a lovely home

This spacious house occupies twelve bedrooms in a delightful position in the coastal town of Rothesay, on the beautiful Isle of Bute.

Set over two stories– with a main house, an annex, and a large garden with outdoor seating and a hot tub, Argyle House is a wonderful base for families and friends to come together for special occasions, or a family catch-up, while exploring along the coast of the Firth of Clyde.

Amenities

12 comfortable rooms

We have enough space for 21 people, and well behaved pets are welcome!

private hot tub

Relax in the private hot tub after a day of exploring the beatuful local scenery.

panoramic sea views

Our rooms have sea views, and the dining hall has a panorama from where you can watch the sun glint off the ocean.

Self catering

A stylish dining room with enough space for all your friends and family and ocean views.

If you fancy going out there are a plethora of great pubs and restaurants close by!

Excellent facilities

All 12 rooms are private, and 8 our of the 12 bedrooms boast an ensuite bathroom.

Cosy lounge & living

Relax, watch a movie, or play any of the included board games.

Things to do

Bute has some extraordinarily varied landscapes. From the Victoriana-meets-art-deco resort of Rothesay with palm trees and a grand promenade, to the lush, fertile, and rolling hills of the island’s heart.

Cycling

Bute is perfect for cycling.

The circuit of the island on our quiet roads is about 21 miles and none of the hills are too taxing. There are also options for shorter circular routes.

Rothesay has a well equipped bike shop should you need some spares or your bike succumbs to a bit of fatigue.

Finally, the Isle offers electric bicycles for those wanting a more leisurely pace: Bike Bute is Scotland’s first island-based community e-bike scheme!

Fishing

There is sea fishing off the piers if you want to try for some mackerel. Inland there are lochs to catch rainbow trout and pike.

The largest one – Loch Fad – is perfect for aspiring fly fishers whilst the more experienced can try Loch Quien for the elusive Brown trout.

Mountain biking

Bute is home to some wonderful woodlands.

Bute Forest – owned by the community – can be found at the north end of the island. It’s a fabulous place to explore on foot or by bike.

Discover ancient sites, wildlife galore, and some truly stunning views across the Kyles of Bute.

You can roam free in the woodland, but there are also several excellent way-marked trails.

More info at Bute Forest.

Golf

Argyll and the Isles is home to some of the most scenic golf courses in Scotland.

Set in beautiful coastal locations, the golf courses offer stunning views from every tee.

Stand-up paddling

Bute has great paddleboarding spots with several sheltered beaches offering access to the water.

Bute Paddle Boards have a great range of equipment and boards to hire. You can even hire a large multi-person board!

Hiking

There are plenty of lovely beaches for a seaside stroll.

For the more ambitious we have the West Island Way, a marked trail that runs the length of the island.

Details at West Island Way

Horse riding

Discover the magic of Scotland’s western sea lochs and mossy lush woodlands. Trail rides over open moorland, through mature forests and hack out along deserted beaches.

More information at Local Riding.

Wild Swimming

Clean, clear waters with wide, sheltered bays, accessible coastlines and stunning scenery.

More information at Visit Bute.

Explore
Bute

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get there?

Please see this website for various options – for the quick and the scenic route!

When are the ferry times?

There are two, regular ferry services between the Isle of Bute and the mainland.

The main ferry service links Rothesay with Wemyss Bay in 35 minutes.

There is also an additional ferry from Rhubodach to Colintraive that crosses the Kyles of Bute at their narrowest point, taking just five minutes to complete the trip.

How far to the nearest shops?
  • Shops: 0.4 miles
  • Pub: 0.3 miles
  • Ferry: 0.3 miles
Can I visit with an electric vehicle (EV)?
We are currently looking into installing an EV charging point at the property.
What is the good housekeeping bond?

The good housekeeping bond is a fee we add to your invoice that we will pay back once your stay is over.

This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £300.

Argyle House is the perfect home base

The Isle of Bute is a Scottish gem, and the famous Argyle House is the perfect base to explore it from – so, bring your family and friends along for an unforgettable experience.

