Beaufort Castle
Scottish Baronial:
Mr Wardrup, who had built Lochnish for the Earl of Stair, was called in; and in 1880 the building of Beaufort Castle began. Situated hard by the site of Castle Dounie on a high bank overlooking the Beauly, it dominated the country to the north and east, and is a fine example of a manner less appreciated now than fifty years ago. The many critics of its great size should remember that it was begun in a period when great properties were thought incomplete without great houses. Both sporting and agricultural rents were at about their peak.
Taken from: Lord Lovat 1871 - 1933. By Sir Francis Lindley.
The riding stables, carriage horses and garage, with the workshops (painting and plumbing) required further personnel, while the domestics at the castle seldom numbered less than twenty people who included laundry maids, stillroom maids, pantry maids and housemaids, three in the kitchen, a seamstress, the hen wife, the orra man to carry wood and coal, and Willie the Moon, who controlled the lighting system. My father, who enjoyed the measured phrase, used to say, " A man can keep a good cellar or a good butler, but he cannot keep both." Nor were there footmen at Beaufort, Mr Vickers (the best loader in Britain at the big shoots) presided, with Guardsman Grant (Uncle Hugh's batman) in the servants' hall. They preferred to be called ex-servicemen; and as such could set their hand to anything.
The red sandstone tower, a focal point in the golden countryside, transmits an air of profound tranquillity. In summertime, its long shadow reaches down to touch the river, which reflects the earth and sky. Perhaps that sense of perfection should be left where it belongs: to childhood memories. But I have the same feelings whenever I see Beaufort and I hope I always will.
Taken from: March Past. Lord Lovat (Shimi)
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