Stunning postcards from a century ago show the best of England’s ancient castles - with dungeons, moats and NO tourist information centres

• The postcard images, dating back to between 1890 and 1990, show some of the country's famous old castles
• They depict a peaceful scene at places such as Corfe, Bolsover and Dover where there are no tourists around

An insight into England’s castles before they became tourist hotspots has been provided by a collection of stunning postcards from more than a century ago.

The images show the famous strongholds sat peacefully in their idyllic and breathtaking locations across the country, from Dover to Durham.

Other places pictured include Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire, Corfe Castle in Dorset and Watermouth Castle in Ilfracombe.

The nostalgic snaps, of which the originals date from between 1890 and 1900, are evocative of a different era when the historic buildings had fewer visitors and information signs.

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Corfe Castle, standing on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, was built during William the Conquerer's era/ It left the Crown's control when Elizabeth I sold it to Sir Christopher Hatton

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Deal Castle in Kent played host to several battles during the Second English Civil War between 1648 and 1649, initially being seized by pro-Royalist insurgents, only to be retaken by Parliamentary forces after months of fighting, resulting in hundreds of deaths

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Bolsover Castle is one of the more recent constructions, having been built in the 17th Century. However, it stands on the site of an earlier castle erected in the 12th Century. The castle was a key location during the revolt of Richard the Lionheart and others against King Henry II's reign

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Dover Castle has been described as the 'Key to England' due to its defensive significance and location, on the south-easterly tip of Britain. The site is believed to have been fortified since as far back as AD43, but it took recognisable shape during the 12th Century

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Another of the newer castles in Britain, Kingsgate Castle was built in Margate, Essex, by Lord Holland. It was converted into private residences in the 1990s

All the ancient forts, many of which are now open to the public for a fun family day out in the sun, are of course steeped in some altogether more gruesome history.

For example, Hastings Castle, built shortly after the invasion of William the Conqueror in 1066, is home to the supposedly haunted ‘Whispering Dungeons’, which are supposedly haunted.

Deal Castle in Kent played host to several battles during the Second English Civil War between 1648 and 1649, initially being seized by pro-Royalist insurgents, only to be retaken by Parliamentary forces after months of fighting, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

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St. Philip's Church, located close Arundel Castle, now serves as Arundel Catherdral after it was awarded such status in 1965. Its construction owes much to the highly-ranking Howard family, who were the Duke of Norfolk in 1868

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Walmer Castle, in Kent, was originally constructed by Henry VIII between 1539 and 1540 as part of a programme to defend England against the French. Previous Lord Wardens include Sir Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother, but they did not make regular use of the castle

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The gateway at Lancaster Castle, which was originally used as a prison but was heavily damaged during a Scottish invasion between 1322 and 1389. It was heavily used for military purposes during the English Civil War when the Royalists made several attempts to recapture it from Parliamentarians

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It is said that during the Jacobite war that prisoners kept at Carlisle Castle were kept in such appalling conditions that they were reduced to licking the dungeon walls for moisture, now coined ‘licking stones’

It is said that during the Jacobite war that prisoners kept at Carlisle Castle were kept in such appalling conditions that they were reduced to licking the dungeon walls for moisture, now coined ‘licking stones’.

The dungeons of Warwick castle were equally unforgiving to their forsaken guests, where Earls of the time would throw French prisoners, most of whom were never seen again.

However, one of Warwick’s owners met an untimely end himself, Sir Fulke Greville was stabbed by a servant and died weeks after the incident having had his wounds treated with pig fat which then turned rancid and spread infection. His ghost is said to haunt the quarters in which he resided to this day.

Infamous California mansion that was once listed for $100million and dubbed too expensive to sell is finally bought for cut-rate price of $29.85million

• The de Guigne estate in Hillsborough, outside of San Francisco, has sold for a deeply discounted price after first hitting the market in 2013
• The sprawling estate on Crystal Springs Road is one of the largest privately-owned land parcels in the Peninsula with 47 plush acres
• The Mediterranean inspired estate is 16,000 square feet with three levels plus garage for 11 vehicles
• The original listing came with the caveat that the home's elderly owner could live there until he died
• The owner, Christian de Guigne IV, will now move out for the new owners

A San Francisco-area estate that was on the market in 2013 with a hefty $100million price tag has finally sold for a 70 percent discount.

The 47.4-acre de Guigne estate in Hillsborough, California has sold for $29.85million, far below its original ambitious asking price.

The gargantuan home at 891 Crystal Springs Road is known as Guignécourt and is just a short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge and the airport.

