Earlier Houses: There was at least one earlier house on, or near, the site of the current house.

House & Family History: The lands of Ardgowan were granted to Sir John Stewart on May 5, 1403 by King Robert III. Sir John was the king's illegitimate son; today's Shaw-Stewart family is descended in the direct male line from Sir John.

Collections: Ardgowan is noted for its fine collection of portraits.

Garden & Outbuildings: The house is set in the middle of 400 acres of parkland on the south shore of the Firth of Clyde.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. II, p. 54, 1855.

John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. VI, 1823. Scotland, 1830.

House Listed: Category A

Park Listed: Listed as a Garden & Designed Landscape

Current Seat / Home of: Sir Ludovic Shaw-Stewart, 12th Bt.; Shaw-Stewart family here since the 15th century.

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSES: Sir John Stewart, early 15th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart, 5th Bt., 1800-25; Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart, 6th Bt., 1825-36; Sir Michael Robert Shaw-Stewart, 7th Bt., 1836-1903; Sir Michael Hugh Shaw-Stewart, 8th Bt., 1903-42; Walter Guy Shaw-Stewart, 9th Bt., 1942-76; Sir Euan Guy Shaw-Stewart, 10th Bt., 1976-80; Sir Houston Mark Shaw-Stewart, 11th Bt., 1980-2004.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

Ownership Details: Available for corporate events, weddings, and small group stays.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01475-521-656

Fax: 01475-529-017

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.ardgowan.co.uk/

Historic Houses Member: No