For The Love of Travel

Seven of our party took off today to explore ….first to the Robert Burns museum situated in the cobbled back streets of Mauchline where Robert Burns lived and worked btween 1784 and 1788, years widely regarded as being his most creative and productive period. This was the time that Burns established himself as a poet, leading to the publication of the famous “Kilmarnock Edition”.

Burns and his wife Jean Armour spent some time living in the building that is now the museum and it features a recreation of the room they lodged in. Full of rare collections, original objects and documents relating to Burns’ time, the museum also brings the Burns story up to date.

Visited the gorgeous Rowallan Castle, a courtyard house evolving over 4 centuries under the tenure of the Mure family, an ancient “lairdly residence that was transformed into a Renaissance home”. The Mures of Rowallan were the epitome of the polymath culture of the 16th and 17C. Now has pride of place within a stunning golfing estate; tours by private appointment.

 Wildings @ Maidens – sensational lunch of hake and salmon chowder, followed by mignon of lamb in a pepper sauce…delicious!!

Culzean Castle was amazing! This was Robert Adams last commission (he also designed Dumfries House that we saw the other day).  Perched sensationally on precipitous cave-riddled cliffs of Culzean Bay, the Castle could belong to the stuff of legend, with its bold circular tower and crenellated silouhette set against a forest backdrop. It symbolises on the one hand the ancient power of the Kennedy family and on the other, their cultural presence in late 18thC Scotland. This romantic and powerful statement is Robert Adam’s masterpiece and the most complete example of his “Castle Style”. The oval staircase is magnificent.  Designed in 1776 and completed in 1792, the Castle was created for the 10th Earl of Cassillis. There’s an apartment at the top of the castle where US President Dwight D Eisenhower used to come to relax. The Eisenhower hotel is now available for bookings and only guests can climb the oval staircase to the top floor! You can stay in the Eisenhower suite for £375 a night and for less in one of the other 5 apartments.

Surrounded by an extensive estate encompassing lush woodland, landscaped gardens and rugged coastline, its worth exploring over a few hours. 

Today, Janice kindly made 2 car runs to Dumfries House to drop her guests off at this splendid estate.

William Crichton Dumfries, 5th Earl of Dumfries, commissioned a country house to be built in rolling farmland to the west of Cumnock. Architects selected were the Adams brothers, whose fame would eclipse that of their father, William. Completed in 6 years by 1760, it contains a spectacular collection of 18thC furniture, with works by Thomas Chippendale, Francis Brodie, Alexander Peter and William Mathie. Dumfries House was the principal seat of residence of the 6th Earl of Dumfries for 35 years.

In 1793, Lady Elizabeth, daughter of the 6th Earl and sole heiress to the Dumfries estates and title, through marriage, united the Crichtons of Dumfries with the Stuarts of Bute. The Dumfries House and estates passed to the Stuart’s and became an integral part of the extensive Bute estates. 2 further Marquess’ of Bute inherited the house/estate and the last in the lineage, Dowager Marchioness of Bute, died at Dumfries in July 1993.

In 2007, Charles Prince of Wales, led a consortium of charities and heritage bodies to buy the dilapidated house, its contents and estate  with a view to preserving it and making it to the public. And they have done a great job.

 The House is sumptuously and tastefully decorated and the Old Walled Garden is lovely to stroll through to enjoy the beautiful flower displays. 

                                                                                                         It just so happened that Prince Charles was visiting his home that weekend and a ‘Fun Dog Show’ was on at the same time. Hannah is a massive fan, was in attendance and managed to snap some pics of His Highness…