PEOPLE AND PLACES

PEOPLE AND PLACES
All over the world in different countries, cultures, tongues, and colors are people who have the same basic desire for happiness and respect from his fellow men. We are the same all over as members of the human race. If we honor each other's boundaries with propriety and consideration our voyage thru life can be rich in knowledge and friendship..........AMOR PATRIAE

Friday, April 10, 2015

Inside the fairytale castles you could own

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside the fairytale castles you could own in Italy ... with 'great value'

 

 

  • Luxury real estate company Lionard has over 70 different Italian castles among their property portfolio
  • With listing prices that range from £780 to £6,650 per square metre, 37 castles are currently up for sale
  • For the best value look to the northwest Piedmont region, though the Tuscan countryside remains most popular

For those who fancy a home fit for a king or queen, dozens of stunning residences are currently up for sale from the north to the south of Italy.

Private palaces from Piedmont to the Tuscan countryside have asking prices in the range of £2million to £14m.

Full of charm and many in mint condition, some of the castles are already being used as tourist accommodation while others are working farms.

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Fancy a home fit for royalty? Look no further than this medieval castle in Piedmont in Italy's north west for just £5.5million

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Fancy a home fit for royalty? Look no further than this medieval castle in Piedmont in Italy's north west for just £5.5million

Costs for this 12 bedroom Piedmont property will total approximately £5.5m, or just over £780 per square metre

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Costs for this 12 bedroom Piedmont property will total approximately £5.5m, or just over £780 per square metre

The castle's stunning private chapel is ornately decorated

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The castle's stunning private chapel is ornately decorated

CASTLE PRICE COMPARISON:

Castello in Piedmont: €7m (£5.5m)

Castello di Sapia: €2.5m (£1.96m)

Castello di Tavolese: €18m (£14m)

Castello in Lombardy: €16m (£12.6m)

Castello di Acquabella: €5.5m (£5.3m)

Castello nel Chianti: €18m (£14m)

The best value offerings are currently in Piedmont, particularly the eye-catching castles in the Monferrato area, such as .

Its tower, stone balconies and stunning boardroom all date back to the 18th century, with a renovated neo-Gothic dining room and theatre decorated with frescoes inspired by Don Quixote.

There are three apartments on the upper level, totalling 12 bedrooms in all, as well as a dance hall, music hall, library, courtyard and swimming pool.

For this magnificent 5,962 square metre property, the costs will run approximately £5.5m, or just over £780 per square metre.

The Castello di Sapia, near Monteriggioni, which is less than 4.5 miles from Siena, is nestled in the hilly Tuscan countryside - though the home itself needs complete restoration, which helps to explain its comparatively bargain price £1.96m price tag.

 

Dating back to the 1200s, Castello di Tavolese is close to both Florence and Siena and is listed at £14,455,800

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Dating back to the 1200s, Castello di Tavolese is close to both Florence and Siena and is listed at £14,455,800

The impressive residence is spread over five floors and also boasts a separate farmhouse that's been converted into apartments

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The impressive residence is spread over five floors and also boasts a separate farmhouse that's been converted into apartments

Castello di Sapia in the Tuscany countryside is on the market for just £1.96m as the home itself needs a complete restoration

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Castello di Sapia in the Tuscany countryside is on the market for just £1.96m as the home itself needs a complete restoration

Castello di Tavolese is another impressive castle that dates back to the first half of the 1200s. Spread over five floors, which includes a watch tower, the house also boasts a separate farmhouse that has been transformed into six apartments.

A prime example would be the 19th-century Castello di Acquabella, located in the stunning setting of the Vallombrosa Nature Reserve. An Abbey of the same name is nearby, which has been restored to perfection.

The picture-perfect 19th-century Castello di Acquabella is located in the stunning setting of the Vallombrosa Nature Reserve

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The picture-perfect 19th-century Castello di Acquabella is located in the stunning setting of the Vallombrosa Nature Reserve

Also in Tuscany, on the coast, between Livorno and Castiglioncello, an early 20th-century castle with breathtaking sea views is for sale

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Also in Tuscany, on the coast, between Livorno and Castiglioncello, an early 20th-century castle with breathtaking sea views is for sale

The home showcases old terra cotta floors, as well as ornate ceilings and walls and refined, elegant antique furniture

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The home showcases old terra cotta floors, as well as ornate ceilings and walls and refined, elegant antique furniture

The rooms - not to mention the home's impressive staircase - truly reflect the prestige of the castle and the fine detailing

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The rooms - not to mention the home's impressive staircase - truly reflect the prestige of the castle and the fine detailing

Archways are another signature of the neo-Gothic architecture style, as well as tall, narrow windows 

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Archways are another signature of the neo-Gothic architecture style, as well as tall, narrow windows

The home itself is also a work of art, totalling 4,000 square metres over five levels.

