The Carnegie Club Golf House, Skibo Castle

Andrew Carnegie’s original course was reconstructed as an outstanding 18 hole championship links by Donald Steel and at its heart stood a derelict farm steading building which offered an opportunity for redevelopment.

Sited in spectacular scenery with views of the Struie hills and surrounded on three sides by the Dornoch estuary, the Clubhouse position was very special. In such a setting it was important that the building was self-effacing and taking its lead from the farm steading, a single storey courtyard layout was developed using stone from the downtakings.

Steadings have a narrow plan form and are essentially introspective and sheltering. The design followed these principles except for the lounges and dining rooms where large agricultural style openings were introduced to permit views of the adjacent 15^th and 18^th greens and the estuary. The simplicity of the geometry and the use of exposed masonry and an open trussed timber roof are immediately understood and evocative of the building’s origins.

In 2004, with the Club under new ownership, Maxwell and Company were asked to remodel the Clubhouse.

All areas of the building were enhanced. The courtyard was infilled and the men’s locker room was relocated to it, freeing space for expansion of the professional shop, and staff facilities. The lounges were extended and a new fully glazed bar area was added to take advantage of the magnificent location.

The Practice designed many of the interior fittings and furniture including the lockers, seats and the bar.

Skibo Castle - Clubhouse Article from golfclubatlas.com
21 May 2008

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