Category: Castle design

Ever since I was young, I dreamt about what living in a castle would be like. Would I suddenly become royalty, with an arsenal of servants and noblemen to follow my every beck and call, of knights to fight for my honor? Would I suddenly be able to snap my fingers and summon a musician to play any tune I wanted, even if it was the instrumental to some Beyonce song? Could I rule the world?

Okay, okay. Admittedly, my delusions of grandeur as a child had never risen to such ridiculous heights. My fascination for castles didn’t come from fantasies about owning dragons Daenerys-style, or inciting epic wars in my honor. Rather, my reasoning is far more simple: I fell in love with the architecture, the Old World charm of these gallant fortresses. Castles feel like time capsules rooted in modern time, each and every one painting individual stories. Below are a collection of my favorite chateaus all across America.

Boldt Castle (SV – 22,200)

Location — Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, New York  

The story of the Boldt Castle is one entrenched in heartbreak. Beginning in 1900, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the prominent Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a dream project: a full size rhineland castle in Alexandria Bay, settled upon the gorgeous Heart Island—all for the love of his life, his wife Louise. Work on the castle begun immediately,  George excited to complete the stunning 6-story, 120 room castle, fashioned with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, the Alster tower for children to play, and a dove cote. However, tragedy struck in the middle of the project, Louise passing away unexpectedly. George subsequently fell into depression, abandoning the project and never returning to the island.

However,  the will to keep the project going irrespective remained, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquiring the property in 1977. Since then, several millions of dollars have gone into rehabilitation of the property.

Today, the Alster Tower is referred to as the Playhouse, with architecture inspired by a defense tower similar to those used on the Alster River in Germany.

Belvedere Castle (SV – 9,900)

Location – Central Park, New York

Named after the Italian meaning “beautiful view”, the words couldn’t be truer. With two balconies, a gorgeous panoramic view of the city is available, revealing iconic trademarks such as: the Delacorte Theater, the Great Lawn, the Turtle Pond, and the Ramble.

First conceived by Calvert Vaux in 1869, codesigner of Central Park, the castle was initially intended as a Victorian folly, sitting upon Vista Rock. And while providing incredible views to guests is a function the castle still does well, it also served another purpose: a station for for the U.S. Weather Bureau.

The current weather station in Central Park, an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) located just south of the castle, with wind equipment still being located in the main tower.

Additionally, the castle now serves as a visitor center and gift shop, with free family and community events such as birding and other natural history programs.

Hammond Castle (SV – 6,600)

Location – Gloucester, Massachusetts

Hammond Castle is a Medieval-style castle located in the fishing village of Gloucester, built by John Hays Hammond Jr. between 1926 and 1929. He was a prolific inventor and creator, and had even meritted himself the name “Father of Radio Control” for his extensive work in the field.

His creation, Hammond Castle, sits dreamily upon a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, bringing a unique blend of art, architectural elements, and culture (Hammond having spent time in both Africa and England as a child). He appreciated eras that spanned Ancient times, the Medieval period, and Renaissance. He purchased a collection of varied artifacts, and created his residence around grandiose stone archways, windows, wooden facades, and other Old World architectural elements. Because of this, guests can truly enjoy the essence of what Europe was thousands of years ago, without actually being there.

There are a plethora of gorgeous castles not only in the United States, but around the world, each with their own exotic history. And while you unfortunately cannot own the properties listed in this article, there are plenty of enchanting castles for sale in the USA.

 England’s architecture has certainly undergone myriad changes throughout the ages, and styles have often been shaped by notable shifts in social thinking. The Renaissance era, for example, witnessed a variety of architectural tastes throughout Europe, though England was slow to keep up, being quite fond of  Gothic traditions. While tracing Great Britain’s architectural history through monarchical figures is achievable, one can only go so far back in time before he runs the risk of making historical mistakes–the land’s beginnings are shrouded in mystery, and there have been many kings. However, distinct designs in lasting structures that were directly influenced by kings began gracing the landscape in the Middle Ages.

Buildings of the Middle Ages

In 1078, on the orders of William the Conqueror, the construction of the White Tower–a symbol of Norman dominance–was begun. Though its defining whitewash is all but gone, this building is today considered the “hall keep” of the Tower of London complex. The King’s College Chapel (Henry VI) was begun in 1446, witnessed the Wars of the Roses, and was finished in 1515 by Henry VIII. This classic example of late Gothic architecture also marks the beginning of a transitional period in building styles.

The 16th, 17th, and 18th Centuries

Under the rule of the Tudor monarchy, England found peace and prosperity. Architecture saw the final stages of Medieval design, and the development of more refined architecture, such as the depressed arch and fan vaulting. The King’s College Chapel, of course, is famous for its Tudor Arch.  There are many examples of Tudor and Elizabethan architecture throughout Great Britain, including Hampton Court Palace and Hardwick Hall.

In the 1600s, Palladianism, (based loosely on a philosophy centered around a 16th Century Italian architect named Andreas Palladio), inspired such English architects as Inigo Jones, who designed the Queen’s House in Greenwich for the wife of James I. Of the Classical styles, Palladian architecture is the most unremarkable, though it was easily ahead of its time.

In the 18th Century, England witnessed a new era and new styles when King George I and the Whigs took the throne. An example of implemented change may be found in Chiswick House, which may be considered Lord Burlington’s attempt to challenge the popularity of Baroque styles.

