Kilmichael Country House

Review

Owners Geoffrey Botterill and Antony Butterworth are 'much in evidence, and it shows' at their 'beautifully kept hotel', said to be Arran's oldest house. Standing in wooded grounds with spectacular mountain views, it has the atmosphere of a private house, and contains with 'pictures collected with care from around the world'. Some bedrooms are in the main house (one has a four-poster bed, and a 'bath big enough for two'). Three are in converted stables a short, if sometimes muddy, walk away. 'Our lovely room had lots of thoughtful touches: bone china tea set, Ordnance Survey map, history of the island.' Mr Butterworth, who says he is 'the cook, not the chef', serves a daily-changing three-course menu with fine silver and crystal in the conservatory dining room. Vegetables and herbs from the potager feature in dishes like pear, pea and rocket soup; halibut with celery and apples. Vegetarian options are provided 'as a matter of course'. 'Gluten-free bread was baked especially for my wife.' Kilmichael was named country house hotel of the year in the 2009 Scottish Hotel Awards. (EMA, DH)