I didnt book this trip...it was done by the office to attend a work colleagues wedding so it was with a certain amount of trepidation I boarded the ferry to this strange part of the World. Landing on Bute was a tonic and the 3 mile approach to Balmory Hall just got better. Swing off the coast road,and the basking seals, up to the Hall...very grand. Ring the bell...then Wow!!! The welcome of John and Yvonne in their lavishly restored abode...all light, space, peace, harmony and elegance. You could have had a day from hell but this place will restore your faith in the universe. Go recharge your batteries there...with John, Yvonne and Katie providing the fabulous fayre... you will be ready to take on the World.

When ou turn off the main road into the road which leads to balmory Hall, you are not prepared for what you will find.
From first view until you are safely settled into your room, it is 5 star all the way. The magnificent House itself, the entrance hallway. the welcome given by John and his wife and then finally the room itself.
We stayed in the Iona Suite, which was wonderful, a Huge bed with an extremely comfortable sitting area, Next door was a self contained kitchen area and across the corridor the shower room again very tastefully done. Wonderful soft and fluffy towels and housecoats provided.
We were on the island for a wedding and the only issue we had with our time there, was that we did not have enough time to really appreciate the setting and comfort of Balmory, but rest assured we will be back, for more than a night the next time.

I was the "blushing bride" from the previous review. I had been coming to Balmory for several years when it was under different ownership. I was therefore mildly anxious about using it for accomodation for friends and family attending my wedding. It was going to be a hard act to follow as the previous owners were the best. I have to say the new owners did not let us down. It was a subtly different style but as good in its own way. We were their first guests, ever, and if they follow the same pattern I'm sure they will also generate loyal customers who return year on year. I couldn't have asked for a better wedding and all at Balmory certainly contributed to that.

We stayed here very recently as part of a party of 16 going to a wedding on the island. Apart from the blushing bride, none of us had been to Bute before. Although the sun miraculously shone for a few hours of the wedding at Mount Stuart, it is fair to say that the rest of the weekend stay was shrouded in rain and mist. However, nothing could have been warmer than the welcome we received from the new owners, John and Yvonne. Delicious home made cake on the Friday arrival and hearty breakfasts Sat and Sun, were only part of it. Some of the spacious rooms have self catering amenities.They were lovely, chatty, welcoming and accommodating people. The house is beautifully restored with period fittings, modern paintings, and a stunning vista. The sumptuous furnishings, clean beyond clean interior and quality bedding were high end luxe. I am sure that people will quote the so called celebrities that stayed there when Stella Mc Cartney married on the island, but really that is irrelevant ,as what was important to us was that our friend,( the bride), and her family and friends, were treated as if we were their new best friends. Yes, this is an expensive place for what is essentially a B and B, but it is definitely not ordinary B and B and it is well worth it. Incidentally, the reception was in Kingarth Hotel. They were really friendly and the food was impressively good. Those that stayed there however, while appreciating the price, were very jealous of our luxury. We met the previous owners of Balmory at the reception who were very happily retired, full of future plans and also very positive about the new owners. All in all a stupendous place to stay.