VINTAGE CASTLES PALACES AND CARS

As the saying goes a man's home is his castle but in this case, it really is true. House prices in Spain and France remain dangerously over-priced, based on their historical average versus rents.This is a good measure to start with. It gauges fair value for properties in the same way that a price-to-earnings ratio does for a share on the stock market. In short, you divide the price by the annual earnings of a property then compare this against the average for the past 20 years....AMOR PATRIAE

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Revealing the world’s most incredible castles... that you can visit

Designed to shelter, impress and instil fear – the world’s most spectacular castles still mesmerise visitors and inspire as much awe as they did centuries ago.

Since the 11th century, across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, fortified structures were erected by monarchy, nobility and feudal landlords as a show of territorial power and to protect the stronghold.

Frequently surrounded by moats or taking advantage of high coastal lookouts, the most recognisable tower designs take their architectural influences from the Crusaders and Romans.

Early wooden structures were transformed into hardy stone landmarks but they were no match for gun-powder fuelled sieges of later centuries. Landscapes were littered with ruined shells, a haunting testament to their former glory.

However, by the 18th century castles were back in vogue and gave the affluent elite sprawling grounds to showcase their wealth, push design boundaries and to entertain society.

It’s these fairy-tale castles set in the vibrant mountains of Germany, the rugged wilds of Scotland and the romantic gardens of France, that draw in holidaymakers keen to live like a king or queen for a day like magnets. Read on to discover where you can fulfil your most regal fantasies.

Rugged beauty: This haunting castle dating back to the 13th century is a Scottish landmark standing on an island in the Highlands. Eilean Donan has been rebuilt several times and lay in ruins for 200 years during its history but since 1932, four generations of the MacRae family have lived in the castle. Not only can holidaymakers take day trips to tour the grounds, visitor centre, coffee shop and gift shop, but there is also an overnight option for romantics as there is a holiday cottage and apartments overlooking the address

Majestic icon: Conwy Castle in Aberconwy & Colwyn, North Wales, stands imposingly over the walled market town. Filled with lasting character, the medieval fortress was first constructed in 1283 for Edward I. It boasts eight towers and coastal views and is a sprawling location for day trippers to revel in its history

For the past 1,000 years Windsor Castle, in Berkshire, has been the royal residence for the UK’s monarchy. Tourists can visit the largest occupied castle in the world and see the state apartments that are home to the Royal Collection of art including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto. There’s also a chance to take in the elegant drawing rooms, semi-state rooms, St George’s Chapel and the largest dolls’ house in the world – Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House

Originally a wooden motte-and-bailey fortification erected for William the Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle survived attack in 1264, siege in 1642 and fire in 1871. The former home of Richard III has transformed completely over the years with stone replacing the wood and two imposing towers added in the 14th and 15th centuries. Nowadays, holidaymakers can step back in time and stay at the Knight’s Village with children able to learn sword skills and archery. Visitors can explore the Horrible Histories Maze, conquer the tower and ramparts and browse the state rooms, armoury and gaolhares

This Anglo-Norman castle was built in the 13th century but was remodelled in Victorian times. Visitors can discover the 1833 aesthetic of the library, gallery, drawing room and bedrooms at this Kilkenny Castle, which overlooks the River Nore in Ireland

This 900-year-old Norman stronghold is the stuff of fantasy and is the former residence of six of England’s medieval queens, as well as Henry VIII. Leeds Castle, in Kent, boasts 500 acres of parkland and gardens, a moat, falconry displays and a maze. Day visitors can meander through the enchanting grounds and dine at one of three restaurants

Described as the ‘key to England’ due to its close proximity to the continent and its important defence role for nine centuries, Dover Castle survived a long siege by Prince Louis of France in 1216. This iconic fortress has ramparts, a Roman lighthouse and an Anglo-Saxon church as well as an impressive tower. The medieval tunnels have been closed for conservation work but are due to reopen at the end of January 2017

Construction of the lavish Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley, France, began in 1535 for Francois I. Nowadays guests that visit the Unesco World Heritage site can stroll through the elegant rooms, take a boat ride or watch a horse and bird of prey show. The castle also hosts music festivals and other events throughout the year

Open every day of the year, Chateau de Chenonceau, in the Loire valley, has a picturesque courtyard, 16th century farm and flower gardens to wow visitors. Dating back to 1513, the castle houses a collection of Old Masters’ paintings including Murillo, Rubens and rare Flanders tapestries from the 16th century

This romantic Spanish castle set above two rivers near the Guadarrama mountains boasts spectacular views and is a popular tourist attraction due to its rich history and impressive art collection. El Acazar de Segovia, or Segovia castle, started off life as a Roman fort before it became a settlement during the Berber Almoravid dynasty and was repurposed by each succeeding reign. For almost two centuries it was a prison before King Charles III transformed it into an artillery school

