Mount Stuart

View of Mount Stuart house from the Rock Garden

In my opinion Mount Stuart house must be of the most important treasures in Scotland.  A visit, if you are staying at Loch Riddon Bothy for more than a day or two, is highly recommended. As a family we have visited more times than I can remember and I still relish every opportunity to return. 

Mount Stuart house is set amongst 300 acres of grounds and gardens on the Isle of Bute, a short ferry hop from Colintraive.  The estate borders the Firth of Clyde with wonderful views across the water to the mainland.  The house itself has been positioned to take full advantage of these views.

Mount Stuart was originally built in 1719, but was severely damaged by fire in 1877. Most of the contents survived, but only the wings of the building did. These were incorporated into the house you see today, which was built in the late 19th century. The Georgian architecture of the wings presents a striking contrast to the otherwise Victorian design, providing a completely unique architectural blend. Standing outside, whether at the front or the back and looking up at the beauty of the building is an unforgettable part of the Mount Stuart experience. And that’s before you’ve stepped through the door!

Main Hall being used a s hospital ward during the First World War

There is so much history to uncover for example the fact that it was used as a naval hospital during the First World War - the Main Hall was a hospital ward!

 The guides in Mount Stuart house are wonderfully unintrusive but incredibly knowledgeable and clearly love the house and its contents.  Guides are found in all the main rooms which you can tour at your own pace. 

The Chapel Dome

Inside, much of the design is inspired by astrology, art, mythology and the natural world.  Every room is filled with treasures and there are so many wonderful rooms it is hard to pick the best!  Some highlights however must include the glorious chapel with its stained glass windows and dome inset with scarlet glass tiles – dazzling if you visit in the evening with the sun streaming through. 

Ceiling in the Main Hall

The main hall is home to two huge tapestries but the pièce de resistance is the when you look up: a map of the stars studded with glass crystals adorns the vaulted ceiling, the signs of the zodiac and their corresponding seasons illuminate on stained glass windows.  The daylight entering the room lands in specific spots throughout the day. Everything you see has been painstakingly thought through.

Ladies’ Drawing Room

The ladies sitting room includes important paintings by Tintoretto, Veronese, Sassoferato and Titian. The mantel piece was rescued from the Wee Garden and reunited with its mirror which had been stored in the attics.

The house is also filled with innovations – from an early telephone system to a Victorian passenger lift which is still in full working order.

There’s more to discover outside where a series of themed gardens await.  The rock garden, kitchen garden, wee garden and pinetum are just a few of the areas that have wonderful, and important, collections of plants.  There are extensive wooded areas and marked walks and trails to enjoy.  At this time of year the magic begins as you enter the property with glorious rhododendrons coming into full flower.