OH YES!!

A very easy 5 stars from us !!! Don’t hesitate get booking. A stunning property overlooking the water – views are spectacular !!! The property boasts everything you need and more. Perfect for a big friends or family gathering. And the garden with luxury hot tub just tops it off.

Lots of lovely little places nearby to visit and huge kitchen and large breakfast room makes this a perfect house to all get together and eat and socialise together. Kids loved the games room with console. Adults loved the large lounge area on upper level also overlooking the water.

A dream stay – we will be back.

Ps thanks to the hosts who were fab from start to finish even following up with post holiday check in.

Diane
★★★★★

This was an amazing space in an amazing place

Loads of space in this very well furnished house. Would defo go back again.

William
★★★★★

Fantastic house for a large group of friends to be together

It is in the perfect location with fantastic views and in easy walking distance from the town.

Rooms: Clean, comfortable and nicely decorated

Nearby activities: Ideal for swimming, walking, golf and other outdoor pursuits

Safety: Felt perfectly safe. Friendly local community

Walkability: Easy walking distance to shops, bars and restaurants.

Noteworthy details: Hot tub was a big hit.

Jan
★★★★★

Great view, Kid-friendly, Great value!

Spent Easter week and my 60th at Argyle House. It was the perfect place for our family of 14 and one dog. The house is massive and bedrooms were lovely with their own bathrooms and quality beds and bedding. Both lounges were spacious, tastefully decorated and provided plenty of seating and gave people the space to have a quite time watch a film or relax with a book.

The dining room was big enough to seat everybody. The kitchen and dining room provided more than enough equipment for large groups and there are lots of fridges and freezers which was fantastic. Great area for pets with everything they need.

We were so lucky with the weather and we’re able to make the most of the garden, seating area and hot tub.

Only had one minor issue with a fuse which was easily rectified with a quick phone call to Adam. He kept in touch throughout the week just by message to check everything was OK and in particular for us when one of our party fell ill had had to be hospitalised.

Great location, easy walking to local amenities and amazing sea views. Wouldn’t hesitate to go back. Excellent value for money.

Wendy
★★★★★

Argyle House is perfect!!

We were a party of 16, and the house was ideal for us. Its a great location with gorgeous views over the water, and a short walk into the town and all the facilities. The communication with the hosts was excellent, and they bent over backwards to make sure we had everything we needed, before, during and after our stay. Beautifully furnished rooms – just a perfect property for us. We’ll definitely be back!

Heather
★★★★★

The house had everything we could possibly need for our large family celebration.

Lots of space inside and out and the kitchen was better equipped than my own at home. Very comfortable accommodation with beautiful views right on the front and only a few minutes walk from the centre of town. The owners were so kind. Provided all we needed for two babies in the family and kept in touch to make sure we were enjoying our stay. Highly recommend.

Ann
★★★★★

Great way to start of our 2023!

For our New Year celebrations we hired a massive, gorgeous house on Rothesay that could sleep upto 21 people with 12 rooms.

Lots of our family came along and joined in on the celebrations…

We explored, we had a Hogmonay party, we roasted s’mores, we had fun in the hot tub, we played hide and seek, we looney doocked, we set off some fireworks, we made friends with the neighbours, we even slept in!

It was such a great way to start off our 2023 with brilliant memories and thankful souls.

Cheryl
★★★★★

Everything you need, and a bit more!

Fantastic house that ticks all the boxes for a large get together. There is everything you need…….and a bit more. Looking to book again for next year!

Nancy
★★★★★

Fantastic coastal location and super clean!!

The house had everything our group needed and more. On arrival we had a welcome pack and dog treats – perfect after our journey.

There is a ground floor room with an en-suite just off the dining area which really helped one of our party who has mobility issues; he was also able to use the rear lounge on the ground floor. Extra large well-kept garden and jacuzzi Hot Tub was great fun.

We all had a fantastic time and would highly recommend to all – definitely going to re-book!Fantastic house that ticks all the boxes for a large get together. There is everything you need…….and a bit more. Looking to book again for next year!

