No need to make reservations for Thanksgiving dinner in Dallas if you’re the extremely lucky winner of this truly unique opportunity at the 2015 Art Ball. Andrew Carnegie’s legendary home in the Scottish highlands will be your getaway for the holiday.
I’m A Great Scot! — Live Like A Royal At Skibo Castle* (Value: $10,000)
Castles and royal blue bloods have always gone hand-in-hand. However, Skibo Castle in the Scottish Highlands has become synonymous with the Who’s Who of history. Within its palatial grounds such names as Rudyard Kipling, Woodrow Wilson, Helen Keller, Herbert Asquith, the Rockefellers and King Edward VII have enjoyed a life that even the Downton Abbey set would relish.
Skibo Castle****
The castle was purchased by American industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1898, and he spent a fortune to improve the estate including its expansion from 16,000 square feet to over 60,000 square feet. The finished product epitomized the world’s finest architecture in a secluded setting on the shores of the Dornoch Firth. No wonder “Skibo’s name was originally Norse meaning ‘Fairyland of Peace’.” As Carnegie himself said, “Heaven itself is not so beautiful as Skibo.”
Over the years, Skibo eventually became a private, highly limited members club — The Carnegie Club. As guests drive down the beech-lined drive to the castle, it’s obviously that the best of the past has been magnificently married to the luxuries of the 21st century. Just imagine such activities** as horseback riding throughout the 7,500 acres, unforgettable golfing, fishing and shooting plus pampering at the spa. Then add old-world hospitality, luxurious accommodations, world-class service and state-of-the-arts conveniences.
No wonder it was the setting for the weddings of Madonna and Guy Ritchie, Sam Torrance and Suzanne Danielle and Robert Carlyle and Anastasia Shirley.
The winner of this package will not only be able to enjoy this remarkable lifestyle of Skibo with a companion, but they’ll be able to do it for Thanksgiving (November 26-29, 2015).***
* Curated by Elizabeth and Scott Kimple ** Charges for activities and spa treatments not included *** Trip must be taken from November 26-29, 2015 ****Photo provided by 2015 Art Ball