More about Ardgowan

Introduction

Amidst these beautiful surroundings each season affords many delights. The visitor at Ardgowan can either relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the house and the gardens, or take advantage of the superb recreational facilities available both on the estate and in the neighbouring area. In addition to providing exclusive accommodation and activities for their houseguests, Ardgowan is ideally placed to host a wide range of corporate, cultural, sporting and other special events.

History

Once Crown property, the castle and the estate of Ardgowan were made over by King Robert III in 1403 to his illegitimate son, John Stewart, and has descended in an unbroken male line ever since. While the castle still survives as a romantic ruin in the garden, the luxurious new house was built in 1797 by Hugh Cairncross, an associate of Robert Adam. Constructed in the neo-classical style, the house is remarkable in that it has two distinct facades. The front of the house displays an attractive Palladian aspect, while towards the garden it presents an elegent bow. Also in 1797, the landscape designer, James Ramsay, laid out a fine park around the house and the snowdrops - for which Ardgowan is famed - were planted along the picturesque banks overlooking the Clyde. A Victorian flower garden was added later on the seaward side of the building.