In this article, originally published in the July 2009 edition of theCastle, we look at some famous faces to visit a trio of castles from our portfolio…

In recent years there’s been an obvious and current obsession with all things celebrity. By definition, a celebrity is a widely-recognized or notable person who commands a high degree of public and media attention. Although we’ve experienced an overwhelming growth in all media forms in the past decade, which in turn has enhanced our ability to access information on the celebrities of our time, there are also identifiable iconic celebrity figures throughout the years.

Keen to experience the ultimate in decadence, the grandeur of castles has appealed to many celebrity figures over the centuries. From royalty to film stars, presidents to opera singers, the castle stay has enticed many into the comfort and privacy of its stone built walls.

Let us take you on a tour and guide you through a select few properties frequented by the celebrities, so you too can follow in their famous footsteps.

Thornbury Castle

Arguably one of Britain’s most famous kings has to be Henry VIII. Not content with one wife, during his lifetime he married 6 women. A mnemonic for the fates of Henry’s wives is “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived”.

Anne Boleyn was his second wife. Prior to her untimely demise, Anne and her king courted in properties throughout the country, one of which was Thornbury Castle.

Staying here in 1535, it has even been reported that Henry VIII actually owned the property at some point, but there is not enough historic evidence to support this suggestion. What we do know to be true is the royal couple enjoyed exploring the extensive grounds. The Privy and Goodly Gardens are in fact the oldest Tudor Gardens in England and within the grounds is its own vineyard from which Thornbury wines are produced. The grape harvest takes place late September or early October, depending on the weather during the summer months.

Whilst staying at the property, The Duke’s Bedchamber was the room of choice for King Henry and his queen. A deluxe four-poster bedchamber with a heavy wooden Tudor bed. In keeping with the uniqueness of rooms of that time, the unusual feature is the bathroom, which is hidden behind a wooden panelled wall and access is gained by turning the heavy brass crucifix.

Situated outside Bristol, Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor Castle in England to be open for accommodation. The compelling historic past of Thornbur,y with its royal connections, means it can merrily boast of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, offering you a stay in a room absolutely fitting of a king and queen!

www.celticcastles.com/castles/thornbury

Culzean Castle

The Kennedys are one of Scotland’s oldest families and Culzean Castle was their property from 1759. Over the centuries, the Kennedys transformed this original Medieval tower house into one of the grandest country houses in Ayrshire. One of the most significant additions to the property was a specially created guest flat located on the top floor of the castle. As a gesture of Scottish thanks for America’s support during World War II, the Kennedy Family dedicated this to a five star General of the United States army. During the second World War, General Eisenhower served as Supreme Commander of the Allied forces in Europe.  He was responsible for planning and supervising the successful invasion of France and Germany in 1944–45.

In November 1945, the magnanimous General Dwight D Eisenhower was invited by the family to accept his gift and visit the property. Along with members of his family, General Eisenhower stayed here several times and also lent it to his friends. He even visited during his time as President from 1953 to 1961.

During his retirement, he enjoyed painting and walking in the peace and tranquillity of Culzean’s grand gardens. Culzean Castle was donated by the Kennedys to The National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Heritage USA and, after Eisenhower’s death, they opened the apartment to a wider public, which is now known as the Eisenhower Apartment. The bedrooms are arranged around infamous architect, Robert Adam’s magnificent central oval staircase. Comprising six bedrooms, the property can accommodate up to twelve guests in comfort. With breath-taking superb panoramic views over the Firth of Clyde, the castle offers a haven in the midst of this stunning setting.  And one which we can concur with President Eisenhower when he famously wrote of Culzean, “This is a place I can relax.”

www.celticcastles.com/castles/culzean

Craig y Nos Castle

Adelina Patti may not be a name you have heard previously. In fact, you could be forgiven for wondering why I’ve included a ‘celebrity’ that you have no knowledge of. But the life of Adelina, who was a world famous opera singer at the turn of the 20th century, is the present day equivalent of a rags to riches triumph. Adela Juana Maria Patti was born February 19th 1843 in the Spanish city of Madrid. She was the fourth of six children and the family was relatively poor. Unusually for people of their social status, her parents were both involved in opera and decided the place to be for a showbusiness family just had to be the city that never sleeps. New York became their home in 1847.

At just 7 years old, Adelina made her first appearance on the stage. She never looked back. After several years of acting and dancing, in 1859, at the age of sixteen, she made her operatic debut as Donizetti’s Lucia and her vocal range, along with the sheer power of her voice won her critical acclaim. Her soprano voice appealed to all and operas by Italian composers such as Verdi and Rossini were performed with passion and a maturity beyond her years. After 10 years of operatic performances, world travel and public adoration, in 1871, she bought Craig-y-Nos, a large early Victorian house in South Wales. She paid £3,500 ($5,250), which in 1878 was a princely sum for a house.

In 1886 she married Ernesto Nicolini, an operatic tenor. They set about extending Craig-yNos, spending over £100,000 ($150,000); a phenomenal amount of money by today’s standards and, during the 1800’s, a real indication of the success of this once poor Spanish girl.

By the 1890’s Adelina Patti was one of the most famous women in the world and certainly one of the highest paid. This remarkable lady entertained royalty, heads of state and many famous contemporaries at Craig-y-Nos. The lasting monument that Adelina left behind to her beloved castle is the Patti Theatre, a Grade I Listed opera house. Opened on 18 July 1891, it holds an audience of up to 150 people. The theatre is the base for the Opera School of Wales and productions are staged in this historic building.

www.celticcastles.com/castles/craig-y-nos-castle