If you're looking to pack up and escape to the country in grandeur, we've found the perfect property for you – a sprawling castle-style baronial house has gone on the market on the west coast of Scotland for £975,000.
Glencruitten House is a historically-rich baronial property sitting on a 17-acre estate, just over a mile from the resort town of Oban.
The magnificent home was built in 1897 and underwent extensions in 1905 and 1926.
It boasts 11 bedrooms, five bathrooms and three kitchens, divided to create separate living spaces for the religious community that used to live there.
One of the most notable rooms is the spectacular first-floor library designed by renowned Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer, known for his promotion of the Arts and Crafts movement. The room comes complete with woodwork and panelling (believed to be by Clow Bros) and Louis Davis stained glass windows, as well as an original grade A listed Ingram organ.
Lorimer’s work is also evident in the impressive dining room, morning room and estate office, as well as in the tower which is complete with spiral stone steps leading to the library.
Many of the house’s original features have been retained, including wooden flooring, doors, cornicing and fireplaces, while attractive bay windows provide stunning views of the garden grounds.
Glencruitten House is surrounded by stunning gardens that provide a tranquil oasis rarely found so close to Oban. There's also a superb seating area in the grounds with far-reaching views to the Isle of Mull – the perfect spot for a glass of wine at the end of the day.
Want to see more? Take a tour below:
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11 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style
This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.
Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.
This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.
Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.
This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.
This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.
Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.
Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.
Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.
This hardy picnic blanket is both stylish and practical, allowing you to set up your meal just about anywhere! It's lightweight and can roll up into a bag meaning it's easy to move around. And it's also waterproof, meaning no one needs to get soggy if you're sat on damp grass or sand.
Helpfully, there's also a hole in the middle for a parasol or umbrella, and best of all, this can be machine washed.
Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.
In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.
Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.
It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.
Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.
For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.
At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up – and it's very affordable, too.
