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A fabulous, luxurious, historic 'laird's house' with 13 bedrooms and ample space for a house party of up to 35. Ormidale House sits in 22 acres of private grounds in beautiful scenery. The house is brilliantly situated for sight-seeing around the West Coast. The immediate area is renowned for some of the best walking in Scotland, and it's a great base for fishing, riding, shooting, golf, sailing or cycling. We've put in 6 fishing rods, 12 bikes for different sizes (with helmets), and 8 bags of golf clubs.
There's loads to do in the area, and some great local pubs and restaurants, but we've also tried to make it comfy enough for people who don't want to go anywhere else.
Ormidale House was built as a seat of Clan Campbell in 1696. After ongoing minor changes through the centuries, in 1...A fabulous, luxurious, historic 'laird's house' with 13 bedrooms and ample space for a house party of up to 35. Ormidale House sits in 22 acres of private grounds in beautiful scenery. The house is brilliantly situated for sight-seeing around the West Coast. The immediate area is renowned for some of the best walking in Scotland, and it's a great base for fishing, riding, shooting, golf, sailing or cycling. We've put in 6 fishing rods, 12 bikes for different sizes (with helmets), and 8 bags of golf clubs.
There's loads to do in the area, and some great local pubs and restaurants, but we've also tried to make it comfy enough for people who don't want to go anywhere else.
Ormidale House was built as a seat of Clan Campbell in 1696. After ongoing minor changes through the centuries, in 1900 the house was substantially extended by the renowned Scottish architect Robert Lorimer to form the well-laid out, comfortable, bright, light, and spacious 13 bedroomed “laird's house” that is available for weekend or weekly rent today.
It's been pretty luxuriously equipped and nicely furnished, mostly with antiques. The new, comfy beds feature fabulous quality goose-down and feather duvets and gorgeous bed-linen, we've put some original Scottish art on the walls, bought half decent crystal for the table and generally tried to ensure that it's as comfortable and well-equipped a place to stay as you'll find in Scotland, without having any of the formality or grandeur of a castle or stately home. The house has a lovely, relaxing feel.
With a drawing room, TV room / snug, full-size Billiard Room, playroom, large kitchen with AGA and breakfast room downstairs - as well as the impressive dining hall seating 24 - Ormidale has sufficient accommodation to cater for any large house party. We have laid out the bedrooms to offer real flexibility; two rooms are set up as triples, three as king-size doubles, one as a quadruple bunk room and another as a family room for up to six bodies!! The other six bedrooms can be set up either as super-kingsize doubles, as twins, or even sometimes as triples. All bar two of the bedrooms have either an en suite bathroom or a basin. There are four further bathrooms, two separate loos, and a sauna. Altogether, the house has nine showers and ten wc's.
As well as a private hot tub for each house, we now have an indoor heated swimming pool which is shared between the three houses on the estate. Each house gets their own hour of exclusive swimming time in the morning and in the afternoon – outside those six hours, it is a “free for all” in the pool. There's a football pitch and a tennis court, a games cottage and a bouncy castle. With thousands of acres of forestry on our doorstep, the property is idea for explorers of all ages, on two legs or four!!!
Myself and 21 family and friends stayed at Ormidale House to celebrate my 50th birthday, our party was made up of mainly adults, 4 kids of varying ages and 2 well behaved dogs.
The house done exactly what it was hired for - there was enough going on that people could spread out and do their own thing (some people were in the hot tub, some were in the snug watching movies, others were out for walks) then we all met back up in the main dining hall for meals.
It was a particularly cold weekend when we were there an the house was quite cold, that did not however stop the enjoyment of the weekend.
Onsite staff were very helpful and attentive and I would definitely return here again in the future.
Visited November 2023
Written January 24, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
Thanks for taking the time to review us - glad it was a successful weekend and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written February 17, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dom M
7 contributions
The best of the best
A place of dreams! Has everything you want for a stay with group of mates. Would stay again! Great location and a monster house.
Visited November 2023
Written January 13, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us - and thanks also for looking after the place so nicely. You and your friends will always be welcome back in our beautiful corner of Argyll.
Written January 15, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luke M
1 contribution
10 out of 10
A big group of us stayed here for a stag party and it was absolutely perfect. The team couldn’t have been more helpful and the house is fantastic.
There’s so much to do whether you want to stay in or venture out to the stunning surrounds.
It got loads of character, it’s comfortable and really well equipped. Couldn’t recommend it more highly for any large group.
