THE MOST EXPENSIVE CASTLES IN THE WORLD

Luxury Real Estate - Castles

By any one’s definition, owning your own castle must be considered the ultimate in luxury real estate. A few attempts have been made to build castles over the last few years, but the prohibitive costs are such that one tends to see over-sized villas or high-rises instead. So, this article deals with what I consider to be genuine castles. Most of them are extremely old and the running costs are such that they could only appeal to a genuinely wealthy individual. By genuinely wealthy, I mean bottomless pockets or you already own a country. (Or an oil company). Most of these are for sale, or available to rent, although some are just fascinating.

Eilean Donan, Scotland

This first one is Eilean Donan castle in Scotland, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some pretty dramatic scenery, particularly in winter.
Available to rent on a by-the-day basis, although the owners suggest hiring it during the winter if you want to avoid crowds of tourists. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has been demolished and rebuilt several times over the years and the current incarnation has starred in many films, including Highlander and James Bond - The World is not Enough.



Dracula’s Castle, Romania

The next castle is often referred to as Dracula’s castle, although the real name is Bran castle.
Perched on a cliff near Brasov in central Romania, it is a major tourist attraction, largely because of its ties to Prince Vlad the Impaler, the warlord who inspired Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, “Dracula.” Legend has it that Vlad spent one night at the castle in the 1400s . The castle was returned to it’s “rightful” owners, the Habsburg family after the fall of communism. Arch Duke Dominic Habsburg immediately offered the castle back to the Romanian government for $80 million but the offer was rejected. It then went on the open market, and I understand it is still available. Baytree Capital, the firm representing the family are of the opinion that the castle will eventually sell for $135 million, although I feel this is a little ambitious - especially with Romanian lawyers still fighting over the the decision to return it to the family in the first place. Time will tell.



Castello di Mazzè, Turin, Italy

This beautiful castle in Turin is available for hire to cater wedding parties at around 2,500-5,500 Euros a day and for sale at around 15 million Euros. (Negotiable). Notable visitors in the past include: King Vittorio Emanuele II di Savoia, Count of Cavour, Zar Nicola II, Count Brunetta d’Usseaux, Francesco De Sanctis and Benito Mussolini. Originally constructed in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 15th, the founder of the Italian Olympic movement, Count Eugenio Brunetta d’Usseax also lived here.



Castello di Casole, Italy

This is another castle in Italy. Lovingly restored along with 30 farmhouses on the largest privately-owned piece of land in Italy. For sale as fractional ownerships, although I believe some of the farmhouses are available as complete sales.



Bled Castle, Slovenia

Perched atop a cliff seems to be a popular position, and this next castle dates back to 1004, making it one of the oldest in Slovenia. The oldest part of the castle is the Romanesque tower, although additions have been made over the years. During the Middle Ages more towers were built and other buildings were added during the Baroque period. The chapel in the upper courtyard was built in the 16th century, and renovated around 1700, when it was painted with illusionist frescoes. This one is not currently for sale or rent, but is a popular tourist destination.



Biniés Castle, Huesca, Spain

This next one is interesting because currently being used as a residence and the owners have spent some considerable time and effort renovating. Originally constructed in the 11th century, Biniés Castle is perched above the village with spectacular views of the valley. For Sale by owner, price on application, although, I think they could do with a new camera.



Walton Castle, Somerset, England

This castle was originally built for Lord Poulett, a Somerset member of Parliament, back in the days when only the landed gentry were allowed to run for office, although, as I think about it, things haven’t really changed in that regard - Now you need to have been to the right university and have friends with money behind you.



Nakatso-Jo Castle, Nakatsu, Oita Prefecture, Japan

Current Owner Masayuki Okudaira, placed the castle up for sale recently for the sum of $3 million. This seems like a bargain, but the horrendous cost of maintaining the building means that is not necessarily the case. The city of Nakatsu is deciding whether or not to buy the local tourist attraction, where visitors can also view heirlooms from local governing families of past eras exhibited inside. Originally constructed around 1587, the current five-tiered castle was rebuilt in 1964 after being destroyed by fire in the 1877 Satsuma Rebellion.



Villa Castiglione, Capri, Italy

Now this is the sort of price I would expect to have to pay for genuine luxury real estate. The Villa Castiglione in Capri is for sale at $38 million. Now we’re talking - eight double bedrooms, five bathrooms with fittings of the finest Italian marble and gold taps, several rooms for entertaining and a rich history including a brief spell as a British naval base during the Napoleonic wars. And unlike its Scottish brethren, you won’t need a small forest of wood to keep the building heated during the winter.



Mock Castles

Not all castles are fortified, and during the Gothic Revival in architecture, many “castles” were built. These castles had no defensive capabilities, but used elements of earlier castles, such as castellation and towers for purely decorative purposes. These features were personified in the Scottish Baronial style and many of them were country houses. These “mock castles” were particularly common in the UK and Ireland, Belfast Castle and Castle Oliver being two such examples. Famous revival castles in other countries include Neuschwanstein in Germany, Miramare in Italy, and Castillo de Chapultepec in Mexico. The castle in the photograph below is Neuschwanstein in Germany and this photo was voted one of wikipedia’s finest images. Click on the image to see a large version. Beautiful subject and photography.

