About
Our Mission
As stewards of this special place and as a family, we see it as our duty to look after Lochnell to the best of our abilities and to leave it in a better place than when we arrived. For us, that means, investing in the landscape, the buildings and the people that surround us. We strive to bring energy and commitment to all that we do here at Lochnell.
We hope to welcome you soon.
Lord Dundonald & Family.
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The earliest recorded occupation of the current site dates back to that of a St Columba cell around the 6th Century. Parts of this are still visible in the undercroft of the Chapel and under the main part of the Castle.
The next building period is 15th Century, the vernacular building to rear of the Castle, now known as the Chapel, following which the neoclassical front of the building was erected in 1730; finally this and the Chapel were joined together in 1780 by the modern and now mostly ruined Georgian Castle.
The estate as it stands today is only one part of the property amassed by the Campbell's of Lochnell, a branch of the Campbell line of the current Duke of Argyll, and the same family that raised the foot regiment that became the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
The Campbell family sold the estate in 1912 to the head of the Cochrane family, whose descendant broke up and sold the estate in 1949, following its requisition as a brigade headquarters during World War II.
The principal part of the estate went through multiple ownership before being repurchased in 1962, by the then head of the Cochrane family, Ian Dundonald, 14th Earl of Dundonald.
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Lochnell Castle is a truly private place, situated on the stunning West Coast of Scotland occupying its own spectacularly secluded peninsula.
The castle's beautiful and historic rooms and well maintained grounds allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape from an impressive setting.
While the main castle is a private family residence, there are opportunities to use some of the rooms depending on each individual request.
Finding Us | Info
The holiday starts before you even arrive at Lochnell, with a stunning drive along through some of Scotland’s most spectacular countryside and national parks. Just 12 miles North of the port town of Oban on the West Coast of Scotland, we’re a perfect base from which to explore the Highlands and Islands, taking in the Western Isles including Mull, Iona, Staffa and beyond.
Lochnell Estate
Benderloch
Argyll
PA37 1QT
What3Words: convinces.tame.curly
By Car
Reach us in just 2 hours from Glasgow Airport, 2.5 hours from Edinburgh Airport and an hour from Fort William.
By Bike
The Caledonia Way runs right past Lochnell, adding to the idyllic cycling paradise our part of the world is.
By Train
Connel Ferry is our nearest train station, with connections to most major cities, you can find out more info on Scotrail’s website at this link. In addition, the line connects with the Caledonian Sleeper service, from which onward connections to Lochnell can be arranged. How does leaving London Euston at 9pm and arriving at Lochnell for 9am the next day sound?
Checking In
Check-in is available between 2 and 5pm on the day of your arrival.