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The impressive mansion in Hillsborough, California, was first put up for sale by Christian de Guigne IV in 2013 for a massive $100million

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The estate comes with 47-acres of prime land, making it one of the largest privately owned parcels in the San Francisco area

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The house was built by French aristocrat Count Christian de Guigné, who reportedly gave it to his namesake son for his wedding present; his great-grandson, Christian de Guigne IV, is the present owner selling the home

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The classic Old World interiors were designed by renowned designer Anthony Hail; above the gallery hallway

Its peaceful and plush surroundings in one of the world's most bustling cities seemed like it would be a jewel any extremely wealthy person would love in his or her real estate portfolio, especially given its proximity to Silicon Valley.

But the 16,000-square-foot mansion, built in 1912 for Bay Area heir and businessman Christian de Guigne II, had a few quirks. For one, it was priced as one of the five most expensive homes in the country. 

Secondly, its 75-year-old owner, Christian de Guigne IV, who grew up in the fabulous house, wanted to be able to live there until he died while the new owners stayed away and picked up the cost $450,000 yearly cost of running the estate.

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The towering ceilings reach 20 feet in some places, and come with elaborately tiered crown molding and gold leaf trim in some rooms

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This room has a stunning view of the pool and the grounds and the crystal waters of the San Francisco Bay beyond

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The house comes with plenty of room to cook - a professional kitchen, pantry with pastry room, and two chef's quarters

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The chef's kitchen comes with wrap around counter tops, double sink, and views of the lush greenery

Unsurprisingly, no one snapped up this deal.

In May 2015, the estate was withdrawn from the market, only to reappear in June 2016 for $39.9 million, a 60 percent discount.

It still took a year to sell, even with the master of the manor agreeing to move for the new owners, who remain anonymous - for now. 

The impressive estate comes with six primary bedrooms, seven bedrooms originally meant for staff, nine bathrooms, a ballroom, a swimming pool, library, ballroom, butler's panty, chef's quarters, wine and liquor cellar, pavilion room, a flower-arranging room, and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.

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Virtually every room comes with its own fireplace and sweeping views of the grounds and bay; the sitting room above has marvelously detailed mural art

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The first level of the home has a cloak room and formal powder room, a ballroom, formal dining room, and butler's pantry

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The towering high ceilings and beveled windows and French doors allow lots of light into the classic interior

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The black and white gallery hallway looks into sitting rooms with stunningly unique decor 

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An intimate breakfast room with fireplace, hard wood floors, and quaint view of the gardens

The sprawling 47-acre grounds come with their own private hiking trails, canyons and a reservoir.

The original exterior architecture is by Bliss & Faville, renowned for the St. Francis Hotel and Pacific-Union Club, San Francisco, while the interiors were redesigned by renowned designer Anthony Hail, with grounds designed by Thomas Church.

The property listing at Alain Pinel Realtors says the estate was built for Christian de Guigné II, son of Count Christian de Guigné, born of French nobility, who came to California in 1879 and soon married Mary Katherine Parrott, daughter of a gold rush pioneer with a fortune in banking, landholdings, mining, and ranching; Count de Guigné later started Stauffer Chemical Company and Leslie Salt.

The listing says that some reports said the estate was given to de Guigne II upon his marriage to Marie Christine Elkins.

In 2009, the de Guigne family reportedly tried to sell off the land into 25 parcels for subdivisions, but the deal was never made, according to Biz Journals.

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The pool and pavilion were designed by renowned landscape architect Porter and Steinwedell

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Privately held by the de Guigné family for over 100 years, the home has been host to many society galas, U.S. presidents, and dignitaries

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Virtually every room comes with a sweeping view of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge is only a 20 minute drive away

A lavish Californian mansion is up for sale for $100million (£60million) - but the price tag appears to be a bit too hefty, because there are still no takers a year after it was first advertised.

The house in Hillsborough has 16,000 square feet of floor space and was put on the market in 2013 for the first time in 100 years, by Sotheby's.

The potential new owners will have a mansion that boasts seven bedrooms and is just a short drive away from San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge and world-famous Alcatraz prison.

Surrounded by 47 secluded acres of grounds, the property includes 10 bathrooms, a grand-scale ballroom and a fully-stocked library, with the interiors designed by the acclaimed Anthony Hail.

Lucky owners can enjoy margaritas in the sun-drenched pool courtyard while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the East Bay.

The property has been put up for sale by Christian de Guigne IV, whose great-grandparents built the house.

He used to live in the house with his wife, Vaughn, who he divorced in 2002. According to court documents it was staffed by two housekeepers, three gardeners, a laundress, chef, childcare provider and a part-time chauffeur - and cost $450,000 a year to run.

He said: ‘It's on the market for the first time in nearly 100 years, and this eye-catching property gives commanding views of the bay like no other.

‘The property is surrounded by 47 acres of exceptionally rare land and it is one of the largest undeveloped lots known to the town of Hillsborough.’

Christian is currently retaining a life estate in the lavish property, giving him exclusive use of the house during his lifetime.

