Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Ceiling fan energy efficiency

Word Count:
229

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Ceiling fans can be a great way to increase the energy savings in your home while providing a comfortable living environment. Offering more features and functionality than a standard light, many ceiling fans can easily be installed in the same location as and replace your light fixture.


ceiling fans

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
Ceiling fans can be a great way to increase the energy savings in your home while providing a comfortable living environment. Offering more features and functionality than a standard light, many ceiling fans can easily be installed in the same location as and replace your light fixture. Ceiling fan energy efficiency can vary greatly between ceiling fans and the accessories added to them such as light kits.

Without a typical light kit ceiling fan energy efficiency is at an optimal level. However, installing a standard ceiling fan light kit will draw more energy than a ceiling fan motor. Adding an Energy Star rated lighting kit to your ceiling fan will cut the energy used in half compared to that of a standard light kit. Additional energy savings can be made by purchasing a ceiling fan with an Energy Star rating which can move the air up to 20% more efficiently than a standard fan. Many leading manufacturers offer both ceiling fans and light kits with the Energy Star rating and prominently display it.

Additional energy savings can be had by simply turning the ceiling fan and lights off when you leave the room. Using the lights and fan in a reasonable manner, constantly adjusting the speed of the blades and turning the lights on and off repeatedly will use more energy than letting the fan run at a constant level.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Ceiling Fan Buying Tips

Word Count:
562

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Ceiling fans are a practical and decorative addition to any room. They can be used indoors and out for an attractive yet useful feature. Choosing which one is ideal is dependent on the type of use as well as your individual style and taste. They are available at decorating centers, home improvement stores and even department stores. They are affordable and can help reduce energy costs.

Style

There are many ceiling fans available in a variety of styles and sizes to suit …


ceiling fans

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
Ceiling fans are a practical and decorative addition to any room. They can be used indoors and out for an attractive yet useful feature. Choosing which one is ideal is dependent on the type of use as well as your individual style and taste. They are available at decorating centers, home improvement stores and even department stores. They are affordable and can help reduce energy costs.

Style

There are many ceiling fans available in a variety of styles and sizes to suit any d cor and any size room. For a modern look, choose a sleek, monochromatic fan with three or four blades. The clean lines add a bit of elegance and dramatic flair to any room. Choose a wooden fan in a solid color or steel bladed fan for the ultra modern look. If you have a more traditional style, opt for a wooden fan with minimal ornamentation and with four or five blades. Victorian style fans often come in rich dark words with ornate decorations and gilding. For a child s room, you might choose a themed fan such as a baseball fan or a fan depicting storybook characters.

Functionality

Most fans are suitable for use indoors but if using it on a patio or place open to the elements, it is important to choose one specifically suited for outdoor use. They are treated to withstand temperature variations, water and sun. Choose a fan that allows dual direction for use in warn and cold weather. Changing the direction of the blades will help heat or warm a room as necessary. Some people prefer the flexibility of having various speed capabilities. Most fans will allow for at least two or three speeds, but there are fans available with only one set speed. Fans typically include lighting or the possibility to add light. Up lights will direct light toward the ceiling for a soft glow, adding romance and sophistication to a room. Almost all lights have the ability to add traditional lighting to help illuminate the room. Choose a design that fits the fan style.

Installation

Ceiling fans should be eight to nine feet off the ground for optimum effectiveness. Lower ceilings can use a flush mount system, which places the fan tight against the ceiling. For higher ceilings the use of a down rod is necessary. This helps extend the space between where the fan should be and the ceiling. If your ceiling is sloped, use an angled mount to level your fan. When installing a fan it is important to turn off power to the room for safety. Follow the directions included closely to ensure everything is set up properly. Most modern homes are pre wired and no electrical work will be necessary aside from hooking it up. However, if this is not the case, some minor electrical work may be needed. If unsure, most home improvement centers will install for you at a minimal charge.

