The house was originally built in 1693, by the then Duke of Argyll. It has
been through various incarnations since, and the building has changed over
the years. Since the turn of the century before last, it has stood more or
less as it stands now, with a major restyling and renovation of the North West wing undertaken under famous Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer
completed in 1910.
Although apparently only ever owned by four families, including the
Campbells, it has paid its way in a few different ways. The house was used
as a shooting lodge in the early 1900's, was a hotel for a bit, and was most
recently was an adventure and management training centre before it became
what it is under the current ownership of John Davies at the start of this
century. The Mill House and Old Barn were commissioned in 2006 and completed
in 2008 / 2009, along with the swimming pool. The Garden Cottage was added
to the stable in 2011.
The main house originally had approximately another 13 bedrooms that
extended out over Ormidale Cottage. The house was reduced in size due to
'window tax'. Despite the beauty and age and historical significance of the
house, the only listed part is the Sundial in the grounds (see if you can
find it!) which attracts a "C" listing from Historic Scotland. This means
we can't knock it down, turn it into a car-park, or convert it into a theme
park without their permission. Nor can we have it double glazed. The stone
sundial is a tall square pedestal with a stepped base with many gnomons and
much ornament. It was first erected at Otterferry (Ballimore) by Rev. John
Campbell before being moved to the grounds of Ormidale by Colonel Burnley
Campbell, husband of Margaret Campbell of Ormidale, when he sold Ballimore
in 1897. |
