[1] The estate lies on the eastern shore of Loch Fyne, and the house is located close to the village of Cairndow.

Dating back to the 14th century and originally a Campbell property, the estate now covers more than 12,000 acres (4,900 ha) of rolling hills and landscaped parkland.

[citation needed] In 1810, when Sir Alexander Livingston-Campbell died, Ardkinglas was inherited by his cousin James Callander of Craigforth, who subsequently changed his name to Campbell and adopted the style of a baronet, although he was not entitled to do so.

[citation needed] In 1905 Ardkinglas was purchased by Sir Andrew Noble, an expert on ballistics and gunnery who was chairman of Lord Armstrong's artillery works in Newcastle.

Ardkinglas House was designed by architect Sir Robert Lorimer, and construction began in May 1906.

[citation needed] The Woodland Gardens, dating back to the 18th century, are open year-round with views of the exterior of Ardkinglas House and its backdrop onto Loch Fyne.

A single steam locomotive operated the line; rolling stock consisted of a two-seat open passenger carriage and several wagons.