Also in Tuscany, on the coast, between Livorno and Castiglioncello, an early 20th-century castle with breathtaking sea views is for sale.

With 700 square metres of indoor space over four floors and two crenellated towers, the majestic structure is reminiscent of a property found in a Disney film.

Most impressive of all is the castle's location from the coast and its incredible views. There is also direct private access to the sea.

Outside, the building is situated among a lush park with palm trees, oak trees, age-old pines and other exotic plants.

In Lombardy, this traditional manor home is surrounded by a circle of medieval walls and protected by a typical moat with lift bridge

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In Lombardy, this traditional manor home is surrounded by a circle of medieval walls and protected by a typical moat with lift bridge

Inside, rooms and halls are decorated in the neoclassical style of ancient Rome and Greece, which includes marble statues and columns

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Inside, rooms and halls are decorated in the neoclassical style of ancient Rome and Greece, which includes marble statues and columns

The sprawling property has six crenellated towers, stables, an Italian-style garden, a chapel and even a private cemetery

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The sprawling property has six crenellated towers, stables, an Italian-style garden, a chapel and even a private cemetery

In Lombardy, near Milan, there are several more manor homes for sale.

Among them is a magnificent castle surrounded by a circle of medieval walls and protected by a typical moat. The sprawling property boasts six crenellated towers, stables, a chapel and private cemetery. Outside, an Italian-style garden and large swimming pool completes the idyllic setting.

For those with a bit more of a budget to burn, look no further than Tuscany's Chianti region, halfway between Florence and Siena. The 10th-century property on offer is located on 100 hectares of land, where wine has long been produced on site.

Inside, the castle artfully combines the ancient and modern, including beamed ceilings, terra cotta floors, fine marble, stone staircases and antique furniture.

For those with even deeper pockets, look no further than the Castello nel Chianti, located halfway between Florence and Siena

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For those with even deeper pockets, look no further than the Castello nel Chianti, located halfway between Florence and Siena

The 10th-century property on offer is located on 100 hectares of land, where wine has long been produced on site

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The 10th-century property on offer is located on 100 hectares of land, where wine has long been produced on site

The castle artfully combines ancient and modern, with beamed ceilings, terra cotta floors, fine marble, stone staircases and antique furniture

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The castle artfully combines ancient and modern, with beamed ceilings, terra cotta floors, fine marble, stone staircases and antique furniture

This is just one of the 37 castles in Italy that luxury real estate firm, Lionard, currently has for sale

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This is just one of the 37 castles in Italy that luxury real estate firm, Lionard, currently has for sale

Though many price tags may seem high, CEO Dimitri Corti insists that historic properties will always be a wise economic investment

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Though many price tags may seem high, CEO Dimitri Corti insists that historic properties will always be a wise economic investment

While Luxury real estate company Lionard currently has 37 castles for sale, there are more than 70 throughout Italy in their portfolio.

Many owners, whose properties have been in the family for generations, have opted to sell due to high maintenance costs and an increasing tax burden.

But for foreign clients, these prices are relatively affordable, insists the CEO of Lionard Luxury Real Estate, Dimitri Corti.

'In our experience, purchasing a property of great value, like a castle or historic villa will always translate into opportunity because it gives an economic boost to the local area,' Corti explains.

 

Now you could buy your very own chateaux: Falling euro and high number of castles available to buy in France mean prices have dropped by half in some areas

  • French property prices have dropped by 45 per cent since 2007
  • With the collapse in the value of the Euro, British buyers are better placed
  • Some refurbished properties have had £300,000 cut from their price 

British buyers seeking their very own French chateaux have seen property prices drop by more than 45 per cent since 2007 - with the further bonus of the collapse in the value of the Euro. 

Bargain hunters can a historic property in the popular Dordogne region for less than €1million - £750,000, with better value on offer in less fashionable areas.

One luxury property, which is available for less than £500,000 in Bordeaux features a 16th century castle on four hectares. 

