The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, situated in the Northern Highlights of Scotland, calls itself the country’s “best kept secret.”
The 8,000-acre property is home to a championship golf course, a spa, and 21 elegant guest rooms. It is also one of the most prestigious private members’ clubs in the UK.
The Carnegie Club was founded by one of the world’s first billionaires – American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie – who “spared no expense in transforming it into a millionaire’s playground,” according to the company.
Its 350 members include CEOs, oil tycoons, and Russian, Swiss, and Austrian aristocrats. Madonna even married Guy Ritchie at Skibo Castle in 2000.
It’s now looking for new people to join its ranks, a spokeswoman told us. Membership costs £8,000 ($10,400) per year, plus a one-off joining fee of a whopping £25,000 ($32,400). There’s also a rigorous joining process.
So what lies inside the doors of this secretive Scottish spot? Scroll down to see inside the exclusive, private Carnegie Club inside Skibo Castle.
Welcome to Skibo Castle, home to the private members' Carnegie Club.
It was founded by American industrialist, philanthropist, and one of the world's first billionaires Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie came to Skibo in 1898 and transformed the estate into what he considered to be "heaven on Earth."
It has called itself a "millionaire’s playground." Its members include CEOs, oil tycoons, and Russian, Swiss, and Austrian aristocrats.
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"Skibo's membership is 40% American, many of whom are business leaders, CEOs, and oil tycoons largely from Texas, Boston, and New York," the Club told Business Insider.
"There are a large proportion of American guests who have Scottish ancestry and have an interest in Scottish and British culture. The remaining percentage largely hail from Britain, many from London and surrounds, as well as Austrian aristocrats, Swiss and Russians."
Madonna even married Guy Ritchie at Skibo Castle in 2000.
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The club has also hosted the likes of Roosevelt and King Edward VIII over the years, and boasts historical features like a library of 2,500 original books.
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Membership to the exclusive club costs £8,000 per year, plus a one-off joining fee of a whopping £25,000.
A night at the castle costs at least an additional £1,280 per night for a large double room and inclusive food, drink, and activities.
The castle has 21 guest rooms, each with "its own distinct charm." Some have balconies and one ever have a private library hidden up a tower.
For larger groups and families, there are also 11 lodges throughout the grounds.
They feature open fires, private sun terraces, and panoramic views of the Dornoch Firth.
A stay at the castle begins with the sound of the resident bagpiper who "wakes you from your slumber."
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Breakfast — which includes the likes of locally smoked salmon or croissants baked fresh each morning by the Skibo pâtissier — is then served.
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The daily all-inclusive rate includes all food and drinks including teas, coffees, wines, champagne, and spirits by the glass. It means there are "no bills to sign while you are here," according to the Club.
Members can then enjoy a round of golf on the famous Carnegie Links...
Spend time at the shooting range...
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Take a ride on a Segway...
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Give falconry a go...
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And even try zorbing in the steel-framed glass-paned pool. There are also tennis courts, an archery range, and an opportunity for clay pigeon shooting.
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For something more relaxed, they can enjoy a relaxing swim and a spa treatment — such as a a luxurious hot stone treatment and full body massage — in the Skibo Spa.
Lunch is served in the Clubhouse. It has floor to ceiling windows, offering a pretty amazing view of the Dornoch Firth.
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The chefs are also willing to prepare members a packed lunch if they choose to venture further afield.
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The property has 8,000 acres, so there's lots of area to explore.
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This can be done on horseback, as the castle has a stable...
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...Or by boat, for a spot of fishing.
And don't worry about getting wet — the Club has a "room full of waxed Barbour jackets and boots for country walks."
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Some members appear to travel around by helicopter, however, which is another way to stay dry.
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After working up an appetite, members can enjoy an evening BBQ at the Clubhouse...
...or can eat dinner in the private dining room. They can also request "lodge service."
They often unwind with an aperitif — or a Skibo single malt.
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After dinner, there's often a "sing-song around the piano that goes on into the early hours," according to the Club.
While the Club usually keeps itself relatively secret, for a limited time it is looking to fill "a few coveted membership places."
For those who are interested, it won't be an easy process. Prospective members will be invited to stay for a "trial weekend" — starting from £2,100 per night — before applying. They will also be interviewed by the club’s membership committee for approval.
But the club promises it will be worth your while. These guys look pretty happy.
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"From the welcome tot at the door when you arrive to the cuddly hottie placed in your bed during turn-down service, from remembering your favourite drink to knowing how you like your eggs cooked in the morning, the staff at Skibo work to make every stay feel as special as it was your first visit," Carnegie says.