Kilmory Castle

Kilmory Castle stands on the west coast of Scotland in Argyll and Bute, just south of Lochgilphead. Built in the 19th century, the house began as a modest Campbell residence before Sir John Orde transformed it into a grand Gothic-revival mansion. Architect Joseph Gordon Davis designed the extensions, including an L-shaped plan and a large octagonal tower at the west end. The new wing featured an arched entrance passage wide enough for a coach and four, along with a kitchen, entrance hall, and dining room. An octagonal drawing room connected to a Chinese drawing room on the upper floor, fitted with fittings imported directly from China. Further extensions were added in 1863, expanding the house’s footprint. The estate’s history stretches back to at least the 14th century, with records of a church and lands held by the Abbot of Paisley in the 16th century. The Campbell family owned the estate for over 250 years before Orde purchased it in 1828. Orde also redesigned the gardens with William Hooker in 1830 and introduced exotic animals, including zebu, kankrej cattle, and a White Park bull. His experiments in cross-breeding cattle contributed to the modern Vaynol breed, though the animals were later moved to Wales. Attempts to establish alpacas and llamas proved unsuccessful, despite Orde noting llamas thrived better elsewhere. Today, the gardens are open to the public as part of a country park surrounding the castle. The house remains the headquarters of Argyll and Bute Council, with an office block extension added between 1980 and 1982. A fire in 1984 damaged the west wing, requiring repairs, and the building is protected as a category B listed structure. Visitors can explore the grounds, which include the woodland park, while the castle itself serves as a working administrative centre.