Recomended for romantics

In association with HotelReviewScotland.com

ARDANAISEIG
Kilchrenan, by Loch Awe, Argyll
Telephone 01866 833333
Fax 01866 833222

On a remote corner of Loch Awe in the West Highlands, the Victorian gothic-style Ardanaiseig Hotel, with lawns sweeping down to the loch's edge, is indeed a perfect setting for a wildly romantic rural retreat. The hotel itself claims to be “wildly romantic”, as you may have seen in some advertising: trust us, it is.

The house is filled with an eclectic collection of antiques, while the drawing room, with ‘curl up and read' armchairs around a log fire creates tasteful home-from-home comfort, posh country style – but without stiffness. The 16 elegantly furnished bedrooms, some with four poster beds or old-style baths are creatively (and often vibrantly, excitingly) designed using rich fabrics in exotic gold or crimson.

We have reviewed more than 250 Scottish hotels this year and are confident in the team at Ardanaiseig. Here you will sample the finest Scottish beef, fish and game – and sample it prepared in a modern Scottish fashion displaying creativity and attention to he details of flavour and finish. Seafood is caught locally and everything is homemade, from the bread to the after-dinner chocolates, whilst herbs, fruit and vegetables are grown in the kitchen garden. Oh – and the view from your table over the loch is the essence of ‘escape'.

Breakfast is good but ends a shade too early in our view.

The cosy Library Bar is just the place in which to indulge in a dram or two ...

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• In : Best of Scotland
• Issue : 12
• Page : 62
• Words : 917