Islay House

A large, whitewashed manor that overlooks Loch Indaal from a hilly vantage point, Islay House is an exclusive country retreat. Accessed by a winding driveway, the house has an impressive façade with the impression of grandeur increasing as you step inside.

The entrance hall has wooden floorboards covered in large rugs, a huge fireplace flanked by a grandfather clock and piano, and mounted stags’ heads on the walls. Wellington boots and umbrellas by the front door are for guests’ use, and can be borrowed for the various activities the hotel can arrange such as fishing, hiking, hunting and stalking.

A sweeping spiral staircase leads upstairs to the rooms, each individually named, and decorated in a traditional, elegant style in keeping with the history of the house. Rooms are spacious and well equipped with many having Nespresso machines, fireplaces, freestanding baths or four-poster beds.

The chef places great importance on local provenance and grows many of the ingredients used in the restaurant in the hotel’s walled kitchen garden. Afternoon tea is also served in the restaurant, while the bar has an impressive selection of whiskies. Please note, the hotel has no lift.

OUR RATING: Deluxe