This four bedroom house in the Dordogne has been reduced from £1.1m to £830,000 

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This four bedroom house in the Dordogne has been reduced from £1.1m to £830,000 

This 17th century chateaux near Dijon has been fully restored and is wroth in the region of £2million 

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This 17th century chateaux near Dijon has been fully restored and is wroth in the region of £2million 

The property has seven bedrooms and six bathrooms, with a small cottage for the caretaker, an apartment for the gardener and a large wine cellar. 

Property expert Bruno de Saint-Exupery, director of the Emile Garcin estate agency told The Times: 'You can find chateaux with 500 square metres of living room in a good condition in the perigord for €800,000 to €900,000 today. Some prices have fallen 45 per cent since 2007.'

It is estimated that there are 40,000 chateaux across France and due to a reduction in property prices combined with the general weakness of the Euro, British buyers have the opportunity to secure bargains. 

However, experts warned that local and national property taxes could have set back the new home owner anything between £20,000 and £80,000 a year. 

Patrick Besse, who has 136 properties on his books said: 'They are changing hands now because the children have gone abroad or because those who have stayed in France do not have the means to pay for their upkeep.'  

This chateaux near Bordeaux has a 8.5 hectare vineyard and separate cottage cost £2.3 million

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This chateaux near Bordeaux has a 8.5 hectare vineyard and separate cottage cost £2.3 million

Beautiful palaces and stately homes that tourists can stay in (including a gatehouse at Downton Abbey)

  • Schobrunn Palace in Vienna has opened up emperor's suite to the public
  • Circagan Palace, Istanbul has 284 rooms and was home to Sultan Murad V
  • Highclere castle in Hampshire has opened up a self-catering lodge

Bored of snippy concierges, pokey rooms and no parking? Perhaps it’s time to book into a palace.

As upkeep costs spiral and monarchies dwindle, authorities are looking for inventive ways to make use of stately piles.

The latest palace to be turned into a hotel is The Schobrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria. It’s been operating as a museum since the 1950s, but is inviting tourists to stay in the former suite of Emperor Franz Joseph, from £1,022 (€1,398) per night for four people (£255 (€350) a night per person).

 

The Schobrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria, has opened up rooms for the public to stay in for £1,022 a night

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The Schobrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria, has opened up rooms for the public to stay in for £1,022 a night

The top floor apartment sleeps four people: it has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, one living room, a kitchen and sweeping views over the Gloriette, Neptune Fountain, Crown Prince Garden and 160 hectare Schlosspark.

Walk over herringbone parquet floors, underneath Maria Theresa chandeliers and past delicate stucco work in a suite that ‘exudes imperial charm’, according to the website go.unusual.com on which the property is listed.

Guests can to be treated like royalty too, with a private chef, limousine and butler as optional add ons .

The palace was built between 1740 and 1750 but was bought beforehand by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II in 1569.

The palace was built between 1740 and 1750 but  bought by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II in 1569

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The palace was built between 1740 and 1750 but bought by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II in 1569

Guests can opt to be treated like royalty too, with a private chef, limousine,  parquet floors and a butler

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Guests can opt to be treated like royalty too, with a private chef, limousine, parquet floors and a butler

Franz Joseph – the longest reigning emperor of Austria – was born at the Baroque palace and spent much of his life there. In November 1918 it became property of the Austrian Republic.

The Schobrunn is far from alone in its public transformation. MailOnline Travel takes a look around the other beautifully lavish residences you can check in to – no title necessary.

Circagan Palace – Istanbul

Several Sultans of Turkey have passed through this magnificent property, located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. The palace has 284 rooms, 31 suites and a sultan suite.

Circagan Palace in Istanbul is located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait and has 284 rooms

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Circagan Palace in Istanbul is located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait and has 284 rooms

The palace used to be home to sultans from the Ottoman Empire but was turned into a hotwl in 1999

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The palace used to be home to sultans from the Ottoman Empire but was turned into a hotwl in 1999

Building work started in 1836 under Sultan Abdülâziz and the inside was made from wood while the exterior was plastered in marble.

Construction and decoration was finally finished in 1872, then in 1877 Sultan Murad V moved in.

It wasn’t until 1999 that the palace was converted into a hotel, after a fire in 1910 and rebuilding work.

