Résidence des Frères Barclay: Brecqhou's Fortress

Résidence des Frères Barclay, often called Brecqhou Castle, is the prominent feature of Brecqhou, a small island located just off the coast of Sark in the Channel Islands. This private island is owned by the Barclay brothers, Sir Frederick and the late Sir David Barclay, who acquired it in 1993.The castle, designed by Quinlan Terry, was constructed in the 1990s and is estimated to have cost between £30-60 million. It is built in a mock-Gothic style, featuring 100-foot high granite walls, battlements, two swimming pools, and even a helicopter pad. The stonework above the front door displays the family coat of arms and the motto “Aut agere aut mori” (Either do or die). At the back of the house, there are 22 cannons that are fired to mark special occasions. The interior boasts a banqueting room that is 80 meters long and has a gold-leaf ceiling. The walls of the castle are hand painted inspired by the Sistine Chapel.The island itself is small, only about 74 acres (30 hectares), and is separated from Sark by a narrow and treacherous passage called Le Goulliot. The Barclay brothers' presence on Brecqhou has been a source of contention with the government of Sark, particularly regarding the brothers' use of cars and helicopters, which are banned on Sark. Although visits to Brecqhou are rare, the castle can be viewed from various points on Sark, offering a glimpse into this intriguing and private island.