Stonefield Castle

Stonefield Castle was built on the shores of Loch Fyne in 1837 according to a design by the famous Scottish architect, William Henry Playfair. These days, it is an atmospheric, 36 bedroom hotel with beautiful views over the water.

While the hotel has all the modern comforts and conveniences you might expect, it has also retained many period features typical of the Scottish baronial style. The splendour of the wood panelling, ornate ceilings and marble fireplaces are matched by extensive woodland grounds and the Wild Garden. From unusual rhododendrons to rare shrubs and magnificent sierra redwoods, the gardens repay careful exploration.

Guests who head down to the shore may be rewarded with some fascinating wildlife. At dusk, it is sometimes possible to catch sight of seals by the hotel jetty or an otter trying to catch dinner among the waves.

Put simply, if you are looking for a romantic setting for a getaway break, Stonefield Castle absolutely fits the bill.

Loch Fyne views from room

With 36 individually decorated, ensuite rooms, Stonefield Castle offers comfortable and traditional accommodation. The rooms all look over Loch Fyne or the hotel’s gardens and three of them have four poster beds. Digital TVs, hairdryers, WiFi and hot drinks trays are standard. Pets are welcome, please discuss with hotel at booking.

AA Rosette

Proud holders of an AA Rosette, the hotel kitchen is well known for its commitment to using locally sourced beef, game and seafood. The menus change regularly but typical starters might be the Loch Fyne mussels served in white wine with garlic, shallots and cream.

Popular main courses include the venison haunch with a potato and chestnut rosti and the boudin of chicken, served with pearl barley, wild mushroom and chorizo risotto, sautéed spinach and wild garlic with chorizo oil.

The breath-taking view over the loch is the only thing that may distract you from the food. After dinner, guests are encouraged to enjoy a single malt or two in front of the log fire in the bar.

See & do

Just two miles away, the picturesque village of Tarbert attracts many visitors. As well as fishing boats and yachts, you may glimpse the harbour’s visiting pod of dolphins. For those who prefer adventure on the water, there are boat trips to Seil Island or the Corryvreckan Whirlpool. Stonefield Castle can also arrange fly fishing on Loch Fyne or horse trail riding at the nearby Brenfield Estate.

Stonefield is also a golfer’s paradise, with five courses all within 40 miles. Springbank Distillery is at Campbeltown, a gentle drive of an hour.

Location

Stonefield Castle is on the Mull of Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll. The nearest train station is Oban. Glasgow is just under a hundred miles away, a little more than a two hour drive.