Scotland’s most romantic hotel has been re-launched as an exclusive use venue for weddings and other special events.

The elegant grade 2 listed manor house of Ardanaiseig on the shores of Loch Awe, near Taynuilt, in Argyll, has won a host of awards, including best country house hotel and top wedding hotel in the Argyll and Lomond region, since being acquired by London antiques dealer Bennie Gray in 1995.

The Editors of the UK Good Hotel Guide described it as Scotland’s most romantic hotel for both 2017 and 2018.

“Ardanaiseig has earned a reputation for being an idyllic place for weddings and other special occasions so making it an exclusive use venue was a natural next step in its development,” Mr Gray said.

Built in 1834 and set in 120 acres of wooded grounds, it gazes out over the loch to the 1130 metre (3700 foot) Ben Lui. It also has a cottage within the grounds, its own private island, a secret walled garden and two crannogs (Iron Age wooden dwellings) on the waters.

A unique feature is an outdoor Greek-style amphitheatre carved into the landscape and often used for marriage ceremonies. Its bridal/honeymoon suite is the Boat Shed, lapped by the loch waters.

Statues recline in hedges and reworked oil paintings of politicians, and film and pop stars line the building’s walls.

The building was designed by William Burn, the architect responsible for two of Edinburgh’s most famous private schools – George Watson’s College and the Edinburgh Academy attended by ‘Treasure Island’ author Robert Louis Stevenson.

“Exclusive use brings benefits to both guests and hospitality providers,” manager, David Bryce, told The Scottish Farmer. “Guests know they have the whole place to themselves. The hosts can plan well in advance and provide each group with tailor-made packages and the finest individual care and attention. In addition to weddings it has attractions for those holding birthday or anniversary celebrations or work or student reunions.”

He added that while the venue was wildly remote it was not not too far off the beaten track (nine miles from the main road between Glasgow and Oban) to make access problematic.

“It’s also a short drive to Scotland’s main ferry port of Oban so guests can combine a stay here with trips to the romantic Hebridean islands,” he commented.

To book exclusive use of Ardanaiseig or for more information call 01866-833333 or email hello@ardanaiseig.com.