THE FACTS ABOUT ARDANAISEIG

Scotland

Ardanaiseig is an absolute stunner. Whether you arrive on the winding, ever-narrowing single-track road or from across Loch Awe in the hotel's antique boat, you will be impressed by your first sight of the imposing, 19th-century, Scottish baronial lodge. It is situated on a raised lawn overlooking a manicured garden, with the gentle shore of the loch barely 100 metres away. Inside, the owner, an antiques dealer from London, has applied his unique and modern regal taste, with every wall and window frame painted a reassuringly sumptuous deep red or expensive green. All the original features are in place, from massive fireplaces and wall hangings to the immense old windows looking out across the loch, and the bedrooms, all with spacious bathrooms, are decorated with choice antiques. There's also a very good, award-winning chef. But the icing on the cake is the new Boatshed, a one-bedroom suite two minutes' walk from the hotel. It is furnished in a stark and stylish 1960s Italian boudoir style, with a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the loch. There are plans to introduce millionaire getaway packages with private seaplane transfers to the Boatshed. Start saving now. CONTACT Kilchrenan by Taynuilt, Argyll (01866 833 333; www.ardanaiseig.com). COST Doubles from £104, including breakfast.