Several sultans of Turkey have passed through this magnificent property after building work began in 1836 

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Several sultans of Turkey have passed through this magnificent property after building work began in 1836

Construction and decoration was finally finished on the hotel in 1872, and in 1877 Sultan Murad V moved in 

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Construction and decoration was finally finished on the hotel in 1872, and in 1877 Sultan Murad V moved in

The front desk can arrange boats, limousines and helicopters for guests to travel to and from the hotel in

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The front desk can arrange boats, limousines and helicopters for guests to travel to and from the hotel in

Now the front desk will arrange anything from a boat, limousine or helicopter for you to travel in. Eleven private suites mimic the decadence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, and come with a private butler and a pillow menu.

Lake Palace – Udaipur, India

One of the most beautiful properties in the world, the eighteen century palace is built on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.

The four acre man-made island is reached by private boat and is made-up of open air courtyards, marble, lotus ponds and carved wood.

One of the most beautiful properties in the world, the eighteen century palace is built on Lake Pichola

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One of the most beautiful properties in the world, the eighteen century palace is built on Lake Pichola

It was built by Maharana Jai Singh II in 1746, originally named Jag Niwas, and intended to be a summer retreat for royalty.

Over the last few years it has been transformed into a five star hotel with immaculate rooms and elegant sun decks.

Over the last few years it has been transformed into a five star hotel with immaculate rooms

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Over the last few years it has been transformed into a five star hotel with immaculate rooms

It was built by Maharana Jai Singh II in 1746 and intended to be a summer retreat for royalty

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It was built by Maharana Jai Singh II in 1746 and intended to be a summer retreat for royalty

Double rooms start at about £300 a night but vary throughout the season

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Double rooms start at about £300 a night but vary throughout the season

You might also recognise it as the property that James Bond infiltrated, dressed as a crocodile in the 1983 film Octopussy. Double rooms start at about £300 a night but vary throughout the season.

Hampton Court Palace – Surrey, England

Up to eight guests can stay at The Georgian House, just north of Hampton Court Palace on an alley leading to Henry VIII’s tennis court. The house costs £807 for four nights (£25.22 per person per night).

Eight guests can stay at The Georgian House which is on an alley leading to Henry VIII’s tennis court

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Eight guests can stay at The Georgian House which is on an alley leading to Henry VIII’s tennis court

he apartment is self-catering with a private walled garden and view over the palace roofs

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he apartment is self-catering with a private walled garden and view over the palace roofs

The property was built in 1719 for King George I and used by him and his son George, Prince of Wales as a kitchen. It was later split into two to house the Clerk of Works and the Gardener.

The apartment is self-catering with a private walled garden and view over the palace roofs. Tourists can explore the lush gardens, courtyards and grand public rooms of the palace during opening hours.

The property was built in 1719 for King George I and used by him and his son George, Prince of Wales

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The property was built in 1719 for King George I and used by him and his son George, Prince of Wales

It costs £807 for four nights (£25.22 per person per night) for tourists to rent  the historical property

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It costs £807 for four nights (£25.22 per person per night) for tourists to rent the historical property

Highclere Castle - Hampshire, England

The Carnarvon family has opened up a guest lodge on the Highclere Castle estate for Downton Abbey fans looking for a quick getaway.

The accommodation called London Lodge is a part of two newly restored buildings, dating from 1840, that are attached to either side of the estate’s Grade II-listed gatehouse, originally built in 1793.

The Carnarvon family have opened up a guest lodge on the Highclere Castle estate that sleeps four people

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The Carnarvon family have opened up a guest lodge on the Highclere Castle estate that sleeps four people

Each lodging sleeps two people and has a kitchen, sitting room and bedroom. The imposing boltholes are self-catered and sit at the top of the mile-long driveway that leads to the stately home, famously used throughout the ITV series.

The lodges are fully booked for 2015, but Highclere has promised to release more dates for 2016 this autumn.

EVERYTHING you want to know about Highclere Castle

Umaid Bhwan Palace – Jodhpur, India

The Jodpur royal family still live in the Umaid Bhwan Palace, although part of the residence has been managed by Taj Hotels since 1972.

The palace is one of the largest private residences in the world, with 347 rooms in total. One of the most magnificent is the Maharani suite, which is a sprawling 4,850sq ft (and was originally built for the monarch).

The palace is one of the largest private residences in the world and the Jodpur royal family still live here

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The palace is one of the largest private residences in the world and the Jodpur royal family still live here

Built between 1928 and 1943, there is a Art Deco influence and Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell have stayed

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Built between 1928 and 1943, there is a Art Deco influence and Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell have stayed

Built between 1928 and 1943 there is a heavy Art Deco influence to the interior and furnishings.

