Knipoch House Hotel

Knipoch Hotel, with its 26 beautifully designed rooms, offers a refined and cosy escape just six miles south of Oban, in the dramatic landscape of the Scottish Highlands. Overlooking the peaceful Loch Feochan, the hotel is surrounded by rolling hills and shimmering waters, creating a perfect backdrop for those looking to unwind and immerse themselves in Scotland’s natural beauty. With a new fine dining experience 1635 just launched at the hotel The Luxury Editor was invited along to review the property – read on to discover more.

The Sonas Collection

Knipoch Hotel dates back to 1592 and began as a private home before being transformed into a hotel. In early 2024, the property became part of the Sonas Collection following an extensive £1 million renovation. This thoughtful restoration has maintained the hotel’s original charm with features like stone walls, fireplaces, and wood-panelled interiors while adding a fresh contemporary interior design colour palette and enhanced luxuries such as super king-sized beds, modern fittings, and an inviting outdoor hot tub.

Location

Just six miles from the Oban, often called the “Gateway to the Isles,” Oban’s port connects the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and its waterfront restaurants serve some of the finest seafood fresh from local waters. Visitors can also enjoy the historic Oban Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest, known for its exceptional single malt whiskies. With several local attractions including castles, lochs, and scenic walks on the hotel’s doorstep, Knipoch Hotel is ideally situated for exploration.

The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Oban and about two and a half hours from Glasgow by car, or three and a half hours from Edinburgh. For those preferring public transport, Oban train station provides regular connections to Glasgow, Fort William, and Mallaig. Conveniently, the hotel offers plenty of on-site parking.

For a lovely little side trip from the hotel, I would highly recommend a drive to the Isle of Seil, where you can discover its fascinating slate mining past and take a ferry onwards to the Isle of Luing.

Rooms & Suite

Knipoch Hotel features 26 rooms and one suite, each designed to offer comfort and luxury. Standard Rooms offer views of the surrounding forest, while the front-facing Standard Seaview and Deluxe Rooms showcase breathtaking views over Loch Feochan. Each room’s interior design creates a calm and welcoming aesthetic, with a soft palette of pale greys complemented by velvet-trimmed divans, wool throws, and abundant scatter cushions. Ensuite bathrooms are finished in Portuguese-style tiling, Victorian metro tiles, underfloor heating, heated towel rails, and rain showers. Each room includes Temple Spa toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, and convenient wall spotlights for reading as standard.

Deluxe rooms come with additional features, including a bathtub and a sofa that can convert to a sofabed, ideal for families and if you want extra space to relax the hotel’s Junior Suite offers an even more luxurious experience, featuring a spacious living area, enhanced furnishings, and spectacular views over Loch Feochan.

My Room During My Stay

The Bar

The hotel bar offers a cosy and inviting space for guests to unwind after a day of exploring. With a selection of fine Scottish whiskies, locally crafted ales, and expertly mixed cocktails relax by the fireside and take in the stunning views of Loch Feochan from the bar’s comfortable seating area. The bar also serves a selection of light bites and sharing platters, ideal for a casual evening.

1635

The hotel has introduced its new fine dining venue, 1635, with a focus on showcasing the very best of Scottish produce, the restaurant 1635 offers a high-end dining experience that immerses your senses in the flavours and history of the region. Led by Chef Andrew Engledow, 1635 presents a seven-course fine dining ‘Taste of Scotland’ menu, blending the finest local ingredients with seasonal flavours from across the country. The menu changes every 4 weeks – find out more about the experience here.

The Dining Room

In addition to 1635, Knipoch Hotel also features a more traditional dining room, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that focuses on classic Scottish dishes. The dining room provides a welcoming setting for guests to enjoy comforting favourites, including locally caught seafood, hearty stews, and freshly baked desserts. The emphasis is on quality ingredients and timeless recipes that reflect the heritage of the Highlands.

Breakfast

Start the day with a hearty Scottish breakfast, including traditional offerings like smoked salmon, locally sourced sausages, and freshly baked bread. Lighter continental options are also available for those who prefer a simpler start to their morning.

Golf

For guests who enjoy golf, Knipoch Hotel offers access to a scenic 9-hole golf course overlooking Loch Feochan. The course is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, whether you’re an experienced golfer or just looking for a relaxing activity amid stunning Highland scenery. Further information about the course and booking options can be found on the hotel’s golf page.

Wellness

Knipoch Hotel features a relaxing outdoor hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the surrounding area. Though there is no full spa on-site, the hot tub offers guests the chance to soak and take in the serene views across Loch Feochan. In-room Temple Spa products also enhance the relaxation experience, bringing a touch of indulgence to every stay.

Final Thoughts

Knipoch Hotel successfully combines historical charm with modern luxury, offering an exceptional Highland retreat that caters to both relaxation and adventure. The spectacular setting, alongside amenities like the fine dining at 1635, a scenic golf course, and inviting accommodation, makes this an ideal option for those exploring Argyll and Bute.

This property is included in our guide to the best hotels in Argyll and Bute.