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The Manse

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Known as The Manse, but previously, Kiloran Guest House and designed by Henry Edward Clifford (12.09.1852 – 15.10.1932) the building has undergone an extensive seven- month refurbishment and was re-launched as “Carradales” in April 2018.  It is unlikely that Clifford, whose grave is in Kilkerran Cemetary, would have thought underfloor heating necessary in a manse!

The manse was built before Kiloran Church, just next door, which Clifford completed in 1887.

Clifford practiced as an architect in Glasgow from 1877 and trained under John Burnet. His best, known buildings outside of Kintyre were Perth Town Hall and Glasgows’s Victoria Infirmary. At the time Campbeltown was booming with whisky distilling at its peak. Clifford was appointed to the Campbeltown Burgh school board and designed a large number of other buildings including Auchinlee, Craigard and St, Kearan’s Episcopal Church.

Steve and I left our jobs in March 2016 to follow our dream and viewed the house in the hot summer of June 2016. As soon as we saw the house, we just knew it had bags of potential.

“It has been a dream to own and run our own guest house in Scotland for some time now. As we drove along the long and winding road, I remember thinking that this really is the place where I want to live and that was even before viewing the house.  That was such a contrast to the day or should I say night when we finally moved in. It was a harsh cold winter of November 2016. We almost froze to death in the house and it has been a real struggle to get where we are today, lots of stress and tears and wondering whether we had done the right thing.

“After going through various hoops and overcoming a variety of obstacles, thanks to funding from RBS we’ve been able to totally transform the house, turning it into a stylish and welcoming boutique guest house. We love welcoming guests to Carradales and it gives us so much pleasure knowing that they have had a lovely time by the time they leave us.

We have created something very special. We’d love you to come and see for yourself!

We love Carradale and we have been made so welcome who have shown great support for us and wanting us to succeed. This is just the start of a new journey for Steve and I which I would like you and your friends to join us on and to really get the message out to the world that Carradale is in a stunning part of the world and a great place to come and stay.

Carradales is perfect for exploring this stunning part of the Kintyre Peninsula popular with walkers, nature lovers (Kintyre Way) golfers (Carradale Golf Course is 5 minutes away and Machrihanish Dunes is 30 minutes away and Dunaverty 20 mins away) game shooting, cyclists (We’re on the Caledonia Way) water sports enthusiasts and those looking to relax and enjoy the breath-taking and tranquil scenery.

 

Quite simply we offer charm and hospitality with character, style and comfort to create a homely environment.

 

We welcome you to our home and hope that you will find our blog stimulating and engaging and a place to go for interesting reading and to give our potential guests a flavour of this wonderful destination and what to expect when you arrive.

 

A big Thank you to all our guests who have already joined us on this journey and who have told friends and family about Carradales. We look forward to welcoming you again in the very near future. In the meantime, a Very Happy Christmas to you and all the very best for 2019. We certainly have some exciting things in the pipeline, so watch this space!!

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It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that we announce the closure of Carradales.

The relentless pressures and challenges of the hospitality industry have finally taken their toll, making it impossible for us to continue.

Of course, it goes without saying that current bookings will be honoured.

We would like to thank all our local, UK and international guests and suppliers for their support.

With all best wishes

Maurice and Steve