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The primary goal of the structure, regardless of what "plan" comes to fruition, is energy efficiency and some level of "green" living. As many appliances as possible are to be Energy Star compliant. The structure itself will be built from local, managed materials as best can be done. Energy saving and efficient features will be used in the overall design of the structure, such as: geothermal cooling, radiant floor heating, passive solar heat, solar hot water, on-demand hot water, engineered construction, use of natural materials and anything else that can be feasibly done.
Plan
Strictly a residence.
A tour given occasionally to the interested passers by when their curiosity got the better of them and they just come and knock on the door. If located in an area where the population density and interest is high enough, the occasional event such as Halloween or party may be hosted. Interior of castle may or may not be available for tours, depending on the level of detail put into finishing the building in the style of a castle. Really, at this level, it could be a pretty good looking castle-like facade with some mildly interesting features inside. Most of the effort will be confined to the structure being in the form of a castle, including windows and a stone finish.
Plan
A residence with panache.
A residence where a bit of effort has gone into creating a more castle-like finish, from the inside to the outside. A larger structure in general, and in addition to the same conditions as above, it will have some form of great hall that will be possibly available to rent for events such as weddings and parties, tours to passers by more available.
Plan
A residence with commercial overtones.
Still, primarily a residence. More effort placed in creating a castle-like interior; great hall, open beam construction, a large kitchen attached on the ground floor. Segments of a skirt wall or other out buildings may be built that would suit the purposes of an event such as a party or wedding. Possibly a few extra bedrooms. The structure and grounds will be open for rental to have events such as parties and weddings, rooms possibly available for rent as a B&B. Possibly a small shop on site to sell antiques and/or other crafts by us.
Plan
Mostly a commercial facility with a residence.
Structure designed with events and B&B in mind. Lots of effort placed on the interior with a large great room suitable for weddings, parties, and events. Commercial kitchen and laundry facilities. Small side rooms available for meetings, B&B breakfasts, or smaller events. A minimum of 10 bedrooms available for B&B use. Shop on site for souvenirs and crafts. Grounds constructed specifically with events in mind. Parking for guests available. Residence confined to a smaller area in the structure with administrative space. Tours available. Local events such as Halloween or Christmas parties expected regularly.
Plan
The whole Shebang!
Same as above, except with some form of skirt wall with gate house. Gate house could be private apartment for owners (ourselves, in this case...) or available as a "Master Suite" for B&B guest rental. Residence confined to a limited area of the structure, or a separate building or cottage entirely. Expand the B&B to have more than 10 rooms and dedicate the castle construction to include these rooms in a unique way and to make them interesting to the guests. Staying at the castle should be a "non-cheesy" and memorable adventure. Part time or full time staff positions available. Dungeon a must, with wine cellar parties available. Facility available for tours. Consider possible "theme-rooms", include dungeon as a place to stay. On site, semi-attached or attached Chapel to the castle for weddings in addition to the great room for events. Lots of effort placed in grounds and structure's construction. Moat and Drawbridge a realistic goal. Available for large events; also consider having a large land area surrounding the castle outside of the skirt wall available for Renaissance Festival use. Castle B&B designed and placed to be a centerpiece of Festival and associated commercial enterprise.
Plan
The ultimate castle and a surrounding community. Essentially an attempt to re-create the walled cities of old, a planned community. Large castle, moat and skirt wall, drawbridge and portcullis. Community built up in various styles surrounding the castle, narrow streets, barely fit for cars; mostly restricted to pedestrian traffic. Styles perhaps divided up into quarters, featuring anything from a "Dickensian" style, alpine, Nordic, to half-timber construction. Businesses at street level, living spaces such as apartments or condos on the upper levels. Period community surrounded by another wall, and surrounding area open for farming to provide for anything from farm-festivals or farm-to-restaurant gourmet quality foods at establishments in the period community. Likelihood of this happening is next to zero, it'd take more than winning the lottery type-funds to accomplish, and a lifetime to design and build.
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Well, there you have it. Honestly, until we win the Lottery or the proverbial "rich uncle" shows up, we expect the money to build what we ant from our own hard earned money. We'd be surprised to see a single penny from donations. Now that I've said that, I'm sure a one cent donation will pop up in the alms box once in a while. We are open to commercial sponsors as well, if companies are willing to donate time, materials, appliances or other items, some arrangement could be reached for advertising or giving the company some return on their investment.
All the same, we'll happily accept a non-charitable donation for private use.
Still feel like donating?
We accept PayPal, or you can contact us through the dreamsofcastles.blogspot.com site for other arrangements.
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