The Story of Mar-a-Lago, the “Winter White House” – Core77

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Castles of the Realm


Marjorie Merriweather Post was once the wealthiest woman in the United States. The daughter of breakfast cereal magnate C.W. Post, she inherited the Postum Cereals Company after his death in 1914, when she was just 27; she subsequently attained a net worth of $250 million, about $5 billion in today’s dollars.

In 1924 she built a lavish estate called Mar-a-Lago on Palm Beach Island, Florida. The massive structure held 128 rooms spread over 110,000 square feet. It had 58 bedrooms, 33 b… (View original article)

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A Look Inside President Trump’s “White House North” – Core77

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Castles of the Realm


Happy President’s Day! Today we’ll take a look at what’s been unofficially dubbed White House North, President Trump’s New York residence that maintains a Secret Service detail due to members of his family living there.*

The Trump residence is a triplex that’s reportedly 30,000 square feet. I couldn’t find a floorplan of the actual penthouse, but did find a floorplan for what an average floor of Trump Tower looks like. Assuming the Trump residence spans the entire width of the buildi… (View original article)

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Good News from Bordeaux–More and Better Wines at Good Prices By John Mariani | The Huffington Post

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Castles of the Realm


I will readily admit to being a Francophile over a wide range of topics—history, art, architecture, land- and seacape, food and, not least, wine, which is something of a first love because when I was in my salad days it seemed appropriate to drink French wine, after getting over a transient infatuation with Mateus Rose, Blue Nun Liebfraumilch and Bolla Soave.

By the late 1970s, though, not only was more and more interesting wine coming in from Italy, but the California wine r… (View original article)

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The King and Queen of the castle: 50 years at Larnach Castle | Stuff.co.nz

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Castles of the Realm

The King and Queen of the castle: 50 years at Larnach Castle

HAMISH MCNEILLY

Last updated 05:00, February 26 2017

Supplied

It was a New Zealand road trip that ended with a young couple buying a castle.

In the summer of 1967 a pregnant Margaret Barker and her then husband Barry toured the South Island in a Combi van.

“It was the sixti… (View original article)

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Seven National Trust properties to visit | The Week Portfolio

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Castles of the Realm


With 775 miles of coastline, more than 248,000 hectares of land and upwards of 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments gardens and parks and nature reserves, the National Trust has a lot to offer.

From the stately to the snug, Europe’s largest conservation charity hosts properties that are both fascinating in their diversity and inspiring in their design. 

Here is our pick of the seven top places to visit.

Cliveden, Buckinghamshire Set on the banks of the Riv… (View original article)

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On the trail of Martin Luther through Germany | Strathspey and Badenoch Herald | Features | Travel

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Castles of the Realm


Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther, as well as Calvin, Zwingli, and our very own John Knox, changed the world for ever. These men not only over-threw the power, wealth and stranglehold of the Catholic Church, their Reformation changed society totally. No longer was the “man in the street” a mere pawn, he became empowered and ennobled.

Markt Square, Wittenburg

Martin Luther came from the Thuringia region of Germany, and the capital is the beautiful city of Erfurt…. (View original article)

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Welsh castle entrance will re-open to the public « Shropshire Star

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Castles of the Realm


PUBLISHED: February 24, 2017 11:29 Welsh castle entrance will re-open to the public
A closed-off castle entrance which at one time welcomed major figures in British and world history has been restored to its former glory and will soon re-open to the public, thanks to a half a million pound public appeal.

Loyal supporters of Powis Castle in Welshpool were asked to help raise £500,000 to restore the medieval castle’s crumbling East Front which was once the main, grand entran… (View original article)

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50 years today since Butler family signed over Kilkenny Castle

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Castles of the Realm

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The 24th of February 1967 was when the castle was sold for a sum of 50 pounds.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of Kilkenny Castle officially being signed over to the Irish State by the Butler family.

The 24th of February 1967 was when the castle was sold for a sum of £50.

Plans are afoot to mark the occasion at some point in the next number of months, with nothing definite confirmed yet.

… (View original article)

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Weekend Picks: The Tamworth Castle Quest | Central – ITV News

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Castles of the Realm

Tamworth Castle: Sat 25th – Sun 26 Feb 11:30 to 16:00

This weekend why not take part in Tamworth Castle’s exploration exercise and see if you’re up to a challenge?

While there you can explore the architecture of the unique building and quiz the characters you meet along the way.

There are prizes for winners but be careful who your trust on your journey, not everyone may be out to help!

You’ll need directions before you set off on your adventure,… (View original article)

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The Castle – 325 S. Bunker Hill Avenue – On Bunker Hill

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Castles of the Realm

The most haunting image of old Bunker Hill’s final days depicts a fenced off Victorian mansion awaiting its doom with “progress” looming in the background in the form of the Downtown’s first skyscraper, the Union Bank Building. The residence, affectionately known for years as “the Castle” and located at 325 S. Bunker Hill Avenue, was one of two residences on the Hill to escape the wrecking ball, only to meet an even more tragic end.

Located on Lot 16, Block L of the Mott Tract, … (View original article)

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