasts one hundred and twenty acres full of world-famous plant collections from the Himalaya, China, Japan and North and South America. Its one hundred and fifty year old, towering Redwood Avenue is a fantastic entrance to the botanic gardens along with its other mighty Douglas firs, Scots pines and Monkey puzzle trees. Amongst the plants and trees are traditional Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions, golden gates and a pretty pond. The garden’s wildlife includes red squirrels, sparrowhawks and the occasional golden eagle. A winding path leads to the Fernery sitting in the middle of rocky cliffs.
The Holy Loch is a sea loch measuring one mile wide by up to three miles long depending on the tide. The National Park edges the northern shore of the loch. During World War II, the loch was used as a British Royal Navy submarine base. The loch is known to sailors as the ‘marine gateway to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’. Visitors enjoy boat ad yacht hire and kayakers enjoy paddling on the tidal waters.
Above the loch, the Ardentinny Peninsula boasts the fantastic Argyll Forest Park. A five mile walk takes you to the small summit of Stone Hill or you can head to the Conifer Trail, the John Jackson Trail or the Kilmun arboretum.
Further afield, guests staying at Old Argyll House enjoy trips to Inveraray Castle, the Inveraray tall bell tower, the jail and the ruins of Rob Roy’s house, all in Inveraray. Loch Lomond is only one hour away so you shouldn’t miss it for a lochside stroll or a boat trip. There are plenty of places for a hearty Scottish breakfast or an afternoon tea. You can also visit the Kyles of Bute with its stunning views of the Island of Bute or you can take the ferry from Colintraive to visit the island. Bute is gorgeous. Rothesay is a good stop on the island with a castle and museum. You can also drive to Maccrahanish on the Mull of Kintyre peninsula. You really are spoilt for choice. There are some quaint villages on the way to most of these places including Tighnabruich and Kames. Ostel Bay, just beyond Tighnabruich is stunning.
Golf fans will be happy to find several golf courses nearby including Strone’s 9-hole course a mile away and Innellan’s course approximately 15 minutes away. Cowal offers an 18-hole course and Tighnabruich’s course enjoys fabulous views up the Kyles of Bute. Guests are welcome to use the four sets of clubs at Old Argyll House. There are also bikes at the house that you are welcome to use.
The River Eck is one of the most expensive trout stretches in the West of Scotland. There are some good options for loch and river fishing locally with daily and weekly permits available. The owners have some basic kit at the house for guests’ use.
Region
Ah, bonnie Scotland! A wild and beautiful part of the world, where you can explore the rugged highlands or enjoy the colour and vibrancy of cultural capitals like Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Argyll, Scotland
Welcome to the fantastical world of Oliver's Travels, where luxury cottages, lodges, farmhouses and castles in Argyll await your adventurous spirit! Nestled along the enchanting coastline, on the fringes of remote lochs, in the embrace of mountain foothills or basking in the seclusion of the magical Trossachs National Park, these accommodations are not just places to stay, they are portals of delight, tranquility, seclusion, beauty, adventure and views that will make your heart skip a beat! You will return home with a burning desire for more, much more!
Argyll, the western gem of Scotland, is not your average region. It is a canvas painted with unparalleled natural beauty, a tapestry woven with rich history and a stage where vibrant culture takes centre stage. Stretching along the rugged coastline, it is a captivating destination where characterful villages, majestic mountains, serene lochs and meandering rivers come together for an unforgettable spectacle.
Now, let's talk about Oban, the "Gateway to the Isles." This bustling hub boasts a picturesque harbour adorned with colourful fishing boats and presided over by the majestic McCaig's Tower, a granite structure offering panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. Dive into the warmth of Scottish hospitality, tantalise your taste buds at seafood restaurants with oysters and oak-smoked salmon and get ready for an island-hopping adventure from this gateway to paradise.
Inveraray, a proud town on the shores of Loch Fyne, is not just a pretty face. Surrounded by lush forests and the towering peaks of the Argyll mountains, it is home to the architectural masterpiece known as Inveraray Castle. You will wander through opulent interiors, stroll in expansive gardens and soak in the rich history that whispers through every corner.
Now, let's hop through enchanting villages! Lochgilphead, perched at the head of Loch Gilp, invites you to explore the historic Crinan Canal amidst breathtaking scenery. Meanwhile, Tarbert, with its quaint streets and natural harbour, will charm your socks off. Don't miss its annual seafood festival and the wonders of the Kintyre Peninsula, where coastal scenery and historical sites such as Saddell Abbey and whisky-producing Campbeltown, await your exploration.
