Words: Patrick
Skyfall Lodge encompasses all that is great about a traditional Scottish estate house. Eerie, dreich and a wee bit run-down, but still oozing charm and character, situated in the desolate moor of the Highlands. We’ll ignore the fact that the lodge set was actually custom-built for the film on Hankley Common near Elstead in Surrey, and that due to the volcanic explosion that took place during the fight scene, strewing rubble across the surrounding heather, staying here isn’t really an option. But when it comes to Scottish retreats, one is truly spoilt for choice. Here are 5 castles that put Skyfall to shame…
ACKERGILL
Perched on the most northerly tip of Great Britain, Ackergill Tower dates from 1476 and enjoys a history as rich as the countryside in which it sits.
AMHUINNSUIDHE CASTLE
A stunning castle and one of the finest sporting estates in Scotland. Along with its elegant public rooms and well-appointed bedrooms, the Castle is situated in a magnificent location, with amazing views to Taransay and the beaches of South Harris and the dramatic landscape., For more, visit www.amhuinnsuidhe.com
BALFOUR
Situated on Orkney, the Balfour Estate offers the world’s most northerly island castle available for exclusive use. With unrivalled 5 star luxury and commanding views over an outstanding wilderness of natural beauty, this is as close to perfect as you can imagine.
INVERLOCHY
Uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands, Inverlochy is a beautiful castle where every detail for your comfort and enjoyment has been carefully considered. This is right up James Bond’s street., For more, visit inverlochycastlehotel.com
ARDVERIKIE HOUSE
Ardverikie House, built in the Scottish baronial style in 1870, is one of the finest private houses in the Scottish highlands, with a three-mile private drive that winds past the largest inland beach in the country and round the loch. The house played host to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert for a whole month before she bought Balmoral., For more, visit www.ardverikie.com
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