Inside the 13th century Irish castle named the world's BEST hotel

 

 

 

 

 

65th floor apartment on Billionaire's Row is yours for $150,000-A-MONTH making it the city's most expensive rental home The 4,500sq-ft apartment boasts 11ft high ceilings and views over the entirety of Central Park and Midtown Comes with three bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and huge open-plan living and dining space But it will not be furnished, so removal men are likely to have quite a job getting up to 65th floor property It will come as news to nobody that it is expensive to live in New York, but even seasoned veterans of the Big Apple real estate market might have to double-take at the city's latest offering. That's because an apartment on New York's new Billionaire's Row has just gone up for rent for $150,000 per month - and the new tenants won't even get furniture thrown in. The 4,500sq-ft pad is on the 65ft floor of One57, the periscope-like glass skyscraper designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc which is just one of several exclusive apartment blocks currently springing up along 57th Street, now dubbed Billionaire's Row. Scroll down for video +15 New York's most expensive rental property has just appeared on the market and can be yours provided you are able to fork out $150,000-a-month for the 4,500sq-ft property in the new One57 tower +15 The apartment features three bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and windows which stretch more than 11ft from the floor to the ceiling, giving views over the whole of Central Park +15 Despite the lofty price tag the apartment comes without furniture, though does include state-of-the-art appliances and fittings +15 The interior of the apartment was designed by Duch-born, Harvard educated architect Thomas Juul-Hansen and features a rosewood floor and hand carved cabinets in the kitchen +15 As well as this kitchen in the apartment itself, the new tenants will have access to a caterer's kitchen for evenings of entertaining +15 Each bedroom comes with its own en-suite bathroom, each containing marble showers and soaking tubs, including the master bedroom (pictured) which is positioned on the south east corner The penthouse at the top of the tower has already smashed records for the most expensive family home in New York after selling earlier this year for a staggering $100.5million. Now the 65th floor apartment, which boasts three bedrooms, each one adjoined to a bathroom with marbled showers and soaking tubs, plus a fully-equipped kitchen and floor-to ceiling windows giving views over the length of Central Park and Midtown. The interior, which features 11ft high ceilings and a rosewood floor arranged in a French herringbone pattern, has been designed by Dutch-born, Harvard educated architect Thomas Juul-Hansen who is currently heading up projects across Midtown, Chelsea and the Upper East Side. While the apartment comes without a stick of furniture - the decor in these pictures having been added using computer graphics - it is fitted with state-of-the-art appliances and fixtures, including hand-carved cabinets in the kitchen. +15 This new apartment's sky-high rent is not the first time the One57 tower has broken records. In January the two-story penthouse became the most expensive apartment in the city when it sold for $100.5million +15 One57 is just the first of six high-rise apartment blocks being constructed along 57th street, which has been dubbed Billionaire's Row +15 While One57 is the only apartment block to be completed at the moment, a second taller one, 432Park, is due to be finished later this year +15 Both the One57 and 432Park towers will eventually be exceeded by the Nordstrom Tower, which will be taller than One World Trade Center While that might be enough to ensure you never want to leave your apartment again, residents also enjoy access to a yoga studio, full fitness center and the swimming pool inside the five-star Hyatt hotel which occupies the bottom 25 floors of the tower. There is also a caterer's kitchen available, for nights of entertaining, along with an event room, a concierge service, and a 24-hour doorman. Whoever decides to rent the apartment will certainly be joined by a selection of prestigious neighbors once a selection of new skyscrapers along 57st Street are completed by 2030. The tallest will be the Nordstrom Tower which is expected to top out at 1,570ft at the parapet, 15 stories higher than One World Trade Center, which is currently New York's highest building and the forth highest structure in the world.   +15 The huge living room features 11ft high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spectacular views over Central Park and Midtown +15 Whoever moves into the apartment is likely to be joined in short order by prestigious company. Saudi real estate billionaire Fawaz Al Hokair has already bought the penthouse of nearby 432 Park tower for $95million Another building currently under construction along 57th is 432 Park, which is nearing completion, and will be the tallest residential building in the city before being overtaken by Nordstrom. The $95million penthouse at the top of that tower, on the 96th floor, has already been bought by Saudi real estate billionaire Fawaz Al Hokair, who is believed to have purchased the property two years ago. That apartment includes 8,255sq-ft of space, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, heated bathroom floors and a wood-burning fireplace. +15 Whoever decides to rent the new apartment will get themselves 4,500sq-ft 65 stories above Central Park in the new One57 tower +15 +15 Designed by French architect Christian de Portzamparc, the periscope-like One57 building is just the first of six new high-rises set to dominate the skyline at the south end of Central Park

