STONEFIELD Castle is an impressive mansion house in a stunning location on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll.
And as a four-star hotel, it lives up to the first impressions of the striking turreted building which comes into view following the anticipation of the winding drive along the private entrance road through woodland and extensive gardens.
Built in 1837, it still gives an air of comfort and affluence of yesteryear with its rooms furnished in traditional style.
But the real jewel in the crown of this imposing building is actually a modern add-on - the Loch Fyne Restaurant. With its large picture windows along two walls of the extension, it is spacious, bright and airy and the views over the gardens and the expansive loch are magnificent.
It creates a wonderful relaxed atmosphere to dine in. You simply don't want your leisurely breakfast to end when the sky is clear and the sun is streaming in.
Our stay was as winter started, so the full splendour of the views in the evening at dinner were not available other than small illuminated areas, but it would be hard to imagine a more wonderful setting for a meal in the summer months.
Stonefield is part of the Oxford Hotels and Inns group and is situated in its own extensive gardens on the Kintyre peninsula, a five-minute drive north of the village and ferry port of Tarbert.
It is a tranquil and peaceful haven for a get-away-from-it-all break with cosy and a traditionally furnished drawing-room, library and bar on the ground floor along with a snooker room.
A wide and impressive staircase leads to the 32 en-suite bedrooms which range in size, view and price - and, ideally for singletons, there are several single rooms.
Our room for our two-night stay was the master suite which consisted of a large lounge area with couch, small dining table and chairs and writing desk. An alcove led to the bedroom area with a large comfortable bed and plenty of wardrobe space.
The traditional period dark wood furniture suited the setting ideally, yet the three windows with views over the loch allowed plenty of natural light.
Nice touches like fluffy robes for lounging, a tray of tea, coffee and biscuits as well as a plate of fresh fruit will make you feel at home straight away.
The ensuite bathroom was spacious with a powerful shower and two wash-hand basins - although the height of the large mirrors was a test for those of us who are vertically challenged.
Sometimes noise can be a problem in older properties, but this certainly wasn't the case here and the atmosphere at Stonefield Castle is relaxed and friendly.
Many of the original period features have been retained in the building which is set in 60 acres of its own grounds.
The castle gardens and walks are renowned for their rhododendrons - including Himalayan species.
A short stroll from the hotel to the shoreline gives magnificent views of the loch and near-by hills. Carry on at low tide across to the small adjoining Barmore Island and the scenery is even more stunning from new angles and the castle can be seen in its full splendour.
You also encounter the oddity of two splendid monkey puzzle trees.
For those who like a longer walk, the Kintyre Way starts a few miles away at Tarbert Castle and a stroll up a short but steepish section is rewarded with breathtaking views of the area on a three-mile circular route.
For those not into strenuous activity, a drive along the single-track B8024 as its skirts the coast and overlooks Islay and Jura is rewarding if the Argyll weather is kind.
But even if it's not, a warm welcome is awaiting back at Stonefield where next month it will have a series of offers for romantic couples in the build-up to Valentine's Day.
Do the meals match the magnificent setting?
On the whole the answer is an emphatic yes in this impressive 2 AA Rosettes restaurant - apart from one notable and basic exception.
On our first night we decided to test the normal inclusive £25 per head three-course dinner allowance in the DBB tariffs - with very pleasant results.
My wife gave top rating to all three of her courses - cheese souffle followed by tender venison with sausage and red cabbage and a perfect dessert of creme brulee.
A slightly bland smoked haddock chowder starter for me, was followed by a succulent and filling main course of brisket with garlic potatoes.
There was just enough room left for an outstanding ginger and treacle pudding.
Meanwhile, other guests that evening were singing the praises of various seafood dishes, including scallops and mussels.
Several unfortunate problems arose the following evening and may have been down to poor planning by not staggering the arrival of diners.
Although our service was attentive and efficient, a couple at the next table were disgruntled at having to wait 35 minutes to place their order.
My starter of scallops were very tasty and perfectly cooked, but sadly what should have been a fine piece of Argyll sirloin steak at £28 for my main course was considerably overcooked beyond my instructions and rather disappointing.
However, the raspberry and whisky cream dessert was a delight.
Again my wife gave top marks to her three courses of ham hough terrine to start, then light and tasty rainbow trout with Tarbert crab cakes and a dessert of local ice cream.
In quieter periods during winter the more intimate drawing room is used for diners rather than the main restaurant.
FACTFILE
Stonefield Castle
• Location – Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Argyll, fours hours’ drive from Inverness.
• 32 ensuite traditionally furnished rooms (several with loch views).
• Prices (winter season) from £85 per room bed and breakfast. A dinner, B&B rate is £40 more. Various short-break tariffs are available.
• Dinner from around £25 per person for 3 courses in the 2 AA Rosette Loch Fyne Restaurant.
• For details, call 08444 146 600 or visit www.oxfordhotelsandinns.com/OurHotels/StonefieldCastleHotel
