Stonefield Castle Hotel ‘A Bespoke Hotel’

The story of Stonefield Castle begins with Barmore, a country house built by the MacAlister family in the early 1700s after they left Tarbert Castle. In 1746, the estate changed hands when Archibald Campbell, the Sheriff of Argyll, purchased it from the MacAlisters. It stayed in the Campbell family for several generations.

By the early 1800s, the property needed renewal, and John Campbell, the great-great-grandson of Archibald, decided to build something grander. He hired the renowned Edinburgh architect William Henry Playfair, known for shaping much of the city’s neoclassical skyline. Playfair designed the new Stonefield Castle in 1837, creating a traditional Scottish baronial home complete with towers, turrets, and finely carved stonework. The estate also included stables, a bridge, and other distinctive outbuildings, many of which survive today.

The Campbells loved gardening and turned Stonefield into a beautiful woodland garden filled with rhododendrons, camellias, and rare plants from around the world. Dr. Archibald Campbell introduced many Himalayan varieties to Scotland, and Magnolia campbellii was named after him. Even after the family sold the estate, the gardens stayed well cared for and continued to bloom. Stonefield Castle Hotel has received multiple accolades, including Scotland’s Best Castle Hotel at the Prestige Hotel Awards 2022, a spot among the Top Ten Castle Hotels by the Daily Telegraph, and Scottish Hotel Restaurant of the Year in 2015.

Stonefield Castle was completed in the early 1800s and shows off the classic Scottish baronial style. The outside still has all its old charm with the chunky stone details and bold little touches that make it feel like a real storybook castle. When you walk in, you notice the original parts right away, like the wood panels, the fancy ceilings, and the marble fireplaces that have clearly been there for ages.

The surroundings feel just as special. The castle sits in the middle of a big stretch of woodland that leads right down to Loch Fyne, so it’s a pretty peaceful place to wander around. Inside, there are thirty-eight en suite rooms, each with its own style, and some of them look straight out over the gardens or the water. They also have features that make things easier for guests who need accessible options, like wheelchair friendly areas, helpful fittings like a lower bathroom sink, a higher-level toilet, and toilets with grab rails.

Barmore Bistro

Barmore Bistro has an easy, relaxed feel that works whether you are popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a longer meal. The big windows look out toward the gardens and Loch Fyne, so you get a lovely view while you eat. The kitchen mainly focuses on traditional Scottish dishes, giving you a real taste of the area while you dine.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 9 pm
Lunch: 12 pm to 4:30 pm
Dinner: 5:45 pm to 9 pm

The 1837 Bar

The 1837 Bar is the castle’s cozy spot for whisky lovers and anyone who just wants a well-made drink. The shelves are stacked with more than seventy whiskies, plus local beers, spirits, cocktails, and mocktails. The team is friendly and happy to help you choose something you will enjoy. If the weather is nice, you can carry your drink out to the patio and take in the views of the grounds and the loch. The bar also serves light snacks during the day, and you can order from the bistro menu. Well-behaved dogs are welcome too.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is served in the drawing room from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. The room feels calm and bright with its high ceiling, fireplace, and bay doors that open onto the patio. You can settle in with sandwiches, scones, little cakes, sausage rolls, and a mix of teas. It helps to book a day ahead, and bigger groups can email the team. Afternoon Tea is available Monday to Saturday.

Sunday Lunch

Sunday lunch is offered from 12 pm to 3 pm with a menu that changes every week. It is a slow, relaxed way to spend the day, and many guests enjoy wandering through the woodland afterward. There are two or three course options along with a children’s menu.

Stonefield Castle offers a warm, storybook setting for couples who want a romantic Scottish wedding by the water. The grounds stretch across 60 acres (24.2 hectares) of woodland and gardens, giving you endless corners for pictures and quiet moments. The team is hands-on, friendly, and ready to help shape your day. Whether you are planning a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration, they guide you through everything from room choices and menus to décor and timings. The castle is licensed for civil ceremonies, so your entire day can unfold in one place without any stress. You can also take over the whole castle for two nights if you want the full exclusive use experience.

Barmore Bistro
Venue type and style: A bright indoor setting with wide Loch Fyne views, offering a warm and lively backdrop for relaxed celebrations that feel easy and welcoming.
Capacity: Up to 110 guests

Drawing Room
Venue type and style: A classic castle room with tall ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and bay doors that open to the patio for a smooth indoor outdoor flow.
Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Patio
Venue type and style: A calm outdoor spot with a soft water view, great for heartfelt ceremonies and quiet moments when the weather feels just right.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Stonefield Castle Hotel gives you peaceful on-site moments before you even think about heading out. The grounds open onto Loch Fyne, so you can wander through quiet woodland paths, follow the shoreline, or settle into a spot where you can watch birds glide over the water.

The beaches are usually the first thing people talk about because they are long, sandy, and often pretty quiet. Westport Beach has a big sweep of sand and lively Atlantic water that draws surfers, while Machrihanish Beach offers wide open views and sits close to the well-known golf club.

Outdoor time is easy here. Golfers have links courses that are known across Scotland, walkers can take on sections of the Kintyre Way through hills and forest, and cyclists get quiet roads that feel made for long rides. The area is also full of wildlife, from golden eagles and puffins in the skies to seals resting along the coast. If you are lucky, you might spot dolphins or even whales near the Mull of Kintyre.

Campbeltown still carries its whisky heritage, with three working distilleries that welcome visitors for tours and tastings. If gin is more your pace, Beinn an Tuirc Distillery in Carradale offers a relaxed visit where you can learn about the process and sample their award-winning Kintyre Gin, all while hearing about their focus on renewable energy.

History lovers get their own set of stops. Saddell Abbey has the remains of a twelfth-century monastery along with detailed medieval grave slabs, and Skipness Castle gives you a solid look at a thirteenth-century fortress with clear views across to Arran.

The ferry to the Isle of Gigha gives you a short trip to an island with sandy beaches and pretty gardens, and the surrounding coastline works well for fishing, sailing, or a simple sightseeing ride. Wild swimming is part of the fun too. Loch Fyne has clear, calm water with a beautiful backdrop, while Westport Beach gives confident swimmers a more energetic dip thanks to the Atlantic waves.

Celebrate the festive season in style at Stonefield Castle. Guests can enjoy a gala dinner, a lively ceilidh dance, Christmas lunch, afternoon tea, a fun quiz, and a whisky tasting, all topped off with a five-course tasting menu. Ring in the New Year with their three-night package, featuring special dining experiences and festive activities throughout your stay. It’s the perfect way to welcome the New Year in comfort and celebration.

Stonefield Castle is ideal for personal events such as birthdays, anniversaries, or intimate family dinners. The Library offers a cozy and elegant setting for up to twenty guests, giving smaller gatherings a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The Drawing Room suits groups of up to forty guests, while Barmore Bistro can welcome up to one hundred guests for larger celebrations. The team is available to support your event, so guests are encouraged to contact them to discuss their requirements.