12 OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE FOODS AND DRINKS

12 of the Most Expensive Foods and Drinks
Check out these shockingly pricey food items from around the globe

With all the talk about rising food costs, many of us find ourselves in the grocery aisles complaining about paying $4.50 for a gallon of milk. Well, you haven’t seen anything yet! We've compiled a list of ridiculously expensive foods and drinks—including a $250 chocolate truffle and a $700 bottle of wine—that will only have you saying “Bon appétit” if you can afford it.

1. Classic Grey Sevruga Caviar
This Russian caviar comes from the Caspian Sea and a mere 14-ounce jar will run you $2,520.



2. La Madeline au Truffe
Knipschildt Chocolatier packages this decadent sweet in its very own box, nestled on a bed of sugar pearls. Just one of these chocolate truffles costs $250.



3. Moose Milk Cheese
Called "The World's Most Expensive Cheese" for good reason, this cheese costs $500 per pound and comes from small, private moose cow farms in rural Sweden.



4. Red Iranian Saffron
This type of saffron is of a quality called Sargol grade, which means "top of the flower,” and costs $750 for 100 grams.



5. Kobe Wagyu Beef
Wagyu beef is known around the globe for its juicy tenderness and superb flavor, which may explain why it’s $285.95 for just four steaks.



6. Fresh Black Winter Truffles
These Italian truffles are among the most expensive in the world—a quarter pound will subtract $400 from your bank account!



7. Kopi Luwak Coffee
Made from coffee berries that have been—we are not lying—eaten by and passed through the digestive tract of a civet, a cat-sized mammal found in Southeast Asia and Southern China, a pound costs $229.95.



8. Dom Perignon 1988 Vintage Champagne
This well-known Champagne maker is synonymous with expensive costs, but this particular vintage, at $700 a bottle, is still pretty outrageous.



9. Goose Foie Gras
Goose liver foie gras is known for its softer, creamier taste than its duck liver counterpart. However, at $115 for 10 ounces, it's certainly not soft on your wallet.



10. Golden Opulence Sundae
New York City eatery Serendipity 3 holds the Guinness World Record for "Most Expensive Sundae." This $1,000 dessert includes a 23-karat edible gold leaf, rare chocolates and ice cream, served in a crystal goblet with an 18-karat gold spoon.



11. Tieguanyin Tea
This premium variety of Chinese oolong tea is closely related to green tea, and one kilo of it can cost as much as $3,000.



12. Martini on the Rock
At Manhattan’s Algonquin Hotel, you can sit in the lap of luxury at the Blue Bar and for $10,000 you can purchase the hotel's famous martini, which includes the diamond of your choice as decoration in the bottom of your glass.

MOST EXPENSIVE PRIVATE ISLANDS

Isla de sa Ferradura, Spain

The Isla de sa Ferradura sits in the Bay of San Miguel just off the north coast of Ibiza, Spain. This 14 acre resort island is fully developed with a hacienda, kitchen, pool, bar and even a wine bodega. With 300 days per year of sunshine, and a view of the bright blue Mediterrannean Sea, this truly is living large. Most people will never be able to experience even a vacation here. The island rents out for about US$230,000 per week. Price : US$39,700,000.



Cabbage Cay, Bahamas

Cabbage Cay is a private, 35 acre, fee-simple island, located in the World Famous Bonefish flats, within the inner bay of North Eleuthera in the Bahamas. A road has been pushed to the island, so whatever you decide to build on it, your access will be guaranteed for years to come. The island carries up to 24′ elevations. Three sandy beaches, lush vegetation, a protected anchorage area, and abundant exotic wildlife are some of the more amazing amenities. Turtles, fishes and birds abound. Did we mention the sailing is nice in the Bahamas? Price : US$2,500,000.



Cerralvo Island, Mexico

Cerralvo Island is 60 square miles of undeveloped terrain. The island is mountainous as it was a former volcano. It is located in the Cerralvo Channel, in the Sea of Cortez, off the coast of Baja Mexico. These waters are prime for big game fishing. This massive private island could contain several enormous mansions and you still would never see your neighbors. This sandy beach island gets plenty of warm Mexican weather and sunshine, and offers plenty of privacy, yet is only about 30 miles away from the mainland. Price : US$35,000,000



Singer Castle on Dark Island, Canada

The island sits in the St.Lawrence river between Ontario, Canada and New York, USA. Dark Island isn’t known for its tropical jungle or white sand beaches. The real gem is the 100 years old castle on the island. It was originally built in 1905 as a hunting lodge family retreat by Fredrick Bourne, the president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. With towers and secret passages abounding you could literally be your own King of the Castle. The island would be a great getaway from the hustle and bustle, and is still only a short helicopter ride away from New York or Toronto. But it is currently only available for rent. Price available upon request.