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House about that: The opulent mansion is on the market for the first time in 100 years

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Size matters: The new owners will have plenty of space to relax and entertain guests

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Luxury: The house is adorned with fine furniture and fittings

 

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Splash the cash: You'll need to be swimming in money to afford the property

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Handy: The swimming pool is just yards from the main house

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Grand: The property is fit for royalty

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Stately: A fine chandelier adorns this regal room

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This satellite image shows the incredible extent of the mansion's grounds

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Flower power: Neighbours must be green with envy at the mansion's garden

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Expansive: The nearest neighbours are quite a distance away

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Way to mow: The new owners might need a little help to keep the grounds in good order

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Soothing: The new owners will be able to stroll amongst rows of flowerbeds

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Leafy: The grounds feature plenty of trees and greenery

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The property has been put up for sale by Christian de Guigne IV, whose grandparents built the house

Stairway to heaven: Every part of the mansion oozes luxury

Stunning home on Vancouver's 'Billionaires’ Row' goes on the market for $48 Million - making it the country's most expensive mansion

• The Belmont Estate, at $48 million dollars, sets a record for the highest listing in Greater Vancouver’s history
• The estate is currently owned by Vancouver entrepreneur and philanthropist Joseph Segal and wife Rosalie
• The estate boasts five bedrooms and twelve bathrooms with all accessible by an elevato
• An Italian-inspired kitchen with sitting area and fireplace, library, indoor pool and sauna, eight-car garage and a private caretaker’s suite complete the facilites of this palatial estate

Canada's most expensive home could be yours if you have a spare $48 million. 

The Belmont Estate, currently the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Rosalie Segal, sits on 1.28 acres of beautiful Vancouver countryside.

The elegant, custom-commissioned and designed 21,977 square-foot property is the family home of the prominent Canadian philanthropists and located in Vancouver's most prestigious neighborhood.

However the $48 million ($63m CAD) price tag sets a record for real estate in the area. 

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The waterfront mansion sits on a Vancouver street known as Billionaires’ Row and is on the market for $48 million - a record

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The home features expansive views of downtown Vancouver and snow-capped mountains across the bay

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In the spring, over 12,000 vibrant, colorful tulips, hyacinths and daffodils bloom throughout the gardens alongside rhododendrons, magnolia and lilacs

The home enjoys spectacular ocean views of Spanish Banks, the Strait of Georgia, West Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. 

The palatial home opens has two hallways with enough room to seat between 80 and 100 guests for private concerts and events.

A sweeping grand staircase is lit by a French Ormulu chandelier. 

The living room features a fireplace and Tai Ping custom made carpet. 

The home's intimate dining room seats 20 guests and features a Hokanson custom made carpet. 

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The house features gallery halls that seat 100 guests for private concerts, a six-car garage, and a  foyer lined with paintings

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The home's intimate dining room seats 20 guests and features a Hokanson custom made carpet

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The living room features wooden walls, a fireplace and Tai Ping custom made carpet

All the doors throughout the home are made of solid wood with some fine detailing around the home with walls and ceilings featuring murals and artwork.

Belmont Estate boasts five bedrooms and twelve bathrooms with an elevator connecting all three storeys of the manor.

An Italian-inspired kitchen with sitting area and fireplace, indoor pool and sauna, six-car garage and a private entrance even a suite for the in-law's help provide added luxury to the classic and timeless home.

Inspired by the French gardens of Versailles, Belmont Estate features a tiered, three-level garden lined with mature sequoia trees, golden spruce and maples.

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All the doors throughout the home are made of solid wood with some fine detailing around the home with walls and ceilings featuring murals and artwork

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The five-bedroom, 12-bathroom residence boasts more than 21,000 square feet of living space on a 1.3-acre lot

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The marble floors and the black and gold doors provide another element of luxury at this most comfortable of homes 

In the spring, over 12,000 vibrant, colorful tulips, hyacinths and daffodils bloom throughout the gardens alongside rhododendrons, magnolia and lilacs. 

The expansive terrace provides some sweeping views while the extensively manicured hedging provides privacy.

'Belmont Estate represents a rare opportunity to own a residence that is iconic to Vancouver and British Columbia, on one of the most prestigious streets in Canada,' said Christa Frosch, listing agent with Sotheby's International Realty Canada. 

'No other property of comparison has been offered in Greater Vancouver to date;; the fact that its long-standing owners are beloved in our community for their philanthropic dedication to the City of Vancouver only adds to the home's heritage. I believe that the buyer of this home will have a passion for art, history, luxurious landscapes and timeless design.'

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The home features an indoor pool surrounded by white arches with a relaxing hot tub Jacuzzi at one end

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The listed price includes light fixtures, such as the chandelier originally from a French chateau which fell into the possession of Benito Mussolini during World War II before it was returned to its owners and sold

Even while taking a shower, the enormous glass windows provide incredible views of the area