MOUNT STUART HOUSE & GARDENS
HX Suggested Reasons to Visit
Soaring 80 feet high, the Marble Hall at Mount Stuart is a stunning blend of rare Italian and Sicilian marble, described by Gavin Stamp as the "dark and mysterious heart" of the house. Inspired by Aachen Cathedral, which mesmerized the 3rd Marquess of Bute as a child, the hall reflects his fascination with astrology. Stained glass zodiac symbols and a vaulted ceiling filled with stars create a celestial wonder.
Though structurally complete by 1884, much of the hall's decoration was unfinished when Bute died in 1900. His zodiac-inspired marble statues were installed after his death, placed based on a 'best guess.'
About
Nestled on the Isle of Bute, the West Coast's most accessible island, Mount Stuart has stood as a proud Scottish landmark since 1719.
After a fire in 1877, the house was rebuilt, blending its original Georgian wings with Victorian design. Inside, the house dazzles with astrology, art, and mythology-inspired decor, including a star map on the Marble Hall ceiling. Early innovations like a telephone system and a Victorian passenger lift add to its unique charm.
The spectacular 19th century house is the ancestral home of the Marquess's of Bute and today it houses the Bute Collection, one of the UK's foremost historic collections of fine and decorative art. Admission to the house is self-guided, with private and special tours available on select days throughout the season.
The established contemporary visual arts programme presents work by significant Scottish and international artists, with temporary exhibitions running throughout the year. Visitors can explore 300 acres of gloriously maintained gardens and grounds, including the Mawson designed Rock Garden and a private beach.
The Courtyard Cafe serves light lunches and delicious home-baking and two shops stock a wide range of gifts and souvenirs, many of which are made on-island by local artists and crafters.
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Mount Stuart Gardens Access
Enjoy 300 acres of Mount Stuart's beautiful gardens and surrounding landscape with the Firth of Clyde providing a remarkable backdrop. You will find that the Bute family's love for plants can be seen at every turn. …
House & Gardens Ticket
Book this ticket to explore Mount Stuart's architectural story. Visit the Georgian wings with a Victorian design. Inside, astrological, artistic, and mythological designs await you, alongside innovations like an early telephone system and a Victorian passenger …
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