The one question I get asked the most is "where is your favourite place in the world". To be honest, I am not sure I have one BUT I do have places where I could happily breathe my last breath. Sonora Resort in Canada, The Royal Malewane in South Africa and The Four Seasons Tented Camp in Thailand too ... I think I can add another one now ... MUCH closer to home ... The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in Dornoch, Scotland.
Andrew Carnegie was the greatest philanthropist the world has ever seen ... in fact, here's the Leica article that has just gone up today (http://blog.leica-camera.com/):
For me “integrity” is one of the most important words in the English language. In a way, we all look for integrity in our decision-making process whether it be choosing a new friend or the brand of a new camera.
For the past few nights I have been staying in a castle in Scotland which was home to the greatest philanthropist this world has ever seen. Unlike the magnates of today who set up foundations where part of their fortunes (usually tax deductible) are placed, industrialist Andrew Carnegie – once the richest man in the world – made it his mission to give away every penny he ever earned. He amassed an amazing US$300 BILLION (in today’s terms) in his lifetime which was all donated to good causes … the building of libraries, music halls (Carnegie Hall in New York is one of the city’s great venues ) and universities. Andrew Carnegie had integrity.
He was a self-made man. Born in Dunfermline in Scotland in 1835, he was moved by his parents to Pennsylvania at the age of five. His first job paid was a paltry US$1.20 a week … but by the time he died in 1919 he was vastly richer than Croesus …
In 1897, his wife Louise gave birth to daughter Margaret. He then decided to buy a rundown estate in Dornoch, Scotland which became the family’s summer home. Finished in 1902 after 3 years of works, Skibo Castle was the most comfortable & contemporary dwelling in Great Britain. It boasted an indoor heated swimming pool, 9-hole golf course and of course an enormous stately home that hosted royalty, writers and fellow industrialists.
When Margaret died in 1981, the Castle was sold (with the proceeds going to charity, of course) and converted into a hotel. In 2004 it was acquired by its current owners and it is now – undoubtedly – the finest private members club in the world.
I have actually been staying in Mr Carnegie’s suite in the Castle – virtually untouched since the 20th century due to heritage conservation laws. The 3-roomed suite has many original features; his bed (I have been assured that the mattress has been changed though), wardrobes, a superb bathroom with unique bidet and enamel bath. The highlight though is a private balcony which offers views over the Dornoch Firth and the estate’s vast gardens.
The Championship golf course sees less than 3000 rounds played on it every year. The last three holes are the most memorable I have ever played. The swimming pool is very special indeed … a 25-metre stainless steel pool enclosed by an enormous Victorian conservatory.
Dornoch itself is located in the Highlands of Scotland and is just a few kilometers from famous whisky distilleries, for example Dalmore and Glenmoragie.
The scenery is breathtaking with deep green carpets of dense forest punctuated by glistening lochs …
I am lucky to have visited over five hundred luxury hotels & resorts in the past decade. The Carnegie Club is not a hotel but it offers the greatest service experience in surroundings that are unrivalled anywhere in the world.
For the first time since I have taken charge of my new Leica, I have felt intense pressure to do my subject justice … and bizarrely have been questioning my integrity as a photographer …
There we are ... Heaven.
Song of the Day: Nothing Compares to U - Prince and the NPG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMqM4kzkCu0
Weather: Rain or shine ... Edinburgh seems to have both today ...
Skibo Castle
the awesome swimming pool
THAT bidet
The original Carnegie bed
I wonder how many cheques were written here ...
With the delightful, wonderful, gorgeous and sweet AC ... and Master, Mr Peter Crome
21 bedrooms in the Castle ... 29 in Lodges around the 8,000 acre estate ...