Ceiling fans are a great addition to any home and can add to the d cor of any style of room. From fun to elaborate, there is a variety of fan suitable for every style. Choose the fan that best suits your taste and provides the functionality desired. It can help reduce heating and cooling costs by re-circulating the air in a room, lessening the time needed for air conditioners and heaters to work.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Ceiling Fan Basics

Word Count:
478

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

In summary, a ceiling fan can really brighten your home, providing cool air, and making an elegant addition when you match it with your room colors. Installation can be cheap and easy and a weekly clean will make sure that your fan serves you well for years to come.


ceiling fan,hunter ceiling fan,hampton bay ceiling fan,casablanca ceiling fan,emerson ceiling fan,outdoor ceiling fan,ceiling fan light,how to install a ceiling fan,harbor breeze ceiling fan,ceiling fan part,ceiling fan blade,ceiling fan light kit,hugger ceiling fan,ceiling fan wiring,contemporary ceiling fan,kid ceiling fan,ceiling fan direction,whisper ceiling fan,discount ceiling fan,tropical ceiling fan,ceiling fan installation,monte carlo ceiling fan,child ceiling fan,installing ceiling fan,ceiling fan remote control,low profile ceiling fan,bathroom ceiling fan,ceiling fan pull,minka aire ceiling fan,craftmade ceiling fan,modern ceiling fan,panasonic ceiling fan,flush mount ceiling fan,unique ceiling fan,industrial ceiling fan,airplane ceiling fan,ceiling fan replacement blade,hampton bay ceiling fan instructions,whisper ceiling ventilation fan,panasonic whisper ceiling fan,westinghouse ceiling fan,ceiling fan repair,ceiling fan ventilation,bathroom ceiling fan ventilation whisper,bathroom ceiling fan panasonic whisper,bathroom ceiling fan whisper,hampton bay ceiling fan part,ceiling fan wiring diagram,rustic ceiling fan,litex ceiling fan,ceiling fan remote,ceiling fan rotation,home depot ceiling fan,ceiling fan switch,cheap ceiling fan,hunter ceiling fan part,black ceiling fan,cat ceiling fan,hampton bay ceiling fan company,regency ceiling fan,tiffany ceiling fan,ceiling fan glass,ceiling fan with heater,ceiling fan globe,how to wire a ceiling fan,small ceiling fan,bamboo ceiling fan,ceiling fan blade cover,ceiling fan lighting,ceiling fan lowes,baseball ceiling fan,kichler ceiling fan,ceiling fan accessory,ceiling fan pull chain,ceiling fan replacement part,fanimation ceiling fan,antique ceiling fan,ceiling fan light fixture,minka ceiling fan,ceiling fan direction summer,commercial ceiling fan,hunter douglas ceiling fan,quorum ceiling fan,how to balance a ceiling fan,buy ceiling fan,nautical ceiling fan,sports ceiling fan,chandelier ceiling fan,hunter ceiling fan light kit,hunter outdoor ceiling fan,hampton ceiling fan,wholesale ceiling fan,betty ceiling fan house hugger,tommy bahamas ceiling fan,ceiling fan capacitor,palm ceiling fan,ellington ceiling fan,concord ceiling fan,ceiling fan manufacturer,mission style ceiling fan

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
By J.W. Morehouse

There are a few reasons to install a ceiling fan in your house. They really bring style to your residence and wooden homes look impressive with the addition of an elegant polished wood blade fan to match their walls and wood flooring. Dining areas look excellent with a light color fan blade that matches the dining room table and crystal globes on each light bulb will reflect off your crockery and glassware. Each dinner will be brighter with the additional light in your dining environment and you will enjoy every summertime meal with a cool breeze flowing into the dining area.

Fans bring comfort to family rooms and dens too. A ceiling fan over your favorite chair will make watching TV, knitting, or reading a more cooler and more tranquil experience with the terrific reading light provided by the fan.

When you are ready to purchase your ceiling fan, consider whether you will be installing the fan yourself or whether you will be hiring someone else to set it up for you. Take into account that if you employ a professional to install it, you will be paying extra cash. The fan will include an instruction manual giving directions on exactly how it should be installed, but if you don’t have any wiring skills you should definitely hire someone or get a skilled friend to help you for free. The installation should only take a day, and your home will be cool in no time.

Operating the fan is simple; there will either be a short chain within hand reach that turns on the fan and controls the speeds and next to that, another chain that controls the light switch. Alternatively, you may have a model that does not have the chain, which you can just operate from a switch on the wall. The best ceiling fans will have settings for low, medium, and high speeds, each accessed by an effortless tug of the chain or click of the switch.