Holly
★★★★★

What a wonderful place for a 90th birthday with family and friends!

There is so much for everyone to do, the house is spacious and clean and the beds are very comfortable!

John
★★★★★

Lovely New Year with Family at the Gorgeous Argyle House!

The gorgeous Argyle House with 12 bedrooms, majority with en-suite, and two lounge areas and large breakfast room overlooking the sea – this was the prefect break.

Log fire, hot tub, games room – we had a blast!

The host was first class and we would highly recommend Argyle House for relaxing and fun filled breaks.

Diane
★★★★★

We are a Google 5 star business

Proudly recognised as a 5 Star Google Business
Read our Google Reviews here.

Where to eat & drink

  • Harry Haw’s
    Tasty food & cocktails in this contemporary restaurant in the centre of Rothesay opposite the castle.
  • The Ettrick Bay Cafe
    Beachside cafe on one of the sandiest beaches on the island. Come and try their amazing cakes.
  • Musicker
    Super friendly vegan cafe with music.
  • The India Pavilion
    Rothesay’s curry house. The vindaloo is as hot as you’d imagine, and as tasty.
  • The Bonnie Clyde Restaurant
    A small family run restaurant located on the sea front in Rothesay. Friendly staff, cosy atmosphere serving local sourced produce. BYOB
  • The Black Bull
    Opposite the ferry pier. Friendly pub serving fine ales and lovely pub grub.
  • The Golfers Bar
    A busy, friendly bar with a unique snug in the window for groups of friends.
  • The Galatea Bar
    Beautiful bar, with lounge area, snug and sun trap beer garden. Regular live music and monthly quiz night.
  • The Anchor Tavern & Hub
    Friendly community owned pub and hub on the lovely Isle of Bute. Free house with wide variety of wines and local beers and gins. Dog friendly. Music night on Thursday night and a Quiz the last Sunday of every month.

Sightseeing, tours & experiences

  • Mount Stuart House
    A fantastic gothic mansion built by the 3rd Marquess of Bute in the later 19th century. Sitting in 300 acres of beautiful gardens the interior of this house needs to be seen to be believed.
  • The Victorian Toilets
    Situated on the pier these working loos are all polished brass, exotic marble and glass cisterns.
  • Bute Museum
    A lovely little museum positioned just behind Rothesay Castle. Run entirely by volunteers the museum displays Bute’s history from the neolithic to the 20th century. Local fauna is represented too in the form of some fine taxidermy…
  • Rothesay Castle
    This unique (for Scotland) castle has a large moat and a great hall. There’s also a dungeon! Ransacked by the Duke of Argyll it’s still an impressive ruin!
  • Ettrick Bay
    The beach, which is about one mile long, sits in a sheltered position on the western coast of the Isle of Bute, and is backed by fields and gentle hills. From the beach there are views over the Kyles of Bute towards the Cowal Peninsula and the Isle of Arran. It is one of the larger sandy beaches on the west coast of Bute and is mainly composed of coarse, golden sand with very clear water.
  • Bute Kitchen
    Bute Kitchen brings together the
    fantastic array of food and drink products produced on the island, creating opportunities for Bute’s farmers and
    growers, bakers, smokers and butchers, distillers and brewers, ice cream makers and so on as well as offering
    support and marketing for hospitality and entertainment outlets on the island.
  • Isle of Bute Distillery
    Isle of Bute
    Distillery makes world-class spirits that showcase the island and everything it has to offer. The spirits are
    inspired by the wonderful scenery of Scotland’s west coast and the wild places that can be found on Bute and its
    surrounds.
  • Bute Boats
    Bute Boat Tours provide boat trips around Bute, Argyll and the Firth of Clyde.
  • West Coast Tours
    From 23rd May to 29th September West Coast Tours’ open-top bus tour will help you discover Bute and show you all the Isle of Bute has to offer.
  • Wild Bute
    Walks, talks & tours. Escape, Explore, Discover… the rich culture, history, heritage and wild life of Scotland’s ‘Royal’ Island with WildBute.