Guests can take a milk bath in a pink Italian marble bath designed by Polish artist Stefan Norlin, walk through landscaped gardens or see magnificent peacocks displaying their plumage.

It’s also a favourite haunt of celebrities. Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Sir Bob Geldof have all checked in. Rooms start at around £613 a night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A French castle used as the stunning backdrop for a Rihanna music video has gone on the market for £3.85million.

Le Château de Vigny, based just outside Paris, featured in the Barbadian singer's 2010 hit Te Amo.

Surrounded by a moat-turned-water feature, the manor house was first built in 1504 for Georges d'Amboise, the Prime Minister to King Louis XII. 

Fit for royalty: This French chateau which was used as the backdrop for a Rihanna music video has gone on the market for £3.85million

Fit for royalty: This French chateau which was used as the backdrop for a Rihanna music video has gone on the market for £3.85million

A home to fall in love with: Le Château de Vigny, based just outside Paris, featured in the video for the Barbadian singer's 2010 hit Te Amo

A home to fall in love with: Le Château de Vigny, based just outside Paris, featured in the video for the Barbadian singer's 2010 hit Te Amo

Surrounded by a moat-turned-water feature, the house was first built in 1504 for Georges d'Amboise, the Prime Minister to King Louis XII

Surrounded by a moat-turned-water feature, the house was first built in 1504 for Georges d'Amboise, the Prime Minister to King Louis XII. Stretching across 37,000sq ft, the neo-Gothic building (seen above in the Rihanna video) boasts six turrets, a chapel and its own dungeon

After his death, however, the chateau fell into disrepair for centuries until 1867 when its refurbishment finally began.

Stretching out over 37,000 square feet, the neo-Gothic building boasts six turrets, a chapel and its own dungeon.

Once inside its massive iron door, the medieval interior is dominated by exposed stone and wooden ceiling beams.

The ceilings of the 16th-Century manor house are extravagantly decorated with beautiful chandeliers and gold finish.

 

 

Historic: After the death of Georges d'Amboise, the chateau fell into disrepair for centuries until 1867 when its refurbishment finally began

Historic: After the death of Georges d'Amboise, the chateau fell into disrepair for centuries until 1867 when its refurbishment finally began

Xavier Attal, from vendors Immo Best International, said: 'We're very lucky to offer such a beautiful property.

'The castle needs some renovation but is in very good condition for its old age.

'We see it as the perfect investment, because of its pure beauty and Romanism.' 

Te Amo taken from Rihanna's fourth studio Album Rated R and released in 2010, peaking in the top ten in charts worldwide.

The video features French supermodel Laetitia Casta, who tries to seduce Rihanna and eventually succeeds.

The castle's massive iron door Inside the Chateau de Vigny

Grand entrance: Once inside its massive iron door, the medieval interior is dominated by exposed stone and wooden ceiling beams

Exquisite: The ceilings of the 16th-Century manor house are extravagantly decorated with beautiful chandeliers and gold finish

 

Exquisite: The ceilings of the 16th-Century manor house are extravagantly decorated with beautiful chandeliers and gold finish

Xavier Attal, from vendors Immo Best International, said: 'We see it as the perfect investment, because of its pure beauty and Romanism'

 

Xavier Attal, from vendors Immo Best International, said: 'We see it as the perfect investment, because of its pure beauty and Romanism'

 

The four enormous Scottish castles that WOULDN'T be hit by the mansion tax - and the fifth-floor London flat that would be

  • Cheap property prices in Scotland mean even sprawling mansions would not be hit by Labour's planned charge
  • Online searches show historic castles with swimming pools and tennis courts in their grounds would avoid levy
  • But in London, where property prices are notoriously high, even two-bedroom apartments will face the tax
  • Labour MPs from the capital have hit out at the party's Scottish leader over claims he'll use the money for the NHS

Four huge castles in Scotland are among the palatial properties north of the border which would not be hit by the mansion tax - while a two-bedroom flat in central London would be, it emerged today.

The row over Labour's planned levy has intensified in recent days after the party's new Scottish leader Jim Murphy boasted that he would boost the NHS in Scotland by using up to £250million raised from the controversial tax in England.

Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls has suggested a £2million threshold would be placed on the tax, with the owners of properties priced above that value taking a hit.

