Ascog House

Ascog House is a three-story mansion in Argyll and Bute featuring steeply pitched roofs topped with crow-stepped gables. The building includes a stair turret and a small watch-chamber positioned above the main roofline as defining architectural elements.

John Stewart purchased the Ascog estate in 1594 and built the mansion as his family home. The structure underwent substantial rebuilding work in the late 1600s, a date recorded on one of the dormer windows.

The mansion shows how Scottish families of that era built their homes with both comfort and protection in mind. The watch-chamber above the roofline reflects the practical concerns of landowners in remote locations.

The building is maintained by the Landmark Trust and operates as a holiday rental for visitors wanting to stay overnight. Plan ahead for access to this remote location, as transport options are limited.

Archibald MacArthur, who later took the surname Stewart, lived in the house and became known for some distinctly unconventional domestic practices. This quirk of the home's past gives insight into the varied personalities who occupied the space through the ages.

Location: Argyll and Bute

Location: Kingarth

GPS coordinates: 55.82320,-5.02742

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:03