Inside the 13th century Irish castle named the world's BEST hotel The five-star Ashford Castle received the top gong from Virtuoso, a network of international travel agents Located on Ireland's second largest lake, the hotel is set on 350 acres of stunning land in County Mayo The dining room and bar were named for King George V, one of Ashford's famous guests over the years An Irish castle that dates back to the 13th century has been named the world’s best hotel by luxury travel agents around the globe. Set on 350 acres of stunning land in western Ireland, the five-star Ashford Castle received the top gong at an annual awards event held by Virtuoso, a network of international travel agents. Ashford, one of Ireland’s oldest castles, boasts elegant designs and recently reopened to the public after undergoing a €67million (£50million) renovation. Scroll down for video +20 Set on 350 acres of stunning land in western Ireland, the five-star Ashford Castle has been named the best hotel in the world +20 Ashford Castle was named the world's best hotel at an annual awards event held by Virtuoso, a network of international travel agents +20 Ashford boasts elegant designs and recently reopened to the public after undergoing a €67million (£50million) renovation +20 The hotel's resident owl, Dingle, can be rented to be a key player in that special moment of a wedding proposal Located on the banks of Lough Corrib – Ireland’s second largest lake – in County Mayo, the medieval castle has 82 extravagant guest rooms and is home to Ireland’s first falconry school. RELATED ARTICLES With such extravagance and extraordinary amenities, a night at Ashford Castle doesn’t come cheap. Standard guest rooms can be rented from €500 (£350) a night at peak season, while the presidential suite is available for a staggering €2,500 (£1,800) a night. +20 The tradition of afternoon tea, served in the Connaught Room, has been preserved at Ashford Castle since 1868 +20 Ashford Castle's junior suites boast magnificent bathtubs, Voya toiletries and a selection of soaps from perfumeries +20 Ashford Castle recently added a 32-seat cinema and plush billiards room, where guests can relax with a glass of their favourite tipple Ashford Castle in Ireland named the world's best hotel   Located in the oldest wind of the castle, the split-level room has an original fireplace, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling views of Lough Corrib, plus portrait art, chandeliers and a four-poster bed sourced from Christie’s. Set on a sprawling wooded estate 35 miles northeast of Galway, the hotel – once owned by the Guinness family – has hosted royalty, dignitaries and A-list celebrities over the years. The original property was founded by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family in 1228 and has a guestbook which reads like a who’s who.   The Presidential Suite at Ashford Castle costs £2,000 a night, while Dingle the owl can deliver the engagement ring on the special day +20 In honour of King George V's visit in 1906, the Guinness family built a special dining room which still bears his name +20 Cullen's at the Cottage is just a short stroll over the bridge from the castle, with dishes inspired by owner Beatrice Tollman Stars such as John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara have stayed in the castle’s only turret rooms, and other guests include King George V, US President Ronald Reagan (the presidential suite is named after him), Beatles star John Lennon and actor Brad Pitt. Guests can take part in archery or clay pigeon shooting, go for a round of golf, fish in the lough or ride horses along the water. Or they can learn to command a Harris hawk around the grounds with a raptor expert by their side, or meet Dingle the resident owl, who is trained to deliver engagement rings or love letters.   Located on the banks of Lough Corrib - Ireland's second largest lake - the medieval castle has 82 extravagant guest rooms +20 Guests can take part in archery or clay pigeon shooting, go for a round of golf, fish in the lough or ride horses along the water   Ashford Castle has hosted royalty, dignitaries and celebrities, including King George V, US President Ronald Reagan and actor Brad Pitt This is the latest award for Ashford Castle’s growing trophy case. Earlier this year it was named the world’s third best hotel by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. This comes on the heels of a massive refurbishment of all 82 guest rooms, an overhaul of the building’s infrastructure, including stonework, windows and roofs, and modern updates such as a spa, air conditioning and wifi. The hotel emerged from receivership in 2013 after Red Carnation Hotels paid €20million for the resort and helped secure its future. +20 The hotel's bar was built in the late 1800s especially for the visit of the Prince of Wales, who subsequently became King George V     +At peak season, the presidential suite (left) is available for a staggering €2,500 a night, while staterooms (right) are €1,375 a night +20 Ashford Castle is home to the oldest established falconry school in Ireland, with guests being offered the chance to fly a Harris hawk Drone footage shows off the gorgeous grounds of Ashford Castle   Niall Rochford, Ashford Castle’s general manager, said in a statement: ‘On behalf of Ashford Castle and Red Carnation Hotels we are thrilled to have been awarded one of the luxury travel industry’s top awards, Virtuoso Hotel of the Year. ‘It is fantastic recognition of the exciting journey Ashford Castle has been on over the last few years and all the hard work that has gone into the $75million restoration by the Tollman family and all the team at Ashford. ‘The three-year programme, much of which was carried out by local craftspeople, has seen Ashford Castle restored as one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels as well as one of the best in the world. ‘It is also an endorsement of the training, development and investment in staff which has enabled us to offer even greater attentive and highly personalised service.’

