This 1828 engraving from "Neale's Views of Seats" shows the house before its 1830s rebuilding and enlargement
By kind permission of Caroline Knight
The North Wing. By kind permission of Caroline Knight.
Lorimer's conservatory. By kind permission of Caroline Knight.
Main staircase balustrade. By kind permission of Caroline Knight.
The ruins of the Old Castle in 2017. By kind permission of Caroline Knight.
Earlier Houses: There was at least one earlier house near the site of the current house, including the 15th century Old Castle, also called Inverkip Castle (see "Images" section).
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. During World War II the house was used as a hospital.
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.
Architect: Robert Stodart Lorimer
Date: 1908Architect: William Burn
Date: 1831-32John 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.
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - HARDBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 2008
Reference: pgs. 190, 210
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300125085
Book Type: Hardback
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