Necker Island, British Virgin Island

Virgin Record’s super mogul Richard Branson took private islands to a whole new level in the late 1970’s by purchasing Necker Island. Branson built an unparalleled resort, that now rents for approximately US$329,000 per week. The island is int the Caribbean and surrounded by a coral reef with extremely diverse sea life. The island hosts pristine beaches and vibrant plant life. Rock stars party here, Hollywood notables and Google founders get married here, and the closest you’ll ever come is on a Caribbean cruise line. The 360 degree open bedroom provide one of the best views of the sunset you’ll ever likely to see. Price : US$47,000 per day.



Musha Cay, Bahamas

Musha Cay is actually 4 private islands owned by renowned magician David Copperfield. The islands are located 85 miles southeast of Nassau, Bahamas, and has its own runaway for top secret celeb landings. This private island resort has 5 houses. The resort offers activities such as snorkling, diving, windsurfing, a gym, and walking paths, but you could always choose to sunbathe on one of Musha’s seven gorgeous private beaches. Also, Copperfield reportedly has found the “Fountain of Youth” on the island. Price : US$32,250 per day for 12 or fewer people.



Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

Tetiaroa is located 40 miles north of Tahiti, and is actually an atoll comprised of 12 small islands. The island was made famous by the late Marlon Brando. The island currently has only one full time resident : Teihotu, Brando’s son. The island is mostly undisturbed and boasts a tropical bird sanctuary, but there are currently no accommodations on the island for visitor until the new hotel, aptly named “The Brando” is completed sometime this year. Price : N/A.



Ciftlik Island, Turkey

Just 250 meters from off the coast line of Turkey in the Agean Sea sits a gorgeous castle-style house, along with a guest house, and servants quarters. One of the few developed island in the region with water, electricity and telephone. Although this island isn’t much for beaches, the sunny, warm weather, the proximity to mainland Turkey and Rhodes, and the finished house put this island right up there with the best in the world. Price : Approx. US$25,000,000.



Piedade Island, Brazil

Piedade is only 2.5 hours from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is one of 365 islands in the Angra dos Reis archipelago. The island is fully developed with a resort, full time staff, and four beaches to choose from. What makes Piedade Island unique is the location. This island is one of the rare private tropical islands outside of the Caribbean, and is a perfect addition to trip to Brazil. Available upon request for rent.



Nygard Cay, Bahamas

Think Robinson Caruso. This Mayan architecture tree house island is an affluent traveler’s perfect getaway. The Cay lies on the tip of Lyford Cay in Nassau, Bahamas. With waterslides, pools, hot tubs, tennis courts and an 85 foot yacht, this is an adult playground in the rain forest. This is the only way to vacation in the Bahamas. Price : US$42,000 per day.

5 MOST EXPENSIVE PENS OF THE WORLD

Kings and royals were famous for using feathers and inks to write their official letters. When there were no papers people use to write on leaves and primitive people had used great deals of rock writing that is still found by archaeologists in caves in different parts of the world. Writing has been important since man became part of evolution and started expressing his thoughts. Invention of Pen gave a sudden thrust and force to writing and now we wonder if they will become extinct after the invention of computers and keyboards and other storage media.

History of pen goes back to 4000 BC while people were using straws and other liquids to write. Lets have a look at 5 most expensive pens in the world.

TOP 10 MOST EXPENSIVE CARS IN THE WORLD

JUST LOOK AT THIS...

WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE BRAS

You may have heard recently that Victoria’s Secret has recently been displaying the world’s most expensive bra. It’s not true. In fact, there are several bras that we know of that were more expensive than that one, all products of Victoria’s Secret.

Red Hot Fantasy Bra and Panties
$15 million



Very Sexy Fantasy Bra
$11 million



Star of Victoria Fantasy Bra
$10 million



Heavenly 70s Fantasy Bra
$10 million



Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra
$5 million

MOST EXPENSIVE BIKINI

Molly Sims didn’t leave much to the imagination when she wore this diamond-studded swimwear for Sports Illustrated’s infamous Swimsuit Edition in 2006. Of course, what the bikini doesn’t actually cover is obscured by misdirection as the swimsuit, the most expensive bikini in the world, is as eye-catching as the woman modeling it.


Designed by Susan Rosen with Steinmetz Diamonds, the bikini is made up of 150 carats of flawless diamonds—including a pair of fifteen carat, round-cut diamonds; a thirty carat, emerald-cut diamond and a pear-shaped, fifty-one carat diamond. Rather than using cloth to make the expensive swimsuit, Ms. Rosen opted to make it out of platinum.

MOST EXPENSIVE GOLD

If you think all gold is the same, think again. Scotgold, an Australian mining company, has recently purchased the Cononish mine in Tyndrum, a small village in Scotland, which produces the most expensive gold in the world—Scottish gold.


A ring made of Scottish gold
from the Scottish Gold Collection.
Scottish gold is heavily valued for its yellow color, rarity and the back-breaking sluicing process used to gather it. The expensive gold’s price can be more than five times that of normal gold. The Cononish mine was approved in 1996 for the mining of 25,000 ounces of gold per year. Unfortunately, a steady decrease in the price of gold shelved the project for the ten years before Scotgold bought the mine.