IntroductionCulzean Castle was built in 1777 for David, 10th Earl of Cassillis on a site associated with the Kennedy family since the late 14th Century. In the very top of the Castle, Eisenhower's holiday home now provides accommodation in six double bedrooms. With access by lift, the apartment is completely self-contained and separate from the rest of the Castle and offers a wonderfully special place to stay.
HistoryIn 1945, when the Marquess of Ailsa gave Culzean to the National Trust for Scotland, he asked that part of the Castle be given to General Eisenhower, for his lifetime, as a thank you from Scotland for commanding Scottish soldiers in the battle for Europe.
Eisenhower visited Culzean four times, once as President and finally during his retirement. He enjoyed golfing, painting and walking in the peace and quiet of Culzean's beautiful gardens, woodland and seashore. 'This is a place where I can relax', he wrote. An exhibition in the Castle tells something of Eisenhower's achievements and of his visits to Culzean.
Eisenhower allowed VIP visitors and his own friends to use the apartment. Following his death the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Heritage USA (who have given the Trust great financial support at Culzean) have made the apartment available for the enjoyment of a wider public. |