Thanks to everyone at Ormidale house for a memorable trip!
Visited November 2023
Written January 13, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
Thanks, Luke, for taking the time to post such a positive review. As you know, we don't take every stag booking that comes our way, but I am glad we took yours and that it went off so well. I hope we will see you again another time for another occasion.
Written January 15, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Billy16630
Cumbernauld, United Kingdom1 contribution
Great weekend away
We went to Ormidale House with family and friends for our 50th wedding anniversary. We all had a great time the house was very spacious and had everything we needed for a great weekend. We loved the swimming pool and hot tub
Visited November 2023
Written January 13, 2024. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
I am so glad you enjoyed the pool and the hot tub and appreciated the space and the facilities. We can't please all the people all the time but we do do our best. - I am so glad you were able to fill our lovely house with your lovely friends and family for such a great occasion.
Written January 15, 2024. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
john miers
Council Bluffs, IA7 contributions
We will remember Ormidale as one of the best holidays ever.
We had a Fantastic time. There were 26 of us from one year old to 76 years old. The house id beautiful, roomy and calm. The furnishings were comfy and fitting for a traditional Scottish Mansion. Yet there were no valuable and twee furnishings that we might have worried that the children would break.
The main rooms are beautiful and roomy, space for all of us. The snooker room and the Huge TV room for the kids were well used.
We had traditional Scottish weather (some rain). But there are so many things to do inside and outside that it made no difference. All ages will remember Ormidale for a long time.
Perhaps the roof needs attention. There was a small leak in one room after some heavy rain.
The Staff were attentive and always went the extra mile. The caterers we engaged were excellent . Food was superb. Tommy, especially, took all the cooking and cleaning pressure of us all.
Visited July 2023
Written August 16, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
Thank you so much for the lovely review - and for being such great guests. We have had the roofers out this week and hopefully they have sorted that wee problem which affected Room 3. "One of the Best Holidays Ever" sums up how most people feel about their time at Ormidale. Thanks for putting into words for other people!
Written August 18, 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marylouise M
2 contributions
Wonderful week
This is the first time in a long while that we managed to get the whole (26) family together. Our daughter couldn't have chosen us all a better place. somewhere just to totally relax and enjoy the surroundings. We had Tommy our chef who produced the most amazing food Thank Goodness!. The kids ranging from a year to 13 had a ball. I think the best family holiday. Thank you John
Visited July 2023
Written August 15, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
We do like to think Ormidale is a perfect place for kids to explore and enjoy themselves - the woods, the stream, the fields, the football pitch, the games cottage, the tennis court, the trampoline, the pool. We love to see the facilities used to the max. I am glad yours enjoyed it and left the adults in relative peace!!!! Thank you for reviewing us and for giving Tommy the chef a name-check!!!
Written August 17, 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daisy M
2 contributions
Fabulous Family Holiday
We had such an amazing family trip at Ormidale House this past summer. We were a group of 26 (16 adults and 10 kids) and fit in the house perfectly. Everyone had their own space, but it was so easy to all be together in the house. The pool was great for the kids and the football pitch and croquet lawn (along with all the other games and bikes etc) were all put to good use. Pam and Norman were so helpful with any of our requests and we just couldn't have asked for anywhere better.
John also helped us find a chef for the week we were there and they were fantastic. We felt really spoiled and also just really at home there.
Visited July 2023
Written August 15, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us. Your party were a delight to have at the house and I am so glad you appreciated it! We are lucky to have such great staff who always go the extra mile for our guests. Nice to see them get a mention!!!
Written August 17, 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PAJ2003
Glasgow, United Kingdom7 contributions
Fabulous
Great house for large birthday celebration. Well equipped, lots of space. We had a ball! Thoroughly recommended
Visited March 2023
Written May 7, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I am so pleased it was a positive experience for you and your friends. Most our guests appreciate the efforts we go to to ensure they have the best time possible and we really appreciate your appreciation!!!
Written May 11, 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire R
Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom21 contributions
Absolutely perfect
My sister found this stunning house and we had a 40th birthday party here , 17 people of all ages stayed for the weekend and we were not disappointed . The house is stunning , huge dining room , plenty space in the drawing room , 2 tv rooms a large games room which was just awesome ,brilliant well equipped kitchen , bedrooms were just superb with very comfortable beds we made great use of the sauna , hot tub and swimming pool ,the area is just beautiful. Pam and Norman really looked after us they are just lovely people . We have stayed in a lot of big houses and this by far is my favourite.John has thought of everything , thank you all for letting us stay in this beautiful house and we will definitely be back ❤️
Visited April 2023
Written May 1, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
Awwww. Thanks so much for the lovely review. Most people do love it, but we particularly like getting reviews from people who have stayed in multiple big houses before and who think ours is the best!! We do put a huge amount of work, effort, time and money into making it that for you - and it is lovely to see that appreciated. Thanks again.
