Argylls Lodging, Scotland's finest surviving renaissance mansion, is situated in the upper part of Stirling, just below Stirling Castle's Esplanade. A 17th Century town residence built circa 1630 by Sir William Alexander, founder of Nova Scotia and Viscount Canada. He became Secretary of State for Scotland and was appointed the first Earl of Stirling. The house sits behind a screen wall and comprises a collection of buildings built in two phases and in three ranges around an enclosed courtyard. Argyll's Lodging shows important French influence.

The rooms including the laigh hall, dining room, drawing room and bed chamber, are restored and furnished as they would have been during the 9th Earl's occupation around 1680. A grand doorway of Argylls Lodging marks the entrance to the most important reception room of the house. The entrance today is through the Historic Scotland reception and shop to the right of the front arch. Beyond the reception are static and multimedia displays on the history of the house. From the early 1800s onwards the house served many uses, first as a military hospital and more recently as a youth hostel. Despite this, part of the painted wall work survived. Painters were commissioned to recreate the pattern around the rest of the room and the result is magnificent.

There is a grand fireplace dating from the 1630s and with traces of the family arms of the Earl of Stirling still apparent in the drawing room. The walls are hung with fine tapestries and the recreated furnishings are lavish. The bedchamber, with original 17th Century en-suite, the stool closet, has an intimate feel. A large four-poster bed dominates the largely purple room and there is more fine recreated furniture. The walls are hung with drapes. This opulence was not just for personal pleasure; the Lord and Lady would also entertain in this room.

The furniture and furnishings include beautifully carved and inlaid tables, tastefully upholstered chairs, magnificent tapestries and hangings. Skilled craftsmen working with detailed inventories, have recreated the interiors to the highest standard.

Opening Times:
All year, 7 days
April to September 09.30 - 18.00
October - March 09.30 - 17.00
Closed 25th & 26th December and 1st & 2nd January.

Address: Castle Wynd, Stirling Old Town

Tel: 01786 431319