Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute

Day 14

The real reason for our trip to the Isle of Bute was to visit this beautiful house and grounds. It has been on my "list" for years. A Victorian Gothic Mansion designed in the late 1870s by architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson for the 3rd Marquess of Bute. The first home in Scotland to be lit by electricity, the first house to have a heated swimming pool, and a central heating system to serve more than 120 rooms.

The interiors reflect the Marquess's passion for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology and religion, and the family portraits are perhaps the finest held in a private family collection. The Arts and Crafts architect Robert Weir Schultz created many beautiful pieces of furniture and fittings for the house. Even the door hinges for each room were individually designed.

As I really wanted to see the tiled, vaulted marble Swimming Pool, not usually open to the public, we arranged a special tour with our own guide, which also included the Burges Chapel with a completely mirrored floor, and the Smoking Room. We stood on the Smoking Room Balcony on the first floor to the right of this image, taking in the views down to the Clyde. I had to pinch myself to accept I was actually here.

It really is a "Must See" for any art lover. Visit on a sunny day. The light reflecting in through the stained glass with cut crystal stars in the Marble Hall is absolutely beautiful.

More information here.