Heritage > British Castles

Culzean Castle

Saloon Anteroom

Small apartments such as this, situated next to a large reception room, were used for service. It retains its original chimneypiece and its former colour scheme was restored in 1976. The room is dominated by a full-length portrait shown here, by an unknown artist, of Sir Thomas Kennedy (1549-1602). He was known as Tutor of Cassillis since he was appointed guardian to his nephew, the 5th Earl, who was only a child at the time of his succession. At this time the Kennedy family was split into two rival branches, Cassillis and Bargany. Sir Thomas on the Cassillis side seems to have instigated the murder of Gilbert Kennedy of Bargany at Maybole in December 1601; five months later he himself was ambushed and murdered in the sand dunes as he rode from Greenan Castle to Ayr.

The inlaid satin wood table to the left of the fireplace is Sheraton; the interior is fitted as a dressing table. The painted chairs are of the same period and the commode is Continental, dating from the late 18th century. The mirror above is French Louis XV.

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