Mount Stuart House

There are few historic, ancestral homes in Scotland that can boast the qualities and exceptional interior designing that Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute possesses. This spectacular hidden gem sparkles proudly in the east of the island, like a jewel in a crown, surrounded by not only stunning sea views, but 300 acres of beautifully maintained gardens, and private beaches.

A grade A listed building, this Neo Gothic nineteenth century mansion, is the ancestral home of the Marquesses of Bute, originally owned by the third Marquess of Bute who had it designed by Sir Robert Rowand Anderson in 1879, as the previous house (built in 1719), was burned down in 1877. The Stuarts of Bute, have held the heredity office ‘Steward of Bute’, since 1157, and are directly linked to John Stewart, who was the illegitimate son of King Robert the second of Scotland. Interestingly they are also descended from Robert the Bruce, as his daughter was Robert the Second’s grandmother.

This magnificent home has many international influences throughout, from the stained glass windows depicting subtle influences of zodiac signs, to the Italian Marble Hall. It boasts to be the first owner of the world’s first heated pool within a house, and the first home ever in Scotland to have electric lighting.

The house is home to the magnificent Bute Collection, which boasts 25,000 books on various subjects ranging from theology to botany and literature. It also includes artwork, furniture and artefacts collected over the years by the generations of the family.

When you visit this astonishing piece of Victorian architecture, you will be guided by the well informed, very knowledgeable guides, and each one has a different angle and various stories to tell. You will leave this beautiful home and island mesmerised by not only its beauty and amazing structure, but by the historical links, the stories and the tranquility of its surroundings.

After you have explored the house, gardens and beaches, you may wish to visit the fabulous tea room/licensed restaurant. When we visited, we found it good value and the food was freshly prepared and beautifully presented. It finished off a fabulous day trip to this lovely island, before returning on the ferry back to the mainland at Wemmys Bay on the Clyde Coast.

For us at Kilted Piper Tours, this is a highly recommended must see for visitors both from home and overseas… little wonder it has been selected as a popular, yet exclusive wedding venue, what’s not to love about this stunning home with it’s spectacular settings. We feel confident you will enjoy visiting this hidden gem as much as we do at Kilted Piper Tours.