Old Argyll House

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!