Review below ▼ Very Highly Recommended | small country hotel
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Renowned Scots architecture, outstanding food
Awards 2011 > Pending
Other
guides
VS 4 stars | AA 1 rosette | Foodstars™ 5
Rooms 14
Knockderry (from 'hill of oak' in Gaelic) was built as a lavish yet homely manor by a leading architect of the 19th century. It sits in a serenely beautiful spot (great for walks) overlooking sea lochs, green hills next to Knockderry Castle where General de Gaulle spent time during WWII. Glasgow airport is only 45 minutes’ drive... but you’d never think it. In recent years this hotel has just got better, year-on-year. Highly individual, redesigned bedrooms and charming public rooms have rich character and a warm ambiance. Music Room lounge bar has welcoming big fire. On warmer days drink or dine al fresco; lap up views of Loch Long. We’re still taking in just how good the food was on our last visit. Just perfect for small weddings. Kudos to owners Beth and Murdo and their team: a rising star.
Need to know
> Bedrooms range from contemporary-classic modern to romantic four posters
> Master rooms, beautifully styled with good fabrics, have king-size beds and nice deluxe touches
> We liked room 3 with its tony colours, bay window, roll-top bath and shower, smart sofa
> Room 4 has super four poster bed with pinstripe detailing, lovely corner window, big bath
> A contemporary wing – done with style – has 4 handsome rooms with soft tweed accents
> Ben Arthur is in that wing: spacious, loch view, gold hued, nice sofa, free web access (as in all)
> The top room, the Library suite, opens late 2010, promises to be stunning; pics here by Xmas
> Genuinely exciting evening dinner menu served in panelled dining room; stained glass and fire
> Quality informal dining from the seasonal menu offers value and generous choice
> Lounge bar is spacious; love the open fire, big views, comfy seating, excellent wines
We love…
… Vibrant, startlingly good food by a clearly on-form kitchen brigade with élan and wisdom
… Inviting bedrooms that weave contemporary fabrics, furnishings with the old house’s details
… The warm welcome evident from the whole staff team, who clearly have pride in the place
… Driving the open, scenic country roads in the area; keep your camera handy
… Beautiful architectural details, superb stained glass windows add 'Real McCoy' atmosphere