But low property prices in Scotland mean even the owners of the 17-bedroom baronial Orchardton Hall mansion house in Dumfries and Galloway - which is currently on the market for £1.4million - would get out of paying the charge.

Ethie Castle in Angus dates from the 14th century and has eight reception rooms and nine bedrooms - but its £1.65million price tag means it would be unaffected by Labour's planned mansion tax, which it has been suggested would only affect properties over a £2million threshold

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Ethie Castle in Angus dates from the 14th century and has eight reception rooms and nine bedrooms - but its £1.65million price tag means it would be unaffected by Labour's planned mansion tax, which it has been suggested would only affect properties over a £2million threshold

Lickleyhead Castle near Aberdeen has seven bedrooms and a separate 'gardeners cottage' in its sprawling grounds. But at £1.35million, its owners would also not have to pay the planned charge

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Lickleyhead Castle near Aberdeen has seven bedrooms and a separate 'gardeners cottage' in its sprawling grounds. But at £1.35million, its owners would also not have to pay the planned charge

According to estate agents, Lickleyhead is 'a fine example of a late 15th century four-storey towerhouse, with a stone circular stairway'

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According to estate agents, Lickleyhead is 'a fine example of a late 15th century four-storey towerhouse, with a stone circular stairway'

Similarly, the nine-bedroom, eight-reception room £1.65million Elsie Castle in Angus, which comes with an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and walled garden, would also avoid the tax.

The sprawling £1.65million Arbigland House mansion in Kirkbean near Dumfries, which boasts, according to estate agents, 'unprecedented views over the sea and surrounding countryside' and the turreted £1.35million Lickleyhead Castle near Aberdeen would also not incur the levy.

However, in London - where critics of the tax have pointed out that even owners of modest homes would face the charge - some small flats are priced above the £2million threshold.

A two-bedroom, fifth-floor flat in Princes Court apartment block, Knightsbridge is currently on the market for £2.1million, meaning its eventual owners will have to pay if the tax if it is brought in.

The discrepancy is one of the reasons why some of London's Labour MPs have hit out at Mr Murphy's claims of extra money for Scotland.

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Arbigland House, Kirkbean, near Dumfries, is a Georgian house with a cobbled courtyard and a famous coastal garden. It is one of the 'palatial' mansions whose relatively low price compared to properties in south east England mean they would be exempt from the mansion tax

Seller says Arbigland has 'a classical Georgian entrance with good decorative stone detail' and 'beautifully proportioned'  reception rooms

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Seller says Arbigland has 'a classical Georgian entrance with good decorative stone detail' and 'beautifully proportioned' reception rooms

Similarly Orchardton House, a baronial mansion overlooking the Solway Firth. Despite having seventeen bedrooms, it is valued at £1.4million

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Similarly Orchardton House, a baronial mansion overlooking the Solway Firth. Despite having seventeen bedrooms, it is valued at £1.4million

Estate agents say Orchardton Hall is 'a fine example of a mansion house built in the Scots Baronial style popular in the Victorian era'

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Estate agents say Orchardton Hall is 'a fine example of a mansion house built in the Scots Baronial style popular in the Victorian era'

Former Labour leadership candidate Diane Abbott accused Mr Murphy of trying to ‘buy Scottish votes with money expropriated from London’.

And former Labour Cabinet minister Tessa Jowell warned him against treating the South East as a ‘cash cow’.

Tottenham MP David Lammy added his voice to the Labour dissenters today when he told the Evening Standard: 'Why should the landed gentry in Scotland, or someone with a place as large as Downton Abbey, get away scot-free?'

Labour’s new mansion tax will levy an annual charge on all properties valued at more than £2million.

Full details have yet to be announced, but Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls said last year that homes worth between £2million and £3million will face an annual bill of £3,000, regardless of income.

Critics warn that the tax will disproportionately hit London and the South East, where many ordinary family homes will be caught by the plans. Fewer than 900 homes in Scotland would be affected – 0.3 per cent of the UK total.

Meanwhile in London, a fifth-floor, two-bedroom apartment in Knightsbridge's Prince Court has been valued at £2.1million, making it eligible

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Meanwhile in London, a fifth-floor, two-bedroom apartment in Knightsbridge's Prince Court has been valued at £2.1million, making it eligible

 

It was fought over repeatedly during the Crusades - now this amazingly preserved 900-year-old Syrian castle is being destroyed as war returns to its walls

  • The Crac des Chevaliers has fallen victim to the chaos of Syria's civil war following siege by Government forces
  • Residents of the village Hosn and rebels used the castle as a last refuge following heavy bombardment last winter
  • Government forces then seized the building in March, damaging the walls and roof with heavy artillery and an airstrike

It is one of the world's most important and best preserved Crusader castles, which once held off a siege by the Muslim warrior Saladin some 900 years ago and was lauded for its beauty by Lawrence of Arabia.