A home that towers above the rest! Scotland's 'most-haunted' site mysteriously crumbles

 

 

 

 

A home that towers above the rest! Space-age property has 360-degree views, fingerprint entry and a beer dispenser in the sofa Jono Williams, 28, designed and built the steel tower, located in a forest in Linton, New Zealand Tower has a queen size bed, wireless sound system, solar power and other features controlled by an app Mr Williams spent $50,000 (£32,000) on materials and worked on the Skysphere for 3,000 hours This space-age home that was custom built in a forest is the perfect place to get away from it all – or throw a memorable party for a friends. Known as the Skysphere, the solar-powered home offers a 360-degree view of the countryside and a number of slick features that are controlled by a smartphone app. Jono Williams designed and built the impressive steel tower, which has a queen size bed, display screens, LED mood lighting, a wireless sound system and a couch with a built-in refrigerated beer dispenser. Scroll down for video +11 Known as the Skysphere, the solar-powered home offers a 360-degree view of the countryside and a number of slick features +11 Jono Williams designed and built the impressive steel tower, which has a couch with a built-in refrigerated beer dispenser +11 The unusual home has a queen size bed, display screens, LED mood lighting and a wireless sound system Set in Linton, New Zealand, north of the capital of Wellington, the home is the ultimate man cave, but it could one day serve as a model for holiday homes. Mr Williams, 28, told MailOnline Travel he has been contacted by people who want one of their own for their personal use or to rent to holidaymakers. After coming up with the idea over a few beers with a friend, the plastics engineer spent $50,000 (£32,000) on materials and worked on the Skysphere for 3,000 hours before it was completed. The entire project was documented on his website. +11 Jono Williams (pictured inside the Skysphere) uses a smartphone app to control the lighting and fingerprint entry +11 The home is the ultimate man cave for Mr Williams, but it could one day serve as a model for holiday homes +11 Mr Williams, 28, said he has been contacted by people who want one of their own for their personal use or to rent to holidaymakers +11 Mr Williams spent $50,000 (£32,000) on materials and worked on the Skysphere for 3,000 hours before it was completed Man uses amazing electronics to have beer delivered in man cave To gain entry, Mr Williams scans his fingerprints to unlock the hatch, which opens to a ladder within a narrow steel column. He said the design can be configured to include a lift, as he used a rope and pulley system to hoist materials and furniture into the pod. It has no toilet or plumbing, but Mr Williams plans to build a small bathroom in the trees and said the second version may include running water and a toilet. For privacy, he toyed with the idea of installing electronic smart film overlay on the window – which is 6.5ft high with a circumference of 46ft – that would transform from opaque to transparent. However, he decided against it due to its high cost. +11 To gain entry, Mr Williams scans his fingerprints to unlock the hatch, which opens to a ladder within a narrow steel column +11 With no toilet or plumbing, Mr Williams plans to build a small bathroom in the trees and said a second tower could include running water +11 The design can be configured to include a lift; Mr Williams used a rope and pulley system to hoist materials and furniture into the pod   The Skysphere was constructed laying on its side, on rollers. ‘My boss found some rollers on the internet. So, I bought them and welded some frames up, then plonked the column on them, then welded everything on and rotated the tower as I went.’ It’s not the first time he’s constructed an extraordinary hangout. Four years ago he and a group of friends built a solar-powered treehouse with a heating, a bath, hammocks and a remote-control draw bridge.

