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Scotland Wildest Dreams
at the tip of
beyond your
Ackergill Tower, a 15th century castle close to the very northernmost tip of Scotland, is so quintessentially perfect that it’s hard to believe the stones and mortar are not the stuff of dreams! And if those stones could talk what tales they could tell - of dastardly Dugald Keith and beautiful Helen Gunn, bloody battles and savage sieges, political intrigue and notorious ghosts. In 1845, Sir George Dunbar transformed the castle into the finest gentleman’s seat in the north of Scotland. It enjoyed a brief burst of glorious splendour as a base for extravagant hunting and shooting parties, but the high maintenance costs and hefty gambling debts led to its slow decline. Now sympathetically and lovingly restored to its former splendour the tower is once again playing host to those in search of adventure and romance, inspiration and celebration.
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Discover a corner of between the
heaven mountain s and the sea
Despite the fact that the formidable granite walls were originally built to keep visitors out, it’s now so comfortable and welcoming that guests find it almost impossible to leave. What was once a defensive stronghold has been transformed into a splendidly appointed Highland home that’s perfect for entertainment and celebration on a grand scale. The setting is as breath-taking as the interior is comfortable. Step out of one door and you are immediately walking on the shoreline of Sinclair’s Bay. Step out of the other and you are on the sweeping lawn, taking in panoramic views of the estate and hills beyond.
The extensive grounds include the heart shaped garden, the sundial lawn, the croquet lawn, the walled garden, the sunken garden, the tree house and the rifle range. There’s even the country’s northernmost opera house which still hosts atmospheric concerts and ceilidhs. There are three great golf courses on the doorstep, we have our own little harbour for kayaking, rib rides and deep sea fishing trips, and the estate includes its own loch full of fighting brown trout, with a cosy bothie for barbecues and drams!
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Let the
sound of the waves
lull you to sleep
Ackergill Tower still retains the feeling of a late Victorian gentlemen’s sporting retreat, yet boasts every 21st century luxury, combining stately tradition with contemporary comfort, and glorious isolation with lavish self-indulgence. Each of the 17 Castle, Baronial and Tower rooms in the main building has its own unique character - you’ll be surrounded by antique furnishings, rich fabrics, and deep carpets. Every room is ensuite and many have four poster beds, while toiletries by Asprey and Penhaligon’s add to the luxurious comfort. Keeper’s Cottage provides three cosy but spacious ensuite bedrooms with a comfortable sitting room just six yards from the beach. The Smiddy, originally the building where the horses were shod, is an idyllic cottage, complete with a large bedroom and bathroom. The two Sunshine and Seashore Cottages, as the names suggest, are right next to the beach, each offering a luxurious bedroom, bathroom, sitting room and self-catering facilities. The Beach House is a luxurious five bedroomed New England style cottage, again right on the shoreline. Self-contained and private, with its own kitchen, it’s ideal for short family breaks or longer stays.
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The finest food and drink will be yours in
abundance
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting fine produce - the local area boasts an abundance. You can enjoy the sweetest lamb and the most tender cuts of beef from nearby farms, the freshest fish and shellfish straight from the local quayside market, vegetables and herbs from local gardens, game of all kinds from neighbouring estates, as well as wild salmon and trout provided by local fishermen. With so much choice our Head Chef will discuss with you in advance what’s going to be in season so he can plan the best possible menus and serve the kind of dishes you and your guests most enjoy. Our resident sommelier keeps an excellent selection of the finest vintages in the cellar and will be delighted to select wines to complement every dish. There’s also a tempting selection of dining venues. No stay is complete without a grand banquet in the wood panelled Great Hall. You might also like to enjoy a barbecue in Helen’s Courtyard, or in our cosy bothy on the shores of Loch Killimster.
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A home built for hunting, shooting, fishing and
fun
This part of northern Scotland is a perfect playground for those with a sense of adventure and a love of the great outdoors.
The hunting, shooting and fishing is exceptional – everything from archery and clay pigeon shooting to deer stalking and grouse, pheasant, partridge ducks and geese. There’s abundant salmon and trout fishing, as well as sea fishing. You can even learn falconry. There are three great golf courses on the doorstep, excellent hiking and mountain biking, rib riding and horse riding, off-roading and kayaking, even helicopter trips. More sedate activities include cookery demonstrations, aromatherapy and massages, a visit to the nearby Old Pulteney Distillery, the Castle of Mey, former home of the Queen Mother, John O’Groats or a trip to the Orkney Islands. You also have to toast yourself around a beach bonfire. With a hot chocolate to warm the hands, the sounds of the bagpipes to stir your soul and a couple of drams to free your tongue it’s a uniquely Scottish experience that’s truly unforgettable.
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There’s Something for Everyone At Our Amazing Retreats: Whisky Tasting • Golf • Shooting • RIB rides • Hiking • Kayaking • Falconry • Cycling • Spa Treatments • Archery • Stalking • Fishing • Horse Riding • Climbing and Abseiling • Quad Riding Ackergill Tower, Wick
The Clarenco Collection
Kinnettles Castle, Dundee
Carberry Tower, Edinburgh
Clarenco’s collection of amazing retreats doesn’t end in Scotland. Our portfolio spans the entire country from our castles in Scotland down to Victorian sea forts in the Solent off Portsmouth. Each of our properties provides a personal escape from the everyday into a captivating world of history and luxury, indulgence and adventure. Our aim is to find unique and unusual properties and to refurbish these properties to a luxurious standard, and ultimately offering beautiful venues of distinction. We have a commitment to heritage, preservation, restoration and most importantly, consideration. Our ethos is to use and enhance whatever is already available as much as possible, preferring always to restore rather than renew. This gives us the opportunity to play an important part in safeguarding this country’s historical legacy. Clarenco is a privately owned company giving us full control over our portfolio ensuring that the highest standards of finish and levels of service are maintained to make your stay with us your most memorable ever.
INVERNESS
Plas Rhianfa, Anglesey 1867
DUNDEE
EDINBURGH
Stanbrook Abbey, Worcester
MANCHESTER
BIRMINGHAM
Bath Lodge Castle, Bath
BATH LONDON PORTSMOUTH
Spitbank Fort, Portsmouth BrochureAckergillCover.indd 3
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How to Find Us
Ackergill Tower, Wick, Caithness, Scotland KW1 4RG • 01955 603556 • ackergilltower.com
©2012 GOOGLE
By Road A road journey from Inverness takes approximately 2 hours (an additional 30 minutes if coming from the airport), but covers some of the most stunning countryside in the UK. Our team at Ackergill can advise on the route and suggest suitable stops to sample the Highlands hospitality and experience the views.
By Air Ackergill Tower is just five minutes from Wick Airport which now benefits from regular scheduled flights into Aberdeen or Edinburgh and then on to Wick - Flybe/Loganair from Edinburgh or Eastern Airways from Aberdeen. Helicopter Landing Coordinates: N58:28:04 W3:06:21
...amazing retreats in spectacular locations
Clarenco LLP, Clarenco House, Ibstone Road, Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire HP14 3FE 01494 682 682 • info@clarenco.com • clarenco.com
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