For nature enthusiasts, Argyll is a playground. The national parks of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are your vast canvas, with hiking trails winding through pristine forests, leading to viewpoints that will take your breath away. Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, stands tall for those seeking an epic climb.
The coastline is a water-based wonderland! Sailing, kayaking and wildlife watching, take your pick! Seals, dolphins and a variety of seabirds call these waters home. Boat tours offer a unique perspective, letting you soak in Argyll's beauty from a whole new angle.
Argyll is a tapestry of natural wonders, historical gems and vibrant communities. Whether you are strolling through charming villages, conquering majestic landscapes, savouring fresh fish feasts or diving into its rich maritime heritage, Argyll promises an unforgettable journey through the beating heart of Scotland's west coast. Get ready for a ride on the wild side!
But how do you know you’re getting the very best out of your trip? That’s where we come in. If you’ve had a browse through our range of luxury cottages and castles in Scotland, you’ll know there’s some great places to stay, but to find all the great things to do, see and eat you’ll need our handy Scotland travel guide – so read on and enjoy!
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesOld Argyll House is fantastic for a family holiday. The house is very spacious and the gardens are brilliant. The games room is always popular, as is the hot tub, the bikes and the football nets. The two top bedrooms make for perfect children’s bedrooms.
The area is amazing with stunning scenery and wonderful walks and cycle trails. It is also excellent for paddle boarding and kayaking. Dunoon has hosted many top notch international, UK and Scottish events such as Scottis Enduro Mountain Biking, Scottish Rally Championships, European Waterski Racing Championships, marathons and festivals so you never know, there could be an amazing event to watch while you are on holiday. The Cowal Highland Gathering or Cowal Games as it is sometimes called, is one of the biggest and most spectacular Highland games in the world. It dates back to 1894 and showcases Scottish traditions and hospitality. It takes place every August during the last weekend of the month. You will see Highland Games, Highland dancing, pipers and drummers as well as fireworks over the magnificent Firth of Clyde.
The Castle House Museum is set in gorgeous gardens overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The house was built in 1822 and tells the story of Dunoon’s past from the Neolithic era to the Clyde steamers and the Cold War.
A magical walk to Puck’s Glen along a waterfall should be included in your trip. It is so beautiful and so close by. Enclosed by rock walls covered with mosses and shadowed by dark towering trees it is a wonderful walk.
Dunoon offers many boat trips including some to Gantocks lighthouse and the famous Greek shipwreck, the Captayannis. You can hop on Wreckspeditions ‘Starfish Enterprise’, enjoy a hot chocolate and biscuits while watching the scenery, the seals and porpoises.
Children also love visiting Argyll Forest Park to look out for wildlife. It is absolutely beautiful and you are likely to see red squirrels, deer, golden eagles, buzzards and black grouse. You might even see otters, seals and porpoises on the shore at Ardgartan.
Kids Activities Close-by
- Beach Nearby
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
Onsite Facilities
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- DVD
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels, we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to travel services, we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team, who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
| Security deposit | £900. This is paid directly to the owner prior to arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4pm |
| Departure time | 10am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | £900. This is paid directly to the owner prior to arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4pm |
| Departure time | 10am |
| Energy costs included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, included in the rental price |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. |
| Internet access? | Yes, Wi-Fi is included in the rental price |
| Changeover day | Friday during July & August. Flexible arrival day otherwise |
| Minimum stay | Please note that there is a 3-night minimum stay, this may be increased to 7-nights across July, August & Festive dates. |
| Pets welcome? | Please request at the time of booking. There is a maximum of 2 dogs allowed charged at £30 per dog, per stay. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No smoking |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that there is an additional charge of £100 for use of the hot tub for weekend stays, this is £150 for longer stays. Please enquire for further information. |
| Insurance | It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property. |
This home is best suited for families. Please note that the lead booker must be 30 years of age and a copy of ID for adult guests will be required on arrival. The property is strictly no stag, hen do’s or single sex groups and the property owner reserves the right to cancel the booking and retain the security deposit if guests do not comply on arrival.
Please note that the total maximum number of guests allowed at any one time is 16 adults and 2 children.
