Business Details
Luxury Cottages & Private Estate in Oban, Scotland
Ardmaddy Castle is a family-owned and managed rural estate located on Scotland's West Coast, offering luxury holiday cottages, exclusive castle rentals, and access to extensive natural and historical attractions. Our estate spans 3,000 acres of unspoilt landscapes, featuring private coastal cottages with modern amenities, a fully refurbished 19th-century castle sleeping 12 guests, and award-winning gardens open year-round. We prioritise sustainable practices through renewable energy initiatives and local employment, maintaining a balance between heritage preservation and modern comfort.With over 80 years of combined experience in hospitality and estate management, our dedicated team ensures every visitor experiences the tranquillity and natural beauty that has made Ardmaddy a haven for rare wildlife and stargazing enthusiasts. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through our attention to detail in property maintenance, curated guest activities, and partnerships with local businesses to support the Argyll community.
Services
Luxury Cottage Rentals
Castle Accommodation
Garden Tours
Boat Rentals
Wildlife Watching
Highlights and features
- Family-owned estate with 80+ years of combined hospitality experience
- Sustainable operations with renewable hydro-electric power generation
- Exclusive castle rentals with private garden areas
- Biodiversity haven with rare species like golden eagles and red squirrels
- Award-winning gardens open year-round with horticultural expertise
What people say
Stunning views
Peaceful atmosphere
Award-winning gardens
Rare wildlife sightings
Historic charm
Services
Luxury Cottage Rentals
Our four-star cottages sleep 6-12 guests with modern amenities including Smart TVs, WiFi, and fully equipped kitchens. Each property features enclosed gardens with sea views, outdoor furniture, and storage sheds. Rentals include electricity, heating oil, linen, and towels, with optional EV charging arrangements available.
Castle Accommodation
The fully restored 19th-century Ardmaddy Castle sleeps 12 guests with exclusive access to private gardens and a Victorian tower area. Guests enjoy a dedicated games room in outbuildings and the unique experience of staying in a historic Scottish estate property with modern comforts.
Garden Tours
Our award-winning 18th-century walled gardens feature rare plants, rhododendrons, and seasonal produce. Open year-round with guided tours available, visitors can explore woodland walks, water gardens, and themed areas like the clock garden and fernery while spotting local wildlife.
Outdoor Activities
The 3,000-acre estate offers walking trails, cycling routes, and wildlife watching opportunities. Guests can hire boats for sea fishing, enjoy fly-fishing on our hill loch, or explore nearby historical sites including ancient castles and Kilmartin's archaeological attractions.
Local Partnerships
We collaborate with regional businesses like The Highland Soap Company, local fishmongers, and nearby gardens. Our partnerships promote Argyll's economy while providing guests with authentic experiences at recommended restaurants, historic sites, and artisan shops.
People
Jan Wolfe
Cottage Manager
Our experienced Cottage Manager with 20+ years in hospitality, ensuring all properties meet high standards. Jan leads a dedicated local team maintaining cleanliness, providing guest support, and managing day-to-day operations.
Sophie Handley
Castle & Sporting Coordinator
Responsible for castle bookings and estate sporting activities, Sophie combines traditional land management knowledge with modern hospitality practices to deliver exceptional guest experiences in our historic properties.
Minette Struthers
Head Gardener
Award-winning horticulturist with 40+ years developing Ardmaddy's gardens. Minette transformed the estate's grounds into a year-round botanical attraction, maintaining its status as a plantsman's paradise while offering expert-led garden tours.
Charles Struthers
Boat & Fishing Coordinator
Local expert managing water-based activities, Charles provides equipment hire and guidance for sea fishing, boating, and fly-fishing experiences across our 3,000-acre estate's coastal and freshwater environments.
John McLean
Gardens Supervisor
Head gardener responsible for maintaining the castle gardens and cottage grounds. John continues the estate's horticultural legacy through seasonal planting schemes and conservation efforts that attract rare wildlife species.
Questions
What accommodation options are available at Ardmaddy Estate?
We offer four luxury cottages sleeping 6-12 guests and a fully refurbished castle accommodating up to 12 people, all with modern amenities and private outdoor spaces.
Are pets allowed in the cottages?
Dogs are welcome in designated cottages with secure garden areas, subject to prior arrangement and a small additional fee.
What outdoor activities are available on the estate?
Guests can enjoy walking trails, cycling routes, fly-fishing, boat rentals, sea kayaking, bird watching, and exploring our 18th-century walled gardens.
Is there mobile signal and internet access?
All cottages provide landline telephones, Smart TVs, and broadband WiFi, though signal strength may vary due to our remote coastal location.
How accessible is Ardmaddy Estate for visitors?
Located 12 miles south of Oban with 3-hour access from Glasgow/Edinburgh airports. The estate is 1.5 miles off public roads, requiring private vehicle access through scenic landscapes.
What sustainability initiatives are in place?
We generate hydro-electric power from our river system, export surplus energy to the grid, and maintain ecological balance through responsible land management and local employment.
Reviews (3)
Carly OHagan
Jun 22, 2019
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Cannot express just how beautiful this place is. A week long stay in Forest cottage is the ideal place to go when you need to recharge. Endless rain just added to the character. Lots to do if you are active incredible grounds to wander around tennis court and games room to utilise too. Definitely recommend we will be returning!
Aj Merron
Aug 26, 2018
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We had a particularly large family gathering here early in the summer and, although we were midged significantly on the first night, it was a wonderful experience. We had some remarkable evenings in particular and this estate is just perfect for beautiful sunsets. I was in photographic heaven for the entire stay. Theres a good selection of things to see and do nearby so this is a great base. If you just want peace and tranquillity with inspiring views of grand emerald hills over mirror smooth water then this will also suite. Theres some reasonable walks around the estate and the castle &
Timothy Motley
Aug 02, 2018
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We have been visiting the Ardmaddy Estate for holidays for the past 10yrs and we have never been disappointed. The accomodation is very comfortable, the setting is amazing and there is lots to see and do nearby. Great if you like walking and spending time in nature. I hope that we will be visiting for many more years.