Did GHOSTS cause this castle to collapse? Scotland's 'most-haunted' site mysteriously crumbles - with paranormal experts blaming spirits who were angry that it was about to be turned into flats Birkwood Castle in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, was formerly a psychiatric hospital and allegedly haunted by patients Historic building is being renovated as part of multi-million pound luxury hotel conversion which started last year But one of the walls fell down, collapsing with such force that nearby residents reported hearing an explosion Tom Robertson thinks ghosts might be upset after being evicted, adding: 'They might be taking a hand in matters' The mysterious crumbling of one of Britain's 'most haunted' castles is due to angry spirits who objected to the building being turned into flats, paranormal experts believe. Historic Birkwood Castle, in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire was formerly used as a psychiatric hospital and is considered among paranormal circles to be one of the UK's most haunted places. The dilapidated buildings on the 86-acre estate, which dates back to 1860, are currently being renovated as part of a multi-million project to convert it into a boutique hotel and luxury housing. Scroll down for video +9 The mysterious crumbling of one of Britain's 'most haunted' castles is due to angry spirits who were against the property being turned into flats, paranormal experts believe   Historic Birkwood Castle (left and right), in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, which was formerly used as a family home and a psychiatric hospital, is rumoured to be one of the UK's most haunted places +9 The dilapidated buildings on the 86-acre estate, which date back to 1860, were being renovated as part of a multi-million project to turn it into a boutique hotel and luxury housing Take a virtual tour through Birkwood Castle Hospital   But the plans have been thrown into jeopardy after parts of the building fell down, collapsing with such force that nearby residents reported hearing an explosion. Local paranormal experts have now suggested the partial collapse of the gothic mansion is linked to the reported 'ghost' activity onsite. Tom Robertson believes the ghosts might have forced the wall to fall down because they were being evicted from their home. He said: 'It might have been the ghosts reputedly haunting the building taking a hand in matters to prevent the work going ahead or being angry at being disturbed.'  According to local folklore, the imposing property is home to the ghosts of former patients who were treated at the hospital. A number of people have reported supernatural occurrences at the castle, including the sighting of cigar-smoking spook and the spirit of a man stabbed through the throat. +9 But the plans have been thrown into doubt after parts of the building fell down, collapsing with such force that nearby residents reported hearing an explosion   Local paranormal experts have now suggested the partial collapse of the gothic mansion is linked to the reported 'ghost' activity onsite +9 Tom Robertson believes the ghosts might be angry because they were being evicted from their home There are also rumours of strange smells, lights turning themselves off and the sound of mysterious footsteps tramping up and down the empty corridors. Among the paranormal inhabitants, a boy called Michael is believed to stalk the grand spiral staircase where he fell and died. A young girl's voice has also reportedly been heard crying and singing from within empty rooms in other parts of the castle. And it has even been claimed the figure of a doctor who suffered a heart attack and died while working at the hospital has been seen at the huge, sash windows. +9 According to local folklore, the gothic house (pictured) is home to the ghosts of some of its former patients In 2013, 'Ghosthunters' Glasgow Paranormal Investigations filmed an episode of their series Haunted Planet TV there and said it was one of the most active locations in which they had filmed. The castle closed as a hospital in 2002, but plans were announced last year to bring it back to life as part of a £50million project by property tycoons Chris Naylor and Jo Lloyd. The developers want to regenerate the estate with the castle as a focal point. They hoped to finish the work - which would include a luxury hotel and apartments - by April 2016. Since the collapse, local politicians - including Clydesdale MSP Aileen Campbell and MP for the Lesmahagow area Lisa Cameron - have called for the rest of the building to be secured to prevent further collapses. SPOOKY GOINGS ON: THE FORMER PATIENTS WHO ROAM THROUGH HAUNTED BIRKWOOD CASTLE It has long been believed that Birkwood Castle is haunted by former patients who were treated there when it was used as a psychiatric hospital. A number of people have reported supernatural goings-on in the castle down through the years, with most of the stories involving sightings of ghostly children. According to local folklore, a boy called Michael is said to stalk the grand spiral staircase where he fell and died, while a young girl's voice has also been heard crying and singing from within empty rooms in other parts of the castle. Visitors and staff at the former hospital also reported smelling phantom cigar smoke, electrical disturbances and mysterious footsteps. And it has even been claimed the figure of a doctor who suffered a heart attack and died while working at the hospital has been seen at windows. In 2013, ghosthunters Glasgow Paranormal Investigations filmed an episode of their series Haunted Planet TV there with the crew saying it was one of the most active locations in which they had filmed.