UK : The Duchess’ Club at Carbisdale Castle will be a living manifestation of female-empowerment. The Duchess of Sutherland—a Victorian woman who stood valiantly against the might of the Sutherland family, dukes, princes and even Queen Victoria—has and continues to be the inspiration for the current owner, Lady Carbisdale, in her restoration of the castle, a labour of love that ultimately saved the grand edifice from ruin.
Around a year ago, she announced the inauguration a club at the castle; she herself suffered from the prejudices of others, including gender discrimination, and a host of other biases levelled against women, which slowed down the process to start the club.
Lady Carbisdale is a respected barrister and businesswoman; she saw the need for an exclusive club dedicated to women leaders and their guests, a place where they can come and relax, a stunning Highland retreat, where they can enjoy the company of likeminded women.
Members will enjoy health and beauty therapies, massages, spa facilities, and business meeting and conference rooms, inspiration talks and mentoring for female empowerment. The first hundred members will be offered a fifty-percent discounted rate of £5,000, which will give them access to the castle, stay for themselves and their guests throughout the year, with a complementary two nights fully-inclusive stay. These hundred founder members will also be offered the opportunity to acquire shares in Carbisdale Castle Limited.
The castle boasts 23 breathtaking ensuite bedrooms, with stunning views from each of its 365 windows, and its own private loch, with respect to which there is currently a planning application to build ecotourism off-grid huts, accessible by hikers and cyclists. The castle will also benefit from the planned tiered gardens, spanning the hillside around it, upon which the castle majestically stands.
Lady Carbisdale hopes that she will have the support of all women worldwide, and be able to assist local women through the money generated by the club.