You will need to clean the blades of your ceiling fan every week to insure that it gives off the best airflow. The dustiest part of the ceiling fan will be the top part above the blades which you can easily clean with a vacuum with a hose attachment to reach those high spots. If you do not have a vacuum, just use a cloth or paper towel with some sort of non-abrasive cleaning spray or polish.

In summary, a ceiling fan can really brighten your home, providing cool air, and making an elegant addition when you match it with your room colors. Installation can be cheap and easy and a weekly clean will make sure that your fan serves you well for years to come.

About the Author

J.W. Morehouse
Your Independent guide to Ceiling Fans
http://www.jwmorehouse.com/ceiling_fans.html

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Ceiling Fans Some Essential Facts to Consider

Word Count:
508

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Ceiling fans can reduce cooling costs. In the summer, a breeze created by a good ceiling fan can make you feel between two and six degrees cooler. There are many ceiling fan designs and styles, and it is important that one considers the following options carefully before purchasing a ceiling fan


ceiling fans, fans, fan blades, cooling fan, install ceiling fan, ceiling, home accessories, air cooling

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
The first artificial wind-chill methods as used by animals in nature was duplicated by royalty and wealthy persons of early Assyria and Egypt, who employed slaves or servants waving large leaves to cool them down on hot days. Many centuries later, in 1882, Diehl introduced his invention of the electric ceiling fan. His device was a bubble-blade adaptation of the well known belt driven fan with an in-built electric motor. By the end of the 1880s, the Diehl Electric” was sweeping the country, and by the late 1920s, no self-respecting restaurant, drug store, ice cream shop, or elegant dining room, was without a ceiling fan as part of their decor and method of ventilation.

Ceiling fans can reduce cooling costs. In the summer, a breeze created by a good ceiling fan can make you feel between two and six degrees cooler.

There are many ceiling fan designs and styles, and it is important that one considers the following options carefully before purchasing a ceiling fan:

Fan Size: It is important that the fan will fit in your room. You must consider the height of the ceiling and be sure that the blades have ample space in which to spin. It is recommended that the blades are no closer than two feet from the nearest wall.

Fan Motors: Good ceiling fans have a motor size and precision ground motor windings matched to the length of the blades. This ensures that the fan moves the air efficiently, even with continuous use, and uses less energy to run. If the motor or blades are improperly balanced, vibrations will occur, even at slow speed. Fans that are built for outdoor use have motors that are specially designed to withstand moisture and fluctuations in temperature.

Fan Blades: Fan blades come in all sorts of wonderful shapes and patterns. However it is important that the fan blades chosen will offer a balanced performance for a stable operation. Fan blades should be protected with a sealant to avoid the warping effects of moisture. Fan blade pitches range from 8 to 15 degrees – the higher the pitch, the more air the fan will circulate at slower speeds. The number of blades in a ceiling fan ranges from three to five, but this number has little effect on the amount of cool air the fan produces.

Fan Mounts: There are three main varieties of ceiling fan mounts downrod mount, flush mount, and tri-mount. Fan Downrods can come at any length and are specially designed for rooms with higher ceilings, bringing the circulating blades of the fan down into the living space where it is most effective. A flush mount is designed for rooms with lower ceilings, and eliminates the need for a downrod. A tri-mount allows one to install a fan in a room for the best circulation whether there is a low, high or angled ceiling.

Patio ceiling fans are another important type of ceiling fan, and although generally less common than indoor ceiling fans, patio ceiling fans are considered important in the warmer, moister regions of the world.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Ceiling Fans – A Money Saving Way To Cool Your Home

Word Count:
473

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Ceiling fans first originated in hot, tropical countries with somewhat poor economies. While more wealthy countries have removed ceiling fans with the advent of air conditioning, the ceiling fan of yesteryear is making an important comeback. This is no doubt due to the continuing escalating cost of utilities and the expense of maintaining a full house air conditioning system.


ceiling fan,small ceiling fans, ceiling fan light kit, 30 ceiling fan ceiling fans, 42 hunter ceiling fan, bamboo ceiling fan,hampton bay ceiling fan,fans

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
Ceiling fans first originated in hot, tropical countries with somewhat poor economies. While more wealthy countries have removed ceiling fans with the advent of air conditioning, the ceiling fan of yesteryear is making an important comeback. This is no doubt due to the continuing escalating cost of utilities and the expense of maintaining a full house air conditioning system. People are finally understanding that comfort doesn’t need to mean cold and in the process they’re able to save significantly on the monthly electric bills. How much savings of course depends on local utility cost and the amount of time an air conditioning system is in operation. Typically though, a 2-3 dollar per DAY savings is not unreasonable if a household can use ceiling fans a major part of the day instead of running the air conditioning system.