Written May 3, 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Petra N
Lochwinnoch, United Kingdom2 contributions
My favourite holiday house for a large group of friends!🤩
What a stunning and peaceful location! This is a beautiful house full of history and charm with a large dining room and a gorgeous drawing room with a lovely fire place and a baby grand piano. Our children loved the games rooms, swimming pool and the garden very much. The house was spotlessly clean and tidy and the beds with down duvets and nice bedding were so comfy. It was a chilling and fabulously luxurious retreat. Our weekend with friends was just perfect! We will be back - again!❤️
Visited February 2023
Written April 25, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnD1963
Thank you for taking the time to publish a lovely review - not all our happy guests do take the time. We work very hard to present the house as well as it deserves and it is nice to see that appreciated.
Written April 27, 2023. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
As well as general site-seeing and trips to the Island of Bute, Inverary and further afield, there are a host of other activities you can undertake around Glenaruel. It’s fabulous walking country and we’ve also provided twelve mountain bikes for those who want to explore on two wheels rather than four. There are some really excellent and quite varied routes direct from the house, involving all sorts of terrain and levels of strain!
Golf – there’s a lovely 9 hole pay and play course ten minutes away above Tighnabruaich. We’ve supplied five bags of golf clubs for the house and they probably won’t be too fussed about the usual rules re golf shoes provided you don’t arrive in jeans and carve the course up. The same applies to the almost equally spectacular nine hole course at Blairmore & Strone, half an hour away. Cowal Golf Club at Dunoon and Inellan are the 18 hole courses in the area that welcome visitors.
Fishing - too many options to go into here, but you can spend anything from £9 per day to over £1,000 for river fishing in the area. You can fish for trout in our own stream for nothing or in the Lochen at the head of the river. Mackerel on a line in a boat on the Kyles is a right of passage for hundreds of West of Scotland kids every year. They swim in shoals all around these waters – the mackerel, not the kids - and there’s no permit payable.
It’s a fabulous part of the world for water-sports of all sorts. Horse-riding, climbing, canoeing, caving, archery, quad biking, paint-balling, and clay pigeon shooting are also all available either on site or in the area. It’s not our thing, and the house ain’t full of antlers, but we can help you arrange a day’s grouse or pheasant shooting, or stalking in season, if some of your party want to do that.
There is a wee shop selling all the basics at the camp-site in the Glendaruel valley, about a mile’s walk away, beside the historic Kilmodan standing stones. You get a slightly bigger choice in the Spar at Tighnabruich five miles away, and all year round opening. Dunoon is 16 miles away and is a thriving market / harbour town with award-winning bakeries, cafes and butchers, as well as a big Co-Op and a big Somerfield supermarket.
Scotland isn’t really well served by pubs in general; this area is definitely an exception. The Glendaruel Hotel is a lovely wee pub, a two mile drive away – or about a mile and a quarter as the crow staggers – and serves good pub grub or better. The Colintraive Hotel and Tighnabruich Hotel are each a tad busier and a tad more ambitious in terms of menu. Chatters in Dunoon is highly recommended, and the Whistlefield and Coylet Inns on Loch Eck are also worth a visit. Our favourite restaurant in the entire universe is on Loch Fyne, overlooking the old Castle Lachlan. (The view from the Inver Cottage terrace is one of the Robbie Innes pictures on our drawing room wall.)
It’s less than half an hour away from the house. The Benmore Gardens tea room is not half bad, either, and the Otterferry Inn and Loch Fyne Oyster Bar have good reputations (on which, it might be said, they trade slightly…) All in all, though, there are few areas of Scotland where you can enjoy such a variety of excellent, reasonably priced menus.
Access
Car advised
How to get there
- Glasgow Airport, an hour and a half drive away
- Prestwick Airport, an hour and three quarters drive away
- Railway Station is Gourock, connecting to Dundon Ferry Port (25 minutes)
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
Notes from owner
- School holiday and half term weeks are all shoulder season rate.
- Short break prices for 2 or 3 nights including a weekend, or three or four nights midweek, are approximately 75% of full week prices.
About this property
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