Dating back to the 12th century but modified in the 14th, the Castle of Obidos is an imposing structure overlooking the walled Portuguese town of Obidos. Groups of guests can live out their medieval fantasies and stay the night

Despite never visiting Transylvania’s Bran Castle, Bram Stoker was able to conjure such a chilling depiction of the ruins that it still fascinates brave Dracula fans who flock to the site today to explore it. It began life in 1211 as a Teuton fort overlooking the Bran gorge then transformed by King Louis I in the 14th century into the castle we see today. It has been home to royals including Queen Maria of Romania in 1920

One of the world's most recognisable castles, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is said to have inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty and featured in The Great Escape and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The 19th century castle was built by Ludwig II of Bavaria but opened to the public after his death. Visitors can take guided tours around the impressive premises, which is perched on a hill overlooking Hohenschwangau village in southern Bavaria. It is particularly popular with tourists in the summer

Hohenzollern Castle in Swabia, Baden Wuerttemberg, Germany, dates back to the 11th century and sits 768ft high on the lofty Berg Hohenzollern mountain for all to admire. Transformed over the years, this elegant castle is one of Germany's most visited

A royal summer residence, Hohenschwangau Castle is a dreamy 19th century fortress set in picturesque Bavaria. The gothic style building has a swan motif throughout and overlooks lake Alpsee

Prague castle in the Czech Republic was the seat of power for the kings of Bohemia and dates back to the ninth century. The stunning building stands in the heart of the photogenic city and hosts summer festivals in the courtyard

With its striking black exterior, Matsumoto Castle, Japan, is known as Crows Castle and dates back to the 1500s. One of Japan's most complete castles, it has undergone renovations several times but was damaged by an earthquake in 2011. Tourists can still visit and explore its enchanting grounds

The traditional Christmas walk slashes family arguments by half, according to new research by the National Trust, which has unveiled its top 12 UK walks to take this Christmas. Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire (pictured) is one of the recommended walks

More than two thirds of people hail the annual Christmas Day walk as the perfect way to spend quality time together, topping other festive activities such as watching TV or preparing Christmas dinner. A visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire (pictured), features on the National Trust's '12 Walks of Christmas'

Visitors walk along the Oxford Bridge at Stowe in Buckinghamshire, a location deemed worth of being on the National Trust's winter walk short list

Sure to burn off a few calories gained over Christmas is a walk on Mam Tor in the Peak District (above), which the Trust said was a top 12 ramble

The National Trust has given the thumbs up to a circular walk at Botallack Mine in west Cornwall, which fans of the scenery in BBC One's Poldark are sure to love

Equally inspiring are the lofty ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset (above), which the National Trust honoured with a place on the list

Breath of fresh air: Box Hill on the North Downs in Surrey makes for a great winter walk, the National Trust said

Fantasy location: Jane Austen fans will recognise Lyme Park, Cheshire, which appeared as Pemberley in the popular BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The grounds are wonderful for a festive wander, the National Trust claims

Expect to be rewarded with dramatic scenery at Great Langdale Sticklebarn and the Langdales, Cumbria. A winter walk par excellence, according to the National Trust

For picture perfect wintry scenes, Brandelhow and Derwentwater provide a charming backdrop for a winter stroll in the Lake District

Wales is blessed with several stunning locations for hiking fans but Hafod y Llan, Snowdonia, is particulary good, according to the National Trust, which put it on its 12 walks round-up

For a bracing winter stroll, the Giant's Causeway in Ulster is a dream location - so no wonder it made the cut

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

For decades, the Florida mansion of William John Howey was a social hub

The lavish $2m Florida mansion built by a wealthy citrus farmer in the roaring twenties that can't find a buyer and now lies in ruin

The 20-bedroom mansion in Florida, which belonged to William John Howey, was completed in 1927
15,000 people flocked to the home when it opened as the owner put on a free open-air show
Now it sits empty, and police are regularly called because of break-ins
It is thought the current owners would demand $2million for it, and repairs would cost a further

For decades, the Florida mansion of William John Howey was a social hub.

When construction was completed in 1927, the businessman arranged for the entire New York Civic Opera Company to give a free outdoor performance to celebrate.

It attracted a crowd of 15,000, as the 100-strong ensemble delivered a performance that would be one of the highlights of the year.

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The 20-bedroom, 7,200 square foot building which people once flocked to in their droves now sits empty and is falling into disrepair

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When construction was completed in 1927, owner William John Howey arranged for the entire New York Civic Opera Company to give a free outdoor performance to celebrate

Enjoy a creepy virtual tour of a 20s tycoon's abandoned mansion

And yet now, in stark contrast, the 20-room, 7,200 square foot building which people once flocked to in their droves now sits empty.

The rooms which used to host society events laid on by the sociable Howey are now gathering dust and the mansion has fallen into disrepair - with little sign that a buyer will be found.

