On the west coast of Scotland, one of our first stops was to Culzean, which seemed like a fantasy palace out here all alone. It is perched right on the edge of the Irish Sea and has nothing but forest all around.

Billed as the most visited National Trust property in Great Britain, it was built in the 1700’s, and is noted for its magnificent oval staircase and round drawing room. The furnishings were exquisite, with a dining room table seating 20, numerous original oils, priceless rugs, an extensive collection of marble statues and busts, Oriental inlaid cabinets, and many other refinements to make life bearable. The last Earl to live in the house was a bachelor who had 23 servants to just keep the household running. The cost of such an endeavor, together with the heavy inheritance taxes as estates pass from father to son has caused most to become a part of the National Trust and opened to the public. Culzean Castle can be used for private dinner parties, for weddings, and other social events—for a price, of course!

At the right is the entry gate to Culzean as Verna’s folks enter the grounds. 

At left, a view of the coast looking north from Culzean.

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