Mount Stuart House
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Port
Rothesay, Isle of Bute, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$240
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Mount Stuart House is a shining example of the grand domestic architecture that came out of Britain's 19th-century Gothic Revival period. It stands, cathedral-like, as a monument to an obsession with the medieval past.
The house you will visit today rose from the ashes of the previous Mount Stuart -- a building dating from the reign of Queen Anne -- which was destroyed by fire in 1877. Under the direction of the third Marquess of Bute this extravagant new house was born, fusing powerful architecture with noble themes and lavish design. Like its creator, this sandstone palace is profoundly inspired by history, astrology, art and mythology. A program of major renovation and refurbishment was carried out by the late sixth Marquess before the house was opened to the public in 1995.
The house sits in 300 acres of designed landscape and 18th-century woodlands established by the third Earl of Bute, who also advised on the foundation of London's Kew Gardens.
Mount Stuart is the family seat of the Stuarts of Bute. The Bute family are direct descendants of King Robert the Bruce whose daughter Marjorie married Walter, the Steward of Bute in 1315. Their son, King Robert II of Scotland, thus became the first Stuart King. The Stuart name is derived from the hereditary Steward office held by the family since AD 1157. Led by our Head Gardener and also the Chief Plantsman, explore the interesting historical features and unusual and rare plants found within the grounds of Mount Stuart. The walk will take you around the Rock Garden, Wee Garden and the Policies, looking at the plants, history and stories that have made Mount Stuart Grounds the beautiful gardens that you see today. Participants should wear suitable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Please note: Mobility vehicles are not offered within the gardens. Realistically assess your physical fitness 60 to 90 minutes of continuous walk will be necessary. Inside visits of the Mount Stuart House are not granted.