Kilbowie House

Kilbowie House occupies a picturesque waterfront location overlooking the island of Kerrera across the Sound of Kerrera, 1¼ miles (2 km) southwest of the centre of Oban. It represents a fine L-plan Scots Baronial mansion constructed in red sandstone under a pitched slate roof, with a square tower to the rear. Externally there are many distinctive features of that style, including crow-step gables, staggered string course, cable mouldings, conical roofs, a crenelated parapet and a mock cannon. In front is a battlemented terrace.

Built in 1888 as a private residence, the house subsequently became a hostel for boys from the islands attending secondary school in Oban and additional buildings were built in the grounds which now form Kilbowie Outdoor Centre. In 1991 Kilbowie House became offices for the Road Department of Strathclyde Regional Council and most recently has been occupied as offices by Argyll & Bute Council. The building was sold in 2014 for conversion into flats. It has been B-listed since 1995.

Comprising three floors and a basement, the inside of the house retains fine timber and plaster work, an oak-lined hall, coffered ceiling and timber-lined former billiard room. Doors and window shutters are paneled in oak and yellow pine and there are many attractive fire places.

On the opposite side of the public road is a parade including estate offices and houses in a complementary style.


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better