Samantha Kane, who styles herself as Lady Carbisdale, has sold Carbisdale Castle, a historic property in the Scottish Highlands, to an American couple, Lance and Suzanne Holmquist. The Holmquists, who own Calypso sailing based in Florida, have established a company named Carbisdale Castle Estaes Ltd. for their new venture.
Kane, 66, purchased the 118-year-old castle near Ardgay in 2022 and has reportedly invested between £4 million and £5 million into its restoration, fulfilling a personal dream. She is believed to be the only person in the UK to have changed sex three times.
The new owners, Lance, 65, and Suzanne Holmquist, 50, have a connection to the restoration of the famous steamboat used in the 1951 film "The African Queen." While Suzanne Holmquist attended school in Glasgow, she identifies as American/British, and Lance Holmquist is American. The couple expressed excitement about their new chapter and becoming part of the local community.
"It’s such a beautiful building with a great history and the local people are wonderful," Suzanne Holmquist stated. "We are excited to become a part of the community. One day we hope to turn it into a hotel so all our loved ones and friends can come stay and we can make many new acquaintances."
Kane described the offer from the Holmquists as coming "out of the blue" and mentioned another interested party, a Canadian billionaire. She stated her decision was based on the Holmquists' shared vision and love for the castle. "It is important that I entrust Carbisdale to somebody who loves it. And they clearly do," Kane said. She noted that the castle had become her identity but that she decided it was best loved from a distance.
Mentioning a financial loss on the sale, Kane stated she had gained an incredible experience and many memories. She plans to return to her day job as a barrister in London and is considering projects in soccer and writing a book about her time at Carbisdale.
Kane also alluded to past difficulties with sections of the local community, expressing hope that the new owners would have a better experience. The purchase price for the castle was not disclosed.
