Purity reigns supreme at Turnberry, where the charm of Turnberry Lighthouse and the enormity of the distant Ailsa Craig (an island of granite once mined for curling stones) harness a unique ambiguity; most certainly the framework for what golf fantasies are made of. The majestic course itself serves as the most blissful of distractions for golfers trekking its 7,211 yards.

The greatest in the game have long championed Turnberry’s place among the world’s elite, and with just cause. Home to three previous Open Championships, the venue will once again assume this familiar role for the 2009 Open Championship.

It’s hard to imagine that the historic red-tile roofs that contain Turnberry’s spirit could use some sprucing. However, Leisurecorp, the Dubai World investment company that recently acquired the Turnberry Resort through a £55 million transaction, is halfway through a £30 million refurbishment of the legendary property ahead of the Open Championship in July.

While Turnberry is under renovation, golfers searching for a place to nest between tee times in the Troon/Ayrshire vicinity can explore another option in the form of historic exclusive-use venues like Hillhouse. A 10-bedroom Georgian country manor, Hillhouse boasts Ritz-Carlton-caliber touches whilst harnessing privacy and affording the leisure to roam about the entire property as if it were your own. The nearby town of Ayrshire provides an array of dining and entertainment. Stop by the Wheatsheaf Inn for true Scottish cuisine with meat pies and haggis done right.