But the Crac des Chevaliers has now fallen victim to the chaos of Syria's civil war following a siege between Government forces and villagers and rebels using the castle for refuge, much like the Crusaders before them.

The Government offensive in March saw heavy artillery damage the castle's walls, while an airstrike punctured its roof and shrapnel tore through its religious artifacts.

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Damage: The Crac des Chevaliers, the world's best preserved medieval Crusader castle, has fallen victim to the chaos of Syria's civil war after becoming part of a siege in March

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Damage: The Crac des Chevaliers, the world's best preserved medieval Crusader castle, has fallen victim to the chaos of Syria's civil war after becoming part of a siege in March

Rubble: Heavy artillery damaged the castle's walls, an airstrike punctured its roof and shrapnel tore through its religious artifacts during the offensive

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Rubble: Heavy artillery damaged the castle's walls, an airstrike punctured its roof and shrapnel tore through its religious artifacts during the offensive

Towering: The Crac des Chevaliers is listed as a UNSECO World Heritage Site and once held off a siege by the Muslim warrior Saladin some 900 years ago

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Towering: The Crac des Chevaliers is listed as a UNSECO World Heritage Site and once held off a siege by the Muslim warrior Saladin some 900 years ago

The damage done to the majestic stone structure, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, shows that the warring sides will stop at nothing, including the destruction of the country's rich heritage, to hold on to power or territory.

About two years ago, President Bashir Assad's forces identified the Sunni-populated village of Hosn as backing the rebels. They began an armed blockade that allowed no one to leave or go inside. The government said Hosn harbored foreign, al-Qaida-linked armed insurgents who terrorized neighboring, mostly Christian villages.

'The terrorists killed and kidnapped people and even chopped off their heads,' said a Syrian army officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, using the government term for the insurgents. 'We had to stop them at any cost.'

 

Got a spare £2.5million? Then one of these amazing CASTLES could be yours...

  • A number of magnificent castles are currently on the market
  • But you'll need deep pockets to afford one

If you're feeling flush and are in need of a new place to lay your head, then one of these magnificent castles could be just what you need.

According to the Daily Telegraph, all of the properties are currently being advertised by British estate agents and range from a historic Scottish fortress that once belonged to the earls of Fife to a magnificent hilltop palazzo in Italy.

But you'll need deep pockets to afford one, as even the cheapest of the palatial homes will set you back more than £1 million.

Historic: Parts of the magnificent Castello di Collalto just outside Rome date from the 10th century but if you want to move in, you'll have to cough up more than £7 million

Historic: Parts of the magnificent Castello di Collalto just outside Rome date from the 10th century but if you want to move in, you'll have to cough up more than £7m

Spacious: The nine-bedroom castle sleeps up to 19 people and also boasts seven bathrooms and a separate two-bedroom cottage for staff

Spacious: The nine-bedroom castle sleeps up to 19 people and also boasts seven bathrooms and a separate two-bedroom cottage for staff

Spectacular: The 14th century Thurland Castle has been converted into a number of luxury apartments.  The three bedroom Cromwell Wing is yours for £1.1 million

Spectacular: The 14th century Thurland Castle has been converted into a number of luxury apartments. The three bedroom Cromwell Wing is yours for £1.1m

Renovated: The two main rooms in the Cromwell Wing are of vast mediaeval proportions and have retained their original fireplaces and cornice fittings

Renovated: The two main rooms in the Cromwell Wing are of vast mediaeval proportions and have retained their original fireplaces and cornice fittings

Each of the castle dates from a different period, although Westenhanger Castle, near Hythe in Kent, arguably has the most fascinating past.

The castle, a scheduled ancient monument, began life in 1035 during a period of Danish rule under King Canute. Following the Norman Conquest, Westenhanger was passed to a succession of knightly families, including the de Aubervilles, the de Kiriols, the Fogges and the Poynings.

Permission to crenellate was given by Edward III in 1343 and a curtain wall built to connect with the earlier round tower. By the 1540s, the castle was crumbling and it was completely remodelled by its Elizabethan owner, Thomas Smythe, in 1581.

