Like a storybook castle, this fantastic example of Robert Adam's genius stands dramatically on a cliff with superb views across the sea to the mountains of the Island of Arran.

Between 1777 and 1792 Adam converted an old fortified towercastle for David Kennedy, the 10th Earl of Cassillis, creating at Culzean (pronounced "Cullane") probably the finest Georgian castle in Scotland. Its Circular Saloon and Oval Staircase are acknowledged as Adam's final masterpiece.

The castle, beautifully preserved with its original Georgian decoration, is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public.

In 1945 the 5th Marquis of Ailsa gave Culzean Castle to the NTS, Scotland's leading conservation charity.

The Marquis requested that the top floor of the Castle be converted into a self-contained apartment and offered to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, for his lifetime tenancy, as a gesture of thanks from the people of Scotland, for his part in commanding Scottish Troops in the Battle of Europe. General Eisenhower took up residence at Culzean for the first time in the autumn of 1946, flying into Prestwick Airport on 1st October.

His longest stay was during his retirement when he enjoyed painting and walking in the peace and quiet of Culzean's beautiful gardens, woodland and shore, as well as playing golf nearby.

General Eisenhower was accompanied on this occasion by Mrs Eisenhower, their son John D Eisenhower and Mrs Eisenhower's Mother Mrs John Sheldon Doud. 'Ike' visited a further three times, once during his second term as President of the United States, when Culzean became his Scottish 'White house'.

He wrote of Culzean, "This is a place I can relax."