Learn More About Ormidale
Our Estate
The house was originally built in 1693, by the then Duke of Argyll. It has been through various incarnations since, and the building has changed over the years. Since the turn of the century before last, it has stood more or less as it stands now, with a major restyling and renovation of the North West wing undertaken under famous Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer completed in 1910.
The Area
Just an hour and a half from Glasgow, the 22 acre Ormidale Estate sits on “Argyll’s Secret Coast” just between Colintraive and Tighnabruaich near the stretch of waters known as the Kyles of Bute.
The house has gorgeous views, but it is in a truly spectacularly scenic location. The Cowal peninsula is just stunning (unless you are left cold by the ever-changing symphony of mountains, seas, lochs, glens, beaches, etc).
The post code is PA22 3AF, and we can be accessed either via the frequent Western Ferry service from Gourock to Dunoon, or the glorious drive over the Erskine Bridge, up Loch Lomond, round Loch Long, over the “rest and be thankful” and down Loch Fyne.
Ratings
We have received multipleProperty of the Year” awards from Olivers Travels for our three major properties over the years.
Our facilities have undergone nine inspections by Visit Scotland assessors, with our scores improving each time, ultimately achieving the highest rank in their 4-star excellence rating. Although that awards scheme has concluded, we continue to stellar feedback from our guests, who rate us on up to criteria to ensure we meet or surpass their expectations.
Over 90% of Ormidale guests rate us 5 out of 5, indicating exceptional value, facilities and service.
Reviews
“The whole family loved Ormidale House and had the best time celebrating among the extended family across the generations.
We couldn't fault the place on any way. The website doesn't prepare you for the sheer size and beauty of the house and I'm glad we found it.
For our feedback ratings we all agreed it was a top mark of 5 out of 5 on every category.
Our favourite thing is hard to say but we loved the size of the house with the six reception rooms which allowed us to be comfortably together or apart. We loved exploring the grounds and the beautiful local area – all the views are breath-taking. Another shout out is to the helpful owner and friendly estate management team who looked after us so nicely."
Yvonne Fox, August 2025
“We have holidayed in big houses all over the UK for the last two decades. Ormidale House is now top of the chart and everyone’s favourite. Such a comfortable house to be in, so well-equipped, with so many thoughtful touches.
We loved the fact that there are so many beautiful, quirky things in the house – the old type-writers, sewing machines, victorian knife sharpeners, etc – but that there is nothing really delicate and breakable.
The billiard room with all the sports memorabilia was such fun to explore, the youngsters loved the chaos of the playroom with the world’s biggest dolls house and army of action-men.
Sauna and hot-tub got lots of use. The grounds and the immediate area are just beautiful. All in all amazing value for what you offer, and with a web-site that refreshingly under-sells the place. We will be back!"
Margaret Ellis, Windsor, July 2025