Cameron House Hotel

Following a devastating fire in December 2017 which largely destroyed the Hotel, a painstaking restoration process has taken place to bring the B-listed early 19th century Baronial Mansion back into use as a world-renowned five star luxury resort set within the iconic Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Given the extensive damage to the structural fabric of the building, a façade retention design was developed and implemented following the stabilisation and clearance of the building. The original cross walls, no longer deemed structurally sound, were also removed and a new steel structure inserted, allowing the principal rooms to be recreated as closely as possible in terms of proportions, and the bedroom floors to be rationalised in terms of circulation and room layouts.

The new structure also provided a strong base for both acoustic and fire measures, with new concrete floor slabs tying into the external stone walls at each level. With the façade retained, the inner building was sensitively redesigned, with the notable features and principal room forms reinstated, and an extension to the rear introduced allowing clear and accessible circulation routes throughout the building. The upper ground floor forms the main entrance, reception and principal rooms, and the original features of these spaces, such as timber panelling and decorative plasterwork, were carefully replicated.

The original fireplaces, salvaged during the clearance works, were restored and reinstated, retaining their significance as the focal point in each of the spaces as they would have been for centuries before. Originally a dark, oppressive entrance, the original drawing room was sensitively opened up into the lobby, allowing guests to be greeted by open views to the loch and hills beyond upon entering. A new lobby bar serving cocktails and afternoon teas allows such views to be truly appreciated. 14 individually designed suites and 7 bedrooms have been formed over the basement and upper floors, with rooftop and dormer terraces introduced allowing guests a greater connection to the spectacular surroundings.

The reconstructed tower, previously a 3 sided standalone structure, has been infilled and extended to the rear via a glazed link, forming a magnificent duplex suite with two loch facing terraces. All interventions were designed as contemporary additions which remain sympathetic to the original building, with the dormers clad in a dark standing seam cladding with simple black iron railings, allowing them to blend into the tones of the grey slate roof. The rear extension also comprises a minimalist black standing seam cladding alongside large crittal style windows.

The materiality is an important feature of the new elements – their design does not attempt to replicate the past, but portrays the quality and aspirations of the hotel going forward. The reinvented ‘Auld House’ is complemented by a further 119 fully refurbished bedrooms, function rooms, bars, restaurants, event spaces, and a new leisure club, the latter of which comprises new family friendly swimming pools, gym, fitness suites, cinema, and sports bar.