Ardkinglas Estate

Ardkinglas Estate Description

Ardkinglas Estate nestles at the head of Loch Fyne in Argyll, yet it is only just over an hour from Glasgow and about two hours from Edinburgh. Ardkinglas House was designed and built in 1907 by Robert Lorimer one of Scotland's leading architects. Built of warm coloured local stone topped with Caithness slate the house is constructed around an open courtyard making it light and airy. Lorimer was allowed a free hand and the result is a large neo-baronial style mansion of over 50 rooms set in its own gardens within an Estate of 12,000 acres.

Photography and Film Location:

Ardkinglas has already been successfully used as a prime location for both period drama and modern action with its individual setting, character and ambience. The house and grounds have also been used for a variety of still photography including fashion shoots.

There is plenty of space for a unit base and additional accommodation can be made available for offices, dressing rooms etc. The owner and staff are very accommodating and by prior agreement filming can be undertaken anywhere on the Estate at any time.

Ardkinglas House:

Guided tours for interested groups can also be arranged. These would be of interest to local history, Arts and Crafts and Decorative and Fine Arts Groups and are available by prior arrangement; beautiful furniture, fine paintings and other unique treasures collected over the last 100 years can be seen.

Woodland Garden:

One of the finest collections of rhododendrons and conifers in Britain. This includes the mightiest conifer in Europe a Silver Fir (Abies alba) dating back to 1750 with a girth in excess of 31 feet. There are many other Champion Trees in the garden including a Grand Fir (Abies grandis) which at over 200 feet is one of the tallest trees in Britain.

The garden can be enjoyed throughout the year but the most spectacular time is in spring and early summer when the extensive Rhododendron collection is in flower. The garden is of interest to the plant enthusiast or those wanting a peaceful woodland walk.

There is an admission fee to the garden which is open daylight hours all year round. Car park, picnic area and toilets are all available, while group rates are available on application.

Opening Times - 2011

Garden:

• Open all year

Admission Prices - 2011

• Adult - £3.50
• Seniors - £3.50
• Groups (10+) - £3.15

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.