The present house at Ardkinglas was completed in the autumn of 1907 and is generally considered to be the architect Sir Robert Lorimer’s masterpiece.
The House is still a much-loved family home and although not open to the public on a regular basis, a private tour of the house can be booked at any time of the year. A public tour is available most Fridays from April to end of October, booking is essential donation amount of £12.00 per person. Please be aware we have stairs through out the house, they are shallow and wide, we do not have a lift. Please be aware of this on booking.
We can offer group bookings, and can arrange catering arrival tea/coffee and lunch.
The house remains practically unaltered and is a popular location for TV dramas, film production and photo shoots as well as a much loved family home. It was built at a time when traditional materials were skillfully and creatively mastered by expert craftsmen but where a wealth of new technology could be incorporated into the design.
Our house tour lasts from an hour to an hour and a half and is guided by a tour leader who takes visitors through the main rooms of the house explaining the history of the house and its many and varied contents. The original Edwardian kitchen (still in use) is one of most popular parts of the tour, along with the loch views from the main rooms. The craftmanship in the house including wood carvings, plasterwork, and stonework is exceptional. The house also plays host to a collection of tapestries, mainly created by the Dovecot Weaving Studios, along with a fascinating collection of paintings, textiles and other artworks.
Before or after the tour visitors are welcome to walk through the House Gardens, particularly spectacular from April to July and again in the Autumn.