apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Very cool -- did not know you could go there -- definitely going on my list!

In general, the Hudson Valley is so gorgeous. We went to Hyde Park for the Vanderbilt Mansion and FDR house tours weekend before last -- such beautiful settings. (though not my styles . . .)

More in keeping with my style is Manitoga, Russel Wright's house -- but AVOID for now -- it is undergoing major restoration work, with much furniture removed and windows covered. A friend went last weekend and was very disappointed.

There is another castle in Tarrytown along the Hudson (click my name). It has an interesting history - it was bought by a banker with laundered funds and eventually sold. Its a fun, unique place to visit!

Though it's almost impossible to get into unless you are expressly invited (and on the "ok to enter" list) the houses within Tuxedo Park are some of the most fantastic secrets NY has to offer.

Tuexdo Park, just north of the Red Apple Rest Stop was the country's first closed-gate community and became a vacation spot for the wealthy of NY. The community sports several lakes lined with massive mansions- the likes of which could be described as Vanderbilt-ian. I believe several celebreties now sport housed in the park but there are still plenty of "average" folk who live there; in particular one eccentric artist named Bob Bero who lives in a converted dog kennel...

Go to the gate, tell 'em you're there to see Bob Bero and tell bob Julian sent you! Ha!

If you're in the mood for castles but not up for a drive, check out Paul Halsall's guide to medieval New York:
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/med/medny.html#I

Have you ever been to the Olana House upstate? I admit it is hardly as fun as ruins, but it is a beautiful site regardless.

Does anyone know exactly where this castle is located? I live in the lower Hudson Valley along the Palisades and would love to visit. Would appreciate anyones response.

What an unexpected pleasure.
Beautiful pictures, Regina, thank you.

If anyone would like to visit the Hudson valley and don't mind a companion, I'd like to join. [no car and no driving skills]

wow ! These days AT seems to be a good site to pick up dates.
Please do not take it the wrong way. I said it in all good humour

salut

Cielo,

Please see the Bannerman Castle link for further info on visiting the island on a vessel called The Pollepel. It's a fun boat trip to the island complete with hard-hat walking tour.

I love ruins of old buildings. Even in disrepair or destruction, or whatever you'd like to call it, there's beauty to be had. Some of the most historic ruins in the last century here in Massachusetts - the Danvers State Insane Asylum - are becoming luxury condos. :(

http://www.danversstateinsaneasylum.com/

In a place called Vasai ( a suburb in Bombay ) I had the chance to visit the fort built by the portuguese. The graves had now become walking stones but the engraving was intact.
The fort was made of red brick. I saw them around 9 years ago. The place is not frequented by visitors.

Another caves called "mahakali caves" is right near the slums. The place is used as a hideout by thugs and many other such underworld. It is a sad sight. I used to work 3 blocks away from the place and I was asked to keep away because it was not very safe for young women.

India is a mine of castle's, palaces, and so many famous forts( some as old as 1400's ) They are breath taking. The sad part is most of them are not documented and lesser are maintained by lack of funds.