Welcome to the Manor House
Elegant Georgian Hotel and Restaurant established in 1780 on beautiful Oban Bay
The Manor House, a superb Georgian House built in 1780 by the 5th Duke of Argyll, offers spectacular views over Oban Bay and the Isles of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull. Our owner run hotel and restaurant combines the manor’s understated but elegant appearance, the traditional values of Scottish hospitality and a highly personalised service. We are here to make your stay a most pleasant and memorable one!
Our history
Originally the grounds were twice the size they are now. It was conveniently located northwards from Inveraray Castle on the south bank of the naturally protected harbour and provided easy access to the Hebridean Isles for trading and pleasure purposes. At the Port Beag-end were the coach-house, the stables and the coachman’s cottage. From there the carriage drive swept down to the house. This part of the grounds became the property of the Lighthouse Commissioners in 1906.
The house is said to have originally had two wings and two main doors. The Duke had a private entrance to his own wing, while the door at the front of the house was used by other members of his family and their guests.
Between the two halves of the mansion, there was a connecting door, through which his Grace, when tired of the chatter of the dowager and her guests, could escape to his own quarters and, presumably, lock the door behind him. In the early 19th century, expansion work was carried out, adding annex buildings on each side of the house to provide a separate kitchen and better entertainment facilities. The building has since remained largely unmodified, and in this form, it became a listed building of historic interest and landmark of the town Oban. The Manor House has witnessed the construction days of the Oban Distillery in 1794 and the town growing around it, which became a burgh of barony in 1811.
Around 1840, a highly distinctive personality moved into the mansion – Admiral Otter. He was most aptly named, for he could swim and dive like the amphibious animal itself. The Admiral was appointed to carry out the Hebridean Survey of dangerous waters of the West Coast, a task that took twenty years to complete. Apart from the fact that Admiral Otter charted the West Coast waters in the interests of navigation, nothing more would have been known of him today, but for the book entitled Rev. Donald John Martin by Norman MacFarlane (1914), in which it is written the Admiral ‘looked venerable and might have passed for one of the patriarchs’ in his later years.
Nearer our own day the house was for a long time in the possession of different members of the MacLean family, all of whom took a great interest in the welfare of Oban and did much good work for the Force in two world wars.
The Manor House is now a well-established hotel with restaurant. The original elegance of the property, both inside and out, have been skilfully preserved. In its beautiful position by the sea, the house retains much of the charm and atmosphere of another day.
The Manor House today
Our hotel combines excellent and friendly service with the charm of a listed building rich in heritage and character. The Manor House is particularly known for its beautifully restored dining room, which is open to guests every evening. Afternoons can be enjoyed on the terrace with majestic views of Oban Bay and beyond. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through the garden with its Georgian-inspired layout, keeping the spirit of a naturalistic park and pleasure ground alive. In front of the building you can find our private waterfront access and discover the old oyster bed. The open fire in the drawing room invites you to indulge in the opulence of the early years of the house whilst drinking afternoon tea accompanied by small delights. Find us in the adjoining bar, the perfect place for a wee dram to round off an unforgettable day. All our common areas face the garden and offer stunning views over Oban Bay, the adjacent islands, the mountains of Morvern and the Isle of Mull. Our period-style bedrooms are tastefully decorated, and all have ensuite facilities.
Our location
Oban is easily accessible by many modes of transport. The Manor House is located on the south shore of Oban Bay in an enviable position with gardens accessing the sea and only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre, the ferry, bus and rail terminals. Despite its small size, Oban is one of the largest town in Argyll and The Isles and is known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ and the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’. The most outstanding feature of Oban is McCaig’s Tower, the Colosseum-lookalike, which stands above the town overlooking the bustling fishing port. Testament to its Gaelic heritage, Oban is considered the home of the Royal National Mod, first held here in 1892, a festival of Scottish Gaelic literature, song, art and culture. Annual Highland Games, the Argyllshire Gathering, are also held in the town.
Our team
The Manor House is an owner run hotel supported by a dedicated team with strong values. We are proud to be a part of its tremendous heritage and understand the importance of preserving the taste and style of this elegant Georgian house as an integral element of the experience offered. At the same time, we are committed to protecting and preserving our environment. Bowing to heritage and nature, we let this tastefully maintained and radiant manor take centre stage and aim to make it a comfort zone that fits with our commitment to sustainability, sourcing regional products and social integration in Oban, Argyll and Bute and the Western Islands.
We are here for you. This is our mission. It drives us every day and is where we take our motivation from. We, the owners, have spent two and a half decades travelling and living around the globe before settling in Scotland, which we found to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Scotland’s breath-taking landscapes, rich culture and heritage have worked its charm on us and will hopefully do the same to you, our guests! You are invited to contact us prior to, during and after your trip – we are only too happy to assist, and can do so in English, French or German.
Our partners
You may visit our provenance page to find out more about our suppliers.
