The Black Castle of Benderloch

Also known now as Barcaldine Castle, this fairy tale castle was built by Sir Duncan Cambell around 1600. He was nicknamed Black Duncan.

Driving down narrow lanes with passing places and a fair number of modern box-bungalows, it takes you by surprise to suddenly see this beautiful building. It's an L-plan castle with four levels, set on the shores of Loch Creran. It has fantastic loch views, and in Spring the snow capped mountains of Glencoe can be seen.

By 1842 it was already ruined, and had left the Campbells ownership. In 1896 the Campbells regained possession of it and restored it. It has been the Campbells' home until 2008. I remember it being for sale then, but not sure who purchased it and turned it into a luxury B&B Guest House with facilities for wedding ceremonies to take place in the Great Hall. What a dream wedding that would be.