Police are regularly called to the home in Winter Haven because vandals have forced their way in - although the majority of the time these turn out to be history buffs or photographers.

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The rooms which used to host society events laid on by the sociable Howey are now gathering dust and the mansion has fallen into disrepair - with little sign that a buyer will be found

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Police are regularly called to the home in Winter Haven because vandals have forced their way in - although the majority of the time these turn out to be history buffs or photographers

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The house cost Howey $250,000 to build back in the 1920s - the equivalent of $3.2 million in today's money

It cost Howey - who made his fortune first as a land developer and then as the owner of a car business, before perfecting his citrus farming in Florida - $250,000 to build back in the 1920s. This is the equivalent of $3.2 million in today's money.

Howey died 11 years after the huge concert outside his new home, having suffered a heart attack at the age of 62, but his widow Mary Grace Hastings, continued to reside there until her death in 1981.

It was bought in 1984 by a buyer named Marvel Zona, along with her husband Jack, for around $400,000.

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The huge rooms were once a social hub in Florida, where businessman William John Howey lived for 11 years until his death in 1939

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Members of the public were given public tours, and in 2003, owner Marvel Zona approached Lake County officials with the idea of turning the home into a museum

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Attention to detail: Pictures taken inside the home show the former grandeur of the building, which was completed in 1927

With her husband's health failing - he died in 2000 - she took a $347,000 reverse mortgage, which was set to pay her a fixed income for life.

Members of the public were given public tours, and in 2003, Mrs Zona approached Lake County officials with the idea of turning the home into a museum.

But it was not eligible for state historic preservation grant funds because it was privately owned.

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The huge mansion, which now sits empty, was not eligible for state historic preservation grant funds because it was privately owned

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The house is currently in disrepair, and it is estimated that it would cost $1.5 million to carry out repairs, including installing air conditioning

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Owner Marvel Zona lost the home in 2008, unable to keep up payments on a $1.2 million adjustable rate mortgage which she took out two years previously

She lost the home in 2008, unable to keep up payments on a $1.2 million adjustable rate mortgage which she took out two years previously.

Since then there have been several offers for the home, but no one can afford it.

It is thought the current property owners will not settle for less than $2 million, and repairs to the house including the installation of air conditioning will cost an additional $1.5 million.

WILLIAM JOHN HOWEY: THE EXTRAORDINARY MAGNATE WHO HAD THE HOUSE BUILT

Howey was born in 1876 in Odin, Illinois. He began selling insurance at 16-years-old and by 1900 began developing land and towns for the railroad in Oklahoma.

He opened the Howey Motor Car Company in Kansas City in 1903, and after making seven Howey Cars, closed his business.

At age 31, he bought a large tract of land in Mexico and tried his hand at selling pineapple plantations, but the Mexican Revolution forced him out.

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Police are regularly called to the home in Winter Haven because vandals have forced their way in - although the majority of the time these turn out to be history buffs or photographers

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It is thought the current property owners will not settle for less than $2 million, and repairs to the house including the installation of air conditioning will cost an additional $1.5 million

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When construction was completed in 1927, owner William John Howey arranged for the entire New York Civic Opera Company to give a free outdoor performance to celebrate

It was in 1908 when Howey found himself in Winter Haven, Florida where he perfected his citrus farming and sales program techniques.

He believed that if he took raw land and controlled its development into mature citrus groves, he could guarantee investors a successful enterprise while making a profit on each step of citrus cultivation.

In 1914, he began buying land for $8 to $10 per acre and later sold them at $800 to $2000 per acre, cleared and planted with 48 citrus trees per acre.

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It is thought that new buyers will need to spend around $1.5 million carrying out repairs on the home, which was completed in 1927

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Haunting: The house gives a glimpse of life as it was in the 1920s, when the impressive mansion was first built

Howey also offered a no-risk guarantee: if the buyer signed up for his company to maintain the land as well but the land didn't turn a profit with a set amount of time, he would buy back the land for the original cost plus interest.

Buyers flocked to the town, many considering him Florida's greatest citrus developer. In 1917, he built the Bougainvillea, a two-story frame boarding house across from the future site of the Howey Mansion, to house the visiting investors.

By 1920, he had amassed nearly 60,000 raw acres, but the Bougainvillea burned to the ground that year. He opened the Floridan Hotel at the south end of town in 1924, and it soon became the social hub of the community.

The Floridan Hotel would later become a victim to 'the bomb', an economic boom that occurred in parts of Florida where movie production companies would pay cities to blow up buildings for their movies. It was blown up in 1994 for Hulk Hoganís Thunder in Paradise.

The Florida Land Boom tripled Howey's enterprises and the Town of Howey was incorporated on May 8, 1925. In 1927, the name was officially changed to Howey-in-the-Hills to reflect the location of the town in an area of rolling hills which he dubbed The Florida Alps.