Although ceiling fans were in widespread use in the early 1900’s, they gave way to the air conditioning systems of today. A ceiling fan however is much more than an air movement machine. They’re beautiful and can be ordered to perfectly fit into any decor or room of your home. Ceiling fans have a central motor with three to five blades attached. this unit is then mounted to the ceiling. Depending on the height of the ceiling, the unit can be close mounted, with the motor almost touching the ceiling or on a matching decorator bar to allow the unit to hang down into the room a little more if the ceiling height is greater than the typical 8 feet. The motor drives the blades of the ceiling fans which move the air around. Air movement naturally cools people and makes them comfortable without resorting to the brute force of removing moisture and cooling through a compressor air conditioning unit.

Many people wrongly assume that a ceiling fan is only good in the summer. Actually most fans built today have a reverse switch installed. This allows the fan to either pull air from the floor area or push air from the ceiling. So in summer, you would want air movement from low to high but in winter, with hot air rising, you would naturally want the warmer air at the ceiling to be pushed down to warm the whole room. Ceiling fans also are a great to use anywhere there’s people or living spaces including bedrooms, living and family rooms and even out on the backyard patio or deck.

So in the end, a ceiling fan can be a great way to add a nice decorating touch to your home while saving big dollars on that monthly electric bill. It’s not unusual to save the price of the ceiling fan in the first month, just on the electric bill alone. With your home more open, natural ventilation will make it more pleasant and enjoyable both inside and out.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Cedar Closets: America’s Best-Kept Secret

Word Count:
350

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Americans are opening the door a bit wider on cedar closets. A recent survey of 1,000 adults showed that while only 10 percent actually own a cedar closet, 41 percent would consider installing one in their homes when informed about the benefits.


Cedar Closets: America’s Best-Kept Secret

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
Americans are opening the door a bit wider on cedar closets. A recent survey of 1,000 adults showed that while only 10 percent actually own a cedar closet, 41 percent would consider installing one in their homes when informed about the benefits.

“Our research clearly shows that the benefits of cedar closets may be America’s best- kept home improvement secret,” says Bev Head, CEO of Huntsville, Alabama-based Giles & Kendall, the #1 cedar closet liner manufacturer in the United States and makers of the CedarSafe Natural Closet Liner brand.

Those benefits include:

• Repel and resist moths, roaches, silverfish and mildew

• Provide a wonderful cedar scent

• Safer than mothballs and smells better

• Often found in expensive or older homes

• A great place to store out-of-season clothes.

A 2005 study by Unity Marketing shows that 15 percent of homeowners who make $150,000 a year or more have cedar closets. That’s about the same percentage as those who own wine cellars or outdoor hearths. According to the CedarSafe survey, 44 percent of cedar closet owners inherited them when they bought the house. More than 30 percent installed them on their own.

Closet Makeovers Are Big Business

In recent years, closet makeovers have become big business-a $2 billion industry. The boom helped spark a new trade magazine, CLOSETS, which notes that the average price of a closet installation has increased from $2,000 to $3,500. Much of that expense comes from creating custom closets with lots of shelves and drawers.

“You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the benefits of cedar closets,” says Head. “In fact, you can install cedar panels or planks yourself for $150 to $360 for a standard-size closet.”

The planks and panels are made of 100 percent Aromatic Eastern Red Cedar and actually line the walls of the closet. They work with standard metal bars or rods or even custom drawers.

The planks provide an elegant look to a closet in a master bedroom. It would cost about $360 to line 180 square feet of wall space with cedar planks.

