Scotland's historic Golf Coast
The picturesque ruins of Fenton Tower a 16th century fortification near North Berwick in East Lothian, have been transformed into 5 star de-luxe accommodation by New Yorker John Macaskill and local landowner Ian Simpson. The tower, which once provided a safe haven for King James VI and was later sacked by Cromwell during the Civil War waged against his son Charles I, had lain derelict and roofless for 250 years. Now, with the help of grant backing from the local council the two entrepreneurs, who once played among the ruins as children, have spent $3 million to create the ultimate in Scottish lodge accommodation for up to 12 guests. For their money they will have a helicopter landing pad, 7 foot thick walls, en-suite rooms, a Great Hall, an intimate vaulted stone dining room and underfloor heating in the cream-colored stone tower which overlooks 20 acres of private grounds and water.
They also have the services of chef manager Wayne Moran who is on hand to provide fine dining as well as breakfast. He will rustle up just a light snack or picnic or produce a luxurious evening banquet with fresh wild salmon or venison served with fine wines. Guests can also enjoy a nightcap of Fenton Tower's exclusive 25 Year single malt whisky from Glenfiddich. The owners bought a cask of the joyful liquid and had it specially bottled at the distillery. The distillery's Malt Master describes this particular nectar with glowing admiration as having "subtle oaky notes, depth of taste and vibrant finish". A lucky reader can win one of the numbered bottles of Fenton Tower Glenfiddich Special Reserve, valued at $360, by emailing name and address to office@whiskymag.com First name chosen after the closing date (June 19th 2002) wins!
Local newspaper the East Lothian Courier sees Fenton tower, once sacked by Cromwell and now restored at a cost of $3 million, as a historic "19th hole" for parties of American golfers, an exclusive venue for wedding parties and a perfect location for TV and film shoots. East Lothian which abuts the Firth of Forth is certainly a golfer's paradise. No less then 15 courses lie within 10 miles of the castle door, and 85 more within a 30 mile radius. The 2002 British Open is played just 3 miles away at Muirfield.
Muirfield is regarded by many as the best golf course in Britain and Ireland. Its sacrosanct 'Men Only' fairways are closely guarded by the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers who are notoriously picky about who plays there. Since the Club has been known to turn away even such luminaries of the sport as the late Payne Stewart, two time US Open Champion, what you score on the course is of less interest than how you get past the Club Secretary to play off at the first tee. Male visitors may be accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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