The “Versailles” of Bavaria - Linderhof Palace
The castle at Linderhof or Linderhof Palace is part of the famed legacy of the Bavarian King Ludwig II, situated in the Bavarian Alps. Linderhof is considered one of King Ludwig II’s smallest palaces, but it is surrounded by extensive gardens an terraces in the Italian style.
A Bavarian Ruler’s Summer Residence - Nymphenburg Palace
The Nymphenburg Palace is a Baroque palace located in Munich, Germany. It is considered one of the premier royal palaces of Europe and was the summer residence for Bavarian Kings for over 300 years.
Built For Seclusion - Neuschwanstein Castle
The name Neuschwanstein means “new swan”and this castle is often referred to as the “Sleeping Beauty” or “Cinderella” Castle. The exterior of the castle is breathtaking, and it was built across from his childhood home, Hohenschwangau Castle.
Hitler’s Mountaintop Headquarters - Eagle’s Nest
This post is intended to bring attention to the feat of engineering, impressive architecture as well as the stunning alpine views associated with Eagle’s Nest.
The Middle Rhine - Mainz to St. Goat
This trip was done on one of the many ferries that travel the Rhine. I say this so you know that you do not have to book a riverboat excursion, just merely hop on a ferry. Some of the ferries have dining tables and chairs where you can sit, eat and drink as you enjoy the romantic scenery.
250’ Altitude & No Mosquitos - Sea Cliff, NY
Sea Cliff is not the usual look-alike homes Long Island town that dominate parts of Nassau County. Instead, the village has Victorian buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places with clapboard, shingle, turrets, wood trim and carvings. Many were build as summer homes in the the late nineteenth century resort town and they have been called one of the best collections of late Victorian homes in New York’s Nassau County. The town is intimate, at one square mile, most residents are able to walk to restaurants, beach, stores and 16 town parks without getting in the car.
Tobacco Central - Durham NC
For decades, The American Tobacco Campus and the city of Durham were one of the busiest industrial centers the country. When the tobacco industry ended in Durham, there needed to be re-invention.
St. Josaphat’s Monastery-A Former Long Island Gold Coast Estate
On the Long Island Sound, in the town of Lattingtown, John Edward Aldred, along with W.D. Guthrie decided to establish themselves on Long Island’s Gold Coast. In 1910 they bought out the incorporated village of Lattingtown, leveled some 60 houses and businesses and built two mansions on the waterfront.
Inspired By Versaille’s Garden Retreat - Marble House, Newport, RI
William K. Vanderbilt chose architect Richard Morris Hunt to design the 39th birthday present he wanted to give to his wife, Alva. It would be call Marble House and was to be built on Newport’s fashionable Bellevue Avenue. Richard Morris Hunt was the first American educated at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
The Largest Private Ballroom in Newport - Rosecliff
Rosecliff was commissioned by Nevada silver heiress Theresa “Tessie” Fair Oelrichs and her husband, Hermann, and was built between 1898 and 1902. Flamboyant architect, Sanford White of McKim, Mead & White, designed the house modeled after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat at Versailles. The mansion is clad in white terracotta adorned with flowers and musical instruments. Jules Allard and Sons of Paris were commissioned to do the interior decoration.
An Island With A Heart - Boldt Castle
George C. Boldt, a millionaire associated with the Waldorf Astoria and the Bellevue-Stratford Hotels in New York City, built this 120-room castle to display his love for his wife, Louise, on picturesque Hart Island, which he re-named Heart Island. Not a single detail or expense was spared in creating the grand castle with tunnels, Italian gardens, playhouse and powerhouse. Construction was ordered to start in 1900 on Heart Island in the Saint Lawrence River, and part of the Thousand Islands.