Hidden gem

Scotland is full of hidden gems and Mount Stuart house on the Isle of Bute must surely be the jewel in the crown.
 
Take the chapel made from white Carrera marble:
Its circular floor design is reminiscent of the Sistine chapel, and symbioses the elements of earth, air fire and water.
 
The chapel is reputed to have been inspired by the La Seo Cathedral in Saragossa, Spain, and it was commissioned by the 3rd Marquess in 1896 and completed 102 years later in 1998.
 
The exceptional design combines aspects of French, Spanish and Italian Gothic style, together forming the zenith of the Marquess' architectural vision. Tragically dying four years into its construction, he would never see his beloved chapel finished.
 
We spent  a day there and barely touched the 300 acres of gardens and woodlands.
 
Recently Mount Stuart has been in the news with the discovery of a copy of Shakespeare’s portfolios, printed in 1620. Only 200 copies still exist and most of them are in America
 
   
It raises the question: what other treasures have they got there still to be discovered?


   
Check out Mount Stuart