In a surprising turn of events, a prominent businesswoman is putting her remarkable Highland castle on the market for £5 million.
The reason? She feels the local community isn’t quite ready for a transgender owner, a sentiment she expressed during a candid interview last night.
Samantha Kane, who prefers to be called Lady Carbisdale, shared that the ongoing negative remarks about her gender identity have made her feel isolated, almost as if she’s “landed on Mars.”
The Journey of Restoration
Lady Carbisdale, known for her significant contributions as a barrister, has dedicated substantial resources to restoring Carbisdale Castle, located near Bonar Bridge in Sutherland.
She purchased the historic 117-year-old estate in 2022, fulfilling her dream of becoming a “princess in her own fairytale.”
However, after transforming the castle into a stunning residence with 19 bedrooms and sprawling grounds—including its own loch—she believes it’s time for a new custodian to carry on her vision.
Community Challenges
Kane, who has made history as possibly the only person in the UK to have changed genders three times, expressed her concerns about the local perception of her ownership.
“It’s such a special place, but I did suffer some prejudice,” she noted, suggesting that perhaps the Highlands are not yet ready for a transgender owner.
Despite her love for the property and the community, she feels it may be better served with someone who fits more comfortably into the local expectations.
Impact of Online Criticism
Reflecting on her experience, she mentioned how hurtful comments on social media have taken a toll on her.
“When people sit in their bedrooms writing on social media, they need to understand the real effects those words can have,” Kane stated.
While she acknowledges that the community has many wonderful people, she believes the negative actions of a few have overshadowed the supportive majority.
Plans and Setbacks
Kane’s decision to sell comes after a tumultuous period marked by community backlash regarding her proposals for the castle’s future.
Last November, plans to bring surrounding land into public ownership led to significant anger among locals and even police involvement.
Additionally, earlier this year, she attempted to prevent a power company from constructing pylons near the castle, but her legal efforts were dismissed as incompetent by a sheriff.
A Focus on Preservation
Now, as she prepares to return to London, Kane is prioritizing the castle’s legacy over her personal feelings.
“I will not leave unless I know someone who shares my vision will ensure this castle is cherished and preserved,” she emphasized.
She recognizes the sadness of her situation but believes the castle’s interests should come first.
“In the interests of the castle, it will be best served with someone else at the helm,” she concluded.
What lies ahead for this iconic estate and its future owner remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the journey of Lady Carbisdale and her beloved castle is far from over.