Buckingham Palace

Originally purchased by her husband, King George III in 1761, Queen Charlotte may have considered Buckingham House a comfortable place to raise her 15 children. Remodeling of what was then called “the Queen’s House” began in 1762. The estate has undergone several changes since then: in the 1820s, George IV demolished and replaced the north and south wings, and added the Marble Arch; after her marriage to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria added nurseries in the 1840s; the famous forecourt where the “Changing of the Guard” commences, as well as many gates and railings, was added around 1911, and in 1913, the Palace received a facelift to remove damage caused by soot.

Today, modern English architecture, like that demonstrated by such noted companies as HNW, is influenced a bit less by the tastes and whims of the British Monarchy. However, these organisations do a great deal to ensure  England’s history and varying architectural styles are not lost, but conserved, while being blended with the needs and preferences of an ever changing world. Ironically, it is in this way that the influence of the British monarchy can still be felt in British architecture.

 

As a mountainous country in the north of the island of Great Britain, Scotland is famous for many things as we’re sure many of you know that, but its marvelous medieval castles still remain at the top of our favourite list. Part of the country’s rich heritage, the Scottish castles fascinates thousands of visitors each year with their amazing architecture and long interesting histories, so no visit to Scotland would be complete without seeing at least one of them.

The range of style, sizes and features offered by Scottish castles is unsurpassed if we think that there were constructed around 3000 castles over 900 years as historical records say, probably more than any other country in Europe. Dating from the late medieval era, most of them are built on hills along natural waterways, by important trade crossroads, and near precarious approaches on cliffs, featuring massive stone towers with high curtain walls.

Their long and colorful histories are often told to be surrounded by pride, struggles, intriguing tales and secrets. Today,  Scottish castles are considered some of the most romantic destinations in Europe and perhaps in the world taking into consideration the breathtaking scenery where they are located.  Here you have a list which will take you round 7 amazing very popular examples, a true lesson in Scottish history and culture. We ensure your that the reality far surpasses the images.

Edinburgh Castle

• Located in Edinburgh City Center, it’s the most accessible of Scotland’s castles (in terms of travel time) showcasing most fantastic views of Edinburgh
• One of the most important fortresses in Scotland  which served as a royal residence
• It had a turbulent history, being involved in many historical conflicts from 14th century to 1745
• It hosts various events all year round to help visitors to discover its vast history
• Things to see: Great Hall, The Crown Room, Mons Meg (one of the world’s oldest cannons), The National War Museum Scotland, One o’ clock Gun, Prisons of War exhibition, Royal Palace, Scottish National War Memorial, etc.

 

Eilean Donan Castle

•  Set on an small island with majestic scenery, the shores of Loch Duich, it’s one of the most beautiful and photographed castles in Scotland
• Constructed in the mid of 13th century as a defence against Viking invaders, the castle have been built and re-built several times during centuries
• Things to see: Banqueting Hall, exhibitions, recreated kitchens, a small museum

 

Stirling Castle

• Located on a high volcanic rock and is a magnificent fortress
• It’s the most important Scottish castle in historical terms, a great symbol of Scottish independence
• It played a prominent part in the conflict between England and Scotland in the 13th and 14th centurie; its most famous battle is undoubtedly the Battle of Bannockburn
• It was the centre of art, culture and celebrity in the 16th century and once you got in, you step into a world of plots, passion, intrigue and high fashion of that times
• It hosts also various events
• Things to see: The Royal Palace, The Stirling Tapestries, The Chapel Royal, Regimental Museum, The Great Hall, The Palace Vaults, The Great Kitchens, Argyll’s Lodging, etc.

 

Urquhart Castle

• Located between Inverness and Fortwilliam, overlooking famous Loch Ness
• Although now it is a ruin, the castle was one of Scotland’s largest castles and one of the grandest and most impressive fortresses in Scotland and extremely popular among tourists nowadays
• It was held by noble families Durward, MacDonald and Grant and like many other castles, it has a bloody history from the 13th to 17th centuries
• Things to see: an outstanding array of medieval artefacts, kitchens and Great Hall, Gatehouse, The Grant Tower, etc.

 

Balmoral Castle

• It’s a magnificent property relatively modern, built around 1854 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
• It stands as a private home of the British Royal Family who visit it each autumn for around two months, as well as less formal visits throughout the year
• Each year thousands of people visit the castle’s fine gardens and woods, being impressed by its splendid wildlife and architecture
• Things to see: silver statues by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, Minton China and artefacts belonging to Kings and Queens throughout history, Art Exhibition, Carriage Hall Exhibition, Garden Cottage, etc.

 

Craigievar Castle

• Among scenic rolling foothills of the Grampian Mountains, this fairytale-like castle is an example of the best of Scottish Baronial architecture
• The castle is widely recognised as one of the best preserved and most authentic tower houses in Scotland
• After a major conservation project, it’s opened to public again
• Things to see: The Great Hall, a musicians gallery, a secret staircase connecting the high tower to the Great Hall, Queen’s Bedroom, servants’ quarters and of course several splendid plasterwork ceilings

 

Culzean Castle

• Originally dating from 1590, this unique castle is located on 600 acres of beautiful countryside with woodland walks, inviting sandy beaches, terraced gardens and charming follies,which create a romantic backdrop for modern events nowadays
• From 1759, it was the principal seat for the Scotland’s oldest families- The Kennedy Family
• During years, famous architects were commisioned to make improvements to the castle
• It can be visited during summer
• Things to see: The Library, The Dining Room The Oval Staircase, The Round Drawing Room, Lady Ailsa’s Boudoir, etc.