Impressive though Westenhanger is, it isn't the only castle with a history to be proud of on sale. Thurland Castle in Lancashire, although split into several apartments, still retains its moat and was owned by Sir Bryan Tunstall, a heroic soldier immortalised in a poem by Sir William Raleigh.

He was a hero of the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and was dubbed the 'Stainless Knight' by King Henry VII. He was followed by his son Marmaduke, who became High Sheriff of Lancashire.

Magnificent: The 16th Century Lickleyhead Castle in Auchleven near Aberdeen was built in 1560 by William Leith and boasts seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms

Magnificent: The 16th Century Lickleyhead Castle in Auchleven near Aberdeen was built in 1560 by William Leith and boasts seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms

Imposing: The drawing room at Lickleyhead Castle, which despite it's vast size, is the cheapest of the castles and costs just £1.3 million for the entire property

Imposing: The drawing room at Lickleyhead Castle, which despite it's vast size, is the cheapest of the castles and costs just £1.3m for the entire property

The Lickleyhead Castle library

A bedroom in Lickleyhead Castle

Cosy: Despite it's impressive size, Lickleyhead Castle is cosily furnished with traditional dark wood in the library (left) and romantic four poster beds (right)

Striking: The cream stone Myres Castle near St Andrews comes with two additional properties and has 10 bedrooms, a library, a Victorian kitchen and a billiards room

Striking: The cream stone Myres Castle near St Andrews comes with two additional properties and has 10 bedrooms, a library, a Victorian kitchen and a billiards room

The Victorian kitchen at Myres

The drawing room at Myres

Comfortable: Myres Castle was begun in 1454 and was the ancestral home of the earls of Fife. It's now on the market at £2.5m

Later, Thurland was sold to Sir John Girlington, who fought on the Royalist side during the English Civil War. During a 1643 siege, the castle was badly damaged by Parliamentarian forces and was left in a 'ruinous' condition before being restored in the 18th century.

But not all of the homes are in England. Scotland too has a wealth of impressive properties including the pretty 18th century Bonaly Tower, which was the venue for frequent meetings of the 'Friday Club', a group of leading Edinburgh literati, hosted by owner Lord Cockburn.

Others include Myres Castle near St Andrews, the former seat of the earls of Fife, and the imposing Lickleyhead Castle near Aberdeen, which was built by William Leith in 1560.

Outside of the UK, there's a magnificent Italian palazzo dating from the 10th century. But the Castello di Collato near Rome doesn't come cheap. Of all the properties, it is the most expensive and you'll have to hand over £7 million before you get to move in and become king of the castle.

Heritage: Castle Gogar is just six miles from the centre of Edinburgh and was built in Scots Baronial style. It has seven bedrooms and is on the market for £2.9 million

Heritage: Castle Gogar is just six miles from the centre of Edinburgh and was built in Scots Baronial style. It has seven bedrooms and is on the market for £2.9m

Eclectic: Castle Gogar has its own battlements, towers and turrets within, while outside, the property boasts a menage and a stable block with room for three horses

Eclectic: Castle Gogar has its own battlements, towers and turrets within, while outside, the property boasts a menage and a stable block with room for three horses

Ancient: Westenhanger Castle in Kent dates from 1035 and the reign of King Canute but was modernised during the reign of Elizabeth II. It is on the market for £2.6 million

Ancient: Westenhanger Castle in Kent dates from 1035 and the reign of King Canute but was modernised during the reign of Elizabeth II. It is on the market for £2.6m

The Elizabethan fireplace at Westenhanger Castle

The drawing room at Westenhanger Castle

Elizabethan: Most of the interior owes its shape and size to the first Elizabethan Age and includes period diamond-paned windows and inglenook fireplaces

Famous: The 18th century Bonaly Tower was the venue for frequent meetings of the 'Friday Club', a group of leading Edinburgh literati, hosted by owner Lord Cockburn

Famous: The 18th century Bonaly Tower was the venue for frequent meetings of the 'Friday Club', a group of leading Edinburgh literati, hosted by owner Lord Cockburn

Sumptuous: A three-bedroom apartment within Bonaly Tower is on the market at £795,000 and includes a separate study and a slice of the extensive grounds

Sumptuous: A three-bedroom apartment within Bonaly Tower is on the market at £795,000 and includes a separate study and a slice of the extensive grounds

 

 

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