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 16 people:
| Rental period | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 5th 2024 - Dec 16th 2024 | £2,634 | £3,279 | £3,924 | £4,790 |
| Dec 16th 2024 - Dec 23rd 2024 | - | - | - | £7,257 |
| Dec 23rd 2024 - Jan 3rd 2025 | - | - | - | £7,257 |
| Jan 3rd 2025 - May 30th 2025 | £2,881 | £3,634 | £4,386 | £5,302 |
| May 30th 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | £3,118 | £3,946 | £4,773 | £5,864 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Dec 15th 2025 | £2,881 | £3,634 | £4,386 | £5,302 |
| Dec 15th 2025 - Dec 22nd 2025 | - | - | - | £7,257 |
| Dec 22nd 2025 - May 9th 2026 | - | - | - | £7,257 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
Reviews
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We can't wait to come back
We had the most magical week at Old Argyll House and fell in love with the charm of the house and the lush gardens surrounding it. The house is so well equipped and we loved the added bonus of the hot tub overlooking the loch and the sauna. The walk from the house to Pucks Glen was another highlight and definitely not to be missed. We can’t wait to come back!
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Wish we were there longer!
Thank you, we all had an amazing time and wished we were there for longer. Your house is stunning and the renovations you have done so far are beautiful. I have asked everyone and nobody has any negative comments. We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay. On my birthday we went to the Strone Inn for dinner and that was great too, lovely place and Linda is great at cooking - diet starts on Monday when I go back to work! I can honestly say no one had anything bad to say about any part of the holiday apart from it wasn't long enough. As we had a wide range of ages from 11 weeks to 87, it was great having the snug so the ones who wanted to party late could and even had their own beer fridge down there! The rooms with 3 beds on the 2nd floor were great too as we had 2 children so they slept up there just a wee bit quieter for them.
I was prepared for it to feel a bit eerie being so old, but, the house has a lovely feel to it.
Everyone felt we didn't have enough time to appreciate everything round about so we will at some point book it again.
Thank you again for my birthday present! -
Fantastic!
The weekend was fantastic. I really wasn’t expecting the house to be just as nice as it was and I thought all the facilities were brilliant. 5/5 without a doubt.
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The house is delightful, very cozy and warm with every possible amenity possible and more!
Everything was clean and tidy and our expectations were exceeded in every way.
As we had 16 people in the house we thought we may be falling over each other, but there was plenty of room for everyone. The added bonus was downstairs where the children played and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
It was also a delight at eating times where we could cater for everyone around the huge table and decadent dining room.
I would recommend the house extremely highly and should I be in a position where I have so many people wanting to stay together then I shall definitely be returning here. -
A magical location for New Year celebrations
My wife, myself and our extended family stayed for the first time at this magical location for New Year celebrations just a couple of weeks ago (Dec 2015/Jan 2016). Our family ages ranged from 10 to 60+ years old and we had a safe and wonderful time.
The website states the House is C17th – that’s built 400 years ago in the 1600s! It’s OLD, like the name says. There’ve been Victorian modifications in the 1800s and later modifications in the 1900s and into the 2000s – all of which add to its eccentric charm and value, as an unpretentious and amazing hands-on, self-catering, activity holiday short-stay home. It overlooks Holy Loch, (which is only feet away from the driveway entrance) and the House is just a short walk from the Kilmun Parish Church and the ancestral mausoleum of the Campbell Clan, and it’s tucked into the lee of the Kilmun Arboretum. It is not, and is obviously not marketed as a gold-plated, concrete and plastic Hotel in LA.
We discovered a wellies-welcome, dog-friendly, tartan carpeted, lay your own fires, cook on the AGA, hands-on and muck-in magical environment. When we arrived it was freshly cleaned, hoovered and laid-out for our pleasure with a decorated Christmas tree and the heating on. The dark-oak, fully panelled dining room with its open log-fire, is breathtaking, the lounge with an open coal-burning fire is cosy and welcoming; the basement with its games areas and snug with Sky TV is a warm, cosy retreat. The bedrooms and the kitchen are clean and comfortable, the bathrooms and toilets sparkling and fully functional. The floors may creak and the heating pipes clank a bit as they cool at night – but it is a truly authentic Scottish experience, right down to a wi-fi internet connection and the stream rushing through the ornamental garden (with its hidden climbing rope and safety-netted trampoline and 10 bikes in the Garden shed: all included in the week’s price).
The facilities have idiosyncrasies – as very old buildings do – and the welcome pack fully draws one’s attention to those and the requirements the Landlord notes, to enable the smooth running of the house. The accommodation bears obvious evidence of the Scottish Tourist Board stamp of approval and assurance, with fire alarms, extinguishers and lighted emergency exit signs throughout. And we would thoroughly recommend this super accommodation in Argyllshire for a unique, relaxed and well-appointed, self-catering stay with a difference.
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Fantastic!
Great house, had a whale of a time.
Thanks, Richard
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