Glen Coe’s Kings House Hotel in line for a makeover
January 7 2016
Black Corries Estate plan to increase the number of bedrooms from 45 to 80 whist upgrading public spaces and retaining key elements such as the popular Climbers’ Bar.
Architect Ben Tindall commented: “Externally the design fits well into the landscape and incorporates a wing of turf-roofed bedrooms. Internally, a wide variety of spaces will provide high quality facilities which capture the views and allows the retention of the Climber’s Bar. The dining room’s dramatic views are enhanced by cantilevering the structure over the River Etive. Ten superb bedrooms on the first floor, including the King and Queen rooms, enjoy the incredible views that Kings House affords.”
It is hoped to have the new hostel open prior to the summer season with the hotel remaining open throughout the development work.
Later 1960s extensions will be torn down to make room for the extension
The hotel has long been a popular haunt with hill walkers
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7 Comments
#1 Posted by Sue Pearman on 8 Jan 2016 at 21:17 PM
No doubting the Kingshouse needs some tidying up and modernisation. Unfortunately this does the opposite and increases the confused sprawling nature of the extensions to the original building with more elements that are out of keeping...
#2 Posted by John McKean on 9 Jan 2016 at 18:37 PM
As a direct descendant of Alistair McIan, leader of the MacDonalds of Glencoe when the treacherous Campbells turned on their hosts in 1691, I sense that Benjamin Tindall will add generously and sympathetically to the warm welcome offered to the many visitors to our awesome glen.
#3 Posted by Alistair McLean on 9 Jan 2016 at 19:15 PM
I'm sure the hotel would offer a warm welcome even if it were a crumbling ruin ... in terms of the architecture and the incredible location I personally think it deserves something with a little more stature. Something that compliments and develops the nature of the building and it's very specific location.
#4 Posted by Cyril Sneer on 10 Jan 2016 at 12:28 PM
It's an embarrassing mess, sort yourself out.
#5 Posted by Jami Gilmore on 19 Mar 2016 at 09:58 AM
Couldn't agree more Cyril, I've been going up to Glencoe since the late 80's and it's the only place I wouldn't stay, it looks like a mess and is dowdy, tatty and outdated, in fact I' rather stay in the bothy near Glen Etive then here!! Still, once it's done I'll definitely take a look as I have wanted to stay here but the state of the place is aesthetically off-putting when you pull up. Shame because it is in one of the most beautiful locations on the Moor
#6 Posted by peter clayton on 21 Dec 2016 at 07:09 AM
i have stayed at the kings house more times than i can remember while walking the west highland way and car touring scotland. frankly i am very upset that it is going to alter in any way. i admit it had an air of faded elegance but it just seemed to work. loads of hot water perfectly decent bedrooms and a fantastic breakfast. god forbid they touch the drovers.
#7 Posted by Catherine Lamamy on 22 Feb 2019 at 16:58 PM
Nous avons effectué le West Highland Way en mai 2017 et nous avons énormément apprécié le style très cosy et chaleureux de cette petite auberge. Nous espérions une rénovation en gardant le style écossais d'époque. Le nouvel hôtel ne s'intègre pas du tout dans le style. Les façades en bous ne font pas écossais du tout et de p'us cela fait penser à ces grands hôtels pour touristes. C'est vraiment dommage que l'on autorise ce genre de constructions. Nous aimons énormément l'écosse parce que c'est encore un pays préservé du tourisme de masse. J'espère que cela restera comme cela
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