The 4′-by-8′ panels are best for storage areas, secondary closets and attics. It would cost about $150 to line 180 square feet of wall space with these.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Cedar Chests – A Fusion Of Beauty And Storage Functionality

Word Count:
713

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Beauty and functionality should not be considered as two concepts that cannot go hand in hand. It is the general misconception that items that are beautiful or elegant looking usually fall short in the area of performance and functionality. Please keep in mind that this is just a case of generalization. Indeed, both beauty and functionality can go together in solid fusion, a higher level is achieved. There are a lot of examples that can be presented regarding this but we will…


lane cedar chest,cedar chest plans,cedar hope chest,antique cedar chest,antique lane cedar chest

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
Beauty and functionality should not be considered as two concepts that cannot go hand in hand. It is the general misconception that items that are beautiful or elegant looking usually fall short in the area of performance and functionality. Please keep in mind that this is just a case of generalization. Indeed, both beauty and functionality can go together in solid fusion, a higher level is achieved. There are a lot of examples that can be presented regarding this but we will be focusing on a specific item: cedar chests. We will look at how both beauty and storage functionality can be combined to form something that can be considered as a work of art that is practical yet possesses aesthetic values.
Cedar’s natural characteristics

1. Wood Care

Wood is considered to be a very attractive material used for the construction of storage systems, but it also has its drawbacks. Some types of wood are prone to rotting while there are some like cedar wood which have natural resins that make it rot resistant. To make cedar last longer, it should be maintained by applying a preservative every other year or so to preserve its natural beauty and protect it from the harmful effects from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Cedar’s natural oils also prevents insects from going into your clothes. But in time, the pores in the wood become clogged which prevents the oils from getting out. To resolve this, get cedar oil extracts from the nearest furniture shop or sand the wood’s grain.

2. For The Office Or Bedroom

Cedar chest designs allow it to be very versatile which makes it a very useful and interesting piece. It can be placed in the office to serve as data storage or file organizer. At the same time it can be used as a side table just by simply placing a few decorative items on its top. Its interior space can be configured to serve a variety of purposes that you may require. It is equally at home in the bedroom wherein it can be used for storing clothes, mementos, and other significant items. It also adds a rustic flavor to your bedroom setting.

3. Wheeled Trunks

Another option for your storage requirements would be cedar chests that have wheels. This will prove to be very useful especially for people that are always moving from one place or another and individuals that like to arrange their house’s interior. These are great for storing blankets, sweaters, and toys among others as well as a furniture piece. There are also cedar chests that come in cube designs which are great for maximizing space especially for small areas. It is also used as an end table.

4. Outdoors Or Indoors

– Cedar chests can be utilized in both outdoor and indoor settings
– Storage chests for indoor use are designed with both elegance and functionality in mind
– Perfect for increasing storage space in any room
– Can be used as a bench, hope chest, blanket box, or coffee table
– Designed to be water tight
– Durable hinges
– Last for a long time despite exposure to different kinds of weather
– Garden tools, poolside toys, muddy shoes, etc. can be stored

5. Things To Consider:

The price and quality of the chest are important factors to consider when buying. The cost of a product is directly related to the level of quality. Higher priced products have better quality while cheaper ones are not as good. You should be able to balance this two factors. The design of the chest is also critical. Match the chest’s design with your house’s theme. For rustic designed houses, choose a chest that has a rather raw and rough design and if your house has a more formal design choose a chest that carries the same theme.

Why get another kind of storage system when you can obtain something that not only stores your goods but also cares for it? As mentioned earlier, cedar has natural properties that protects valuable items and clothing from insect damage. Wood is versatile and can be customized depending on your needs. It can also serve as a furniture as well as storage at the same time. If you had your misgivings about buying wooden storage, then now is the time to get rid of it.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Castle Blueprint Plans – All The Rage

Word Count:
265

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Castle blueprint plans are becoming very popular among people who want to live in grand style. There are several companies that sell plans for castle homes that look like those of your childhood dreams. Castle homes generally have four or more bedrooms. One such castle is Glenough Castle.


Castle Blueprint Plans

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
Castle blueprint plans are becoming very popular among people who want to live in grand style. There are several companies that sell plans for castle homes that look like those of your childhood dreams. Castle homes generally have four or more bedrooms. One such castle is Glenough Castle. Entrance is through a grand foyer which leads into the great room. To the left of the foyer is a formal parlor. Behind the parlor is a huge master bedroom suite with walk in closets, a full bath and access to the private deck.

