Skibo Castle, SCOTLAND
Airing Date: Oct 21st, 2002
When staying at Skibo Castle guests are often overwhelmed by the enormity of the castle. One bathroom is so big that it has a billiard table in it and as for the dressing rooms theyre about the size of your average living room.
A century ago steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie made Skibo a rich mans fortress and today it is The Carnegie Club or holiday fortress for an international clan of the famous, the powerful and the downright wealthy.
Originally Andrew Carnegie was a poor man but he went on to become very wealthy and poured a portion of his fortune into Skibo Castle.
Being a good Scotsman Andrew was very careful with his money and when it came to furnishing Skibo he wanted old masters not originals his theory was why buy an original when a perfectly good copy would do?
Upon arrival the host gives every guest a personalised Carnegie tour. Being in the castle is like being in a museum except you can touch things.
Things are pretty much the way they were in Carnegies days and the library is absolutely staggering as it is full of first editions.
A castle isnt complete without an estate and Skibos is perfect for country pursuits like horse riding, shooting and falconing. During spring and summer fly-fishing is a popular past time at Skibo.
There are two lochs on the property and they enjoy a constant flow of sea trout, brown trout and salmon. One of the biggest fish caught in the loch is a five and a half pound brown trout.
When holidaying in Scotland youd expect to be able to find a golf course and Skibo houses an 18 hole course.
It is open for play exclusively for guests but make sure you make the most of your round as people can only visit Skibo as a guest once.
To return you would have to join the Carnegie Club which is a group so exclusive that the members names are kept confidential.
The annual fee for club members is about $8,000 so start saving.
All guides, food, drinks and anything you can think of is included in the price of your stay but be warned living like a lord doesnt come cheap.
The Facts
Thai Airways International flies to London daily. Their UK Europe Dollar Deals connect to Edinburgh with British Midland. Return prices start from $2029 return from Sydney and $1910 from Perth. Includes govt. taxes and other surcharges Conditions apply.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
If you are a member of the Carnegie Club a night at the castle will cost from $1,500 per night per couple but for non-members it is from $2,200 per couple per night, including free drinks.
Skibo Castle
Tel: 0011 44 1862 894600 (international)
Rufflets
Tel: 0011 44 1334 460890 (international)
British Tourist Authority
Tel: 02 9377 4400
