Shielbridge House
House (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Shielbridge House
Classification House (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 179575
Site Number NM66NE 21
NGR NM 6733 6909
NGR Description NM c. 6733 6909
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/179575
- Council Highland
- Parish Ardnamurchan
- Former Region Highland
- Former District Lochaber
- Former County Argyll
NM66NE 21 6733 6909
Shielbridge House has been demolished.
Shielbridge House stood on the site of an old inn which had been adapted in the 1890's as a lodge for David MacBrayne, with a redundant tin kirk (minus spire) as an addition. In 1898 the next owner, C.D. Rudd, remodelled it, employing Sidney Mitchell to design a sophisticated mansion with Arts & Craft detail, reminiscent of his Duntreath in Stirlingshire. It was rebuilt in 1900 (with minor modifications) after a devastating fire, and demolished in 1951. An extensive rock garden stepping down to the river, featuring pools, exotic shrubs, tall conifers and South African blue gum trees, was laid out by Cheals of Crawley in the early 20th century.
From 1897 C.D. Rudd owned the Shielbridge estate (for fishing) and the Ardnamurchan estate (for shooting), thus posessing everything west of Salen and Acharacle. Shieldbridge House and Glenborrodale Castle were built simultaneously, and fully furnished by Maples in a day.
M Miers 2008