From the foyer, you can access the kitchen, breakfast nook and den. There is a powder room off the foyer. A utility room and toilet are behind the kitchen. You can access the keeping from and rear deck from the kitchen. Glenough Castle plan blueprints are left to right flip mirror image of another castle home Kildare Castle.

The second floor of Glenough Castle is magnificent. The blueprints show three full-sized bedrooms each with a separate private bath and walk-in closet. There is a spare room which can be used as an extra bedroom, library, media center, study or rec room. There are castle blueprint plans available but Castle Glenough and Castle Kildare are two of the most luxurious castle plans. Do a web search for castle floor plans or castle home blueprints.

The castle style home is luxurious, enchanting, and unique. Fulfill the fantasies of your childhood and build your very own castle. Home with all the amenities of today.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Castle Blueprint Layout – Are Popular

Word Count:
279

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Castle style homes are becoming very popular among people who have large families or who want to live in grand style. There truly are companies that have a castle blueprint layout for building castles that look like those you ve seen in movies and storybooks. These castle homes are generally huge with at least 4 or more bedrooms.


Castle Blueprint Layout

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
Castle style homes are becoming very popular among people who have large families or who want to live in grand style. There truly are companies that have a castle blueprint layout for building castles that look like those you ve seen in movies and storybooks. These castle homes are generally huge with at least 4 or more bedrooms. One castle is named Glenveagh Castle. Entrance to the castle is through a Foyer. On the left is a parlor, in back of the parlor is a huge octagonal master bedroom with a private bath, extra large walk in closet and access to a private deck.

The foyer of this castle leads straight ahead into a grand room and to a dining room on the left. The blueprints for Castle Glenveagh shows entry from the dining room into the kitchen and from the kitchen into the keeping room and breakfast nook and then to the den. There is also a powder room off of the foyer and a utility room and toilet behind the kitchen. Glenveagh castle is very similar to another castle home called Kildare Castle except that the castle layout blueprints are reversed left to right.

The second floor of this castle is also magnificent. The blueprints show 3 fairly large bedrooms, each laid out with a private bath and walk in closet. This castle also has another room which could be used as a fifth bedroom, a library, study, or media center. There are other castle blueprints available but Castle Kildare and Castle Glenveagh are two of the most luxurious castle layouts. Do a web search for castle home plans or castle floor plans and take a look for yourself.

Categories
Landscaping Dublin

LL Castles for sale

Word Count:
341

For the best Landscaping in Dublin, call Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.

Buying a castle is a dream for most people . Find out how it can become reality


castles for sale , castles , buying a castle , selling a castle , Scottish castles

To find the best Landscaping Company in Dublin, click here for Leaf2Leaf Landscapes.
Many people dream about owning a castle . For some people the dream has become a reality . This article is a look at how the dream can come true . Buying a castle or historical building is a difficult task requiring access to a small and exclusive marketplace.
The Dobsons are a family from the Midlands of England . 3 years ago they took the momentous decision to buy a Scottish castle – Duncriag castle in the Highlands .The castle was in a poor state of repair with a leaky roof , no heating and in dire need of proper maintenance. Undaunted they took on the challenge and now the castle is newly refurbished and it is a family home as well as a venue for weddings . The castle is on the shore of Loch Carron with panoramic views of the Loch and the beautiful village of plockton where the BBc series Hamish Macbeth was filmed . The family’s story has already been the subject of a film by BBC Scotland and now there are plans to make a Hollywood film based on their experiences .

Cumbrae Castle is on the Isle of Cumbrae, a small island in the Clyde, just a few minutes by boat from Largs on the west coast of Scotland. The Isle features 277 hectares of countryside, a 12 bedroom Victorian mansion built in the 18th century and a 13th century castle. The island is the ultimate private residence because of its seclusion. It has potential as a hotel or leisure development. There is also a 300 year old lighthouse complex with superb views of the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig. The island has good mobile phone reception and wireless internet access but no telephone line. In the 14th century King Robert hunted the island’s wildlife.

There are a small number of castles for sale in Europe. In Slovakia the government has published a list of 50 manor houses, two castles and 12 houses for sale. The prices are very low but the catch is that they all need substantial renovation to bring them up to a reasonable standard”