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Author
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Topic: Im making one...
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Whitemanfrtown
Member
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posted 07-04-2003 10:09 PM
  
THIS IS GENERAL INFO ON MY PROJECT, INTENTIONS AND PROGRESS THUSFAR:
THE CASTLE: its intended to look authentic but have all the modern niceities concealed within its structure. Estimated at 5000 - 7000 sq. ft. living space. Most likely it will become a bed and breakfast with botanical gardens adjacent to it on the same property. I estimate the size to be 25-35 acres.
PRODUCTION PROGRESS: Its in the research phase now. thats how I found this site.
I have the mental concept ot the thing and maybe twenty sheets worth of drafts, sketches etc. These range from exterior finishing details to windows, rough floor plans, gatehouse, portcullis, furnishings etc.
GETTING AROUND EXPENSIVE STONE: this is inevitably one of the bigger considerations to take into account if youre going to do something like build a castle... serious masonry.
Im not planning on spending 200K on masonry. Dont really like the idea of lugging 450-lb. stones either. So, Ive done some homework on how to bypass this and not have the exterior turn out cheesey.
FAUX STONE: Ive made my own. they look great and you can make whatever size and shape you want (approx 5/8 in. thick) but they arent the strongest. they are essentially cement tiles. I manufactured about 200 of them, affixed them to the interior concrete walls of my old home, and faux painted them - marvelous.
CALIFORNIA STONE GUY: theres this guy in CA who manufactures faux stone made from cement and old newspapers (nutty, huh?) they are quite lightweight (wich is a big plus when you consider covering a three-story wall and the footings youre going to need underneeath) and durable.
they used to be available in 4x8 sheets and were machine-stamped wich gave it texture.
PRESENT TIME PROGRESS: Im collecting pictures of castles to finalize a rough exterior sketch that will be passed off to an artist who will make a rendtion of all the composite pieces i give her.
after that I will be looking for the land to build on.WHAT I CAN HELP OTHERS WITH: Well, Im a tradesman. I own my own painting company and have been at work in the trades for 14 years. Im generally experienced in the construction process and have data on how to create effects through use of plaster, paint and faux-finishes. ("faux" is french for "false") WHAT I NEED: At this point im trying to find anyone who has built a castle-type structure or who has been doing research in order to share any possible things to watch out for or any great ideas on building material products.
The type of data im looking for is "watch out for this" , "make sure you consider that" ... Also any investors having intrest. The financial solution i have is to generate capitol via real estate involvement but the dough still needs to be made. So im looking for advice along those lines also. WHATS NEEDED NOW: if youre more of a regular at this site or you at least know whats up on this topic drop me a line. And please excuse my green status on computer use. |
duncan
Senior Member
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posted 07-07-2003 09:51 AM
"450-lb. stones"
One question, where did this figure come from?My project which is a "true castle" doesn't involve much that will translate over to yours, which is known as a Folly to castle lovers because it has the looks of a castle with out the items that define one.
So take no offense if you see topics by this description as you search the archives. Several members are doing what you purpose and you might have a look at their past posts for ideas, web sites, or email address's.
Here's one site http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/9349/ I'll throw in my two pence to help when I can, luck to you on your project. ------------------
Megan and Ralph at
Castle Duncan,
Castles and Medieval Discussion Forums May those who love us love us
And those who don't love us
May God turn their hearts,
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.
--- Irish Proverb
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sailorman
Member
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posted 07-08-2003 01:12 PM
Whitemanfrtown - I'm with you. And at about the same stage. My twist - to be built on the NC coast with a lighthouse tower ( I have the big Fresnel lens already). I freely admit to a folly as Duncan describes. Tell me more about your faux stone. Got any digital photos?
I have looked seriously at Cultured Stone http://www.culturedstone.com/ but it is not cheap. I started out planning the towers in split block (like all the Walmart stores). I was just at Bush Gardens and spent more than a little time studiing their "castles". I have no decided to mix the "old tower" in a state of decay (phase 1) with the new tower, probably split block at this point(phase 2), with a long wall of oversize distressed brick (phase 3). Most castles were buiilt over a long time period or rebuilt in a second time period so this would not be too out of character. My present home is a mix of oversize distressed brick and a stucco tower and we get lots of positive comments. The stucco is actually a Masonite product in 4x8 sheets. |
duncan
Senior Member
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posted 07-08-2003 04:11 PM
Whitemanfrtown and sailorman, do either of you guys have a web site? If not, how about putting some images in the gallery here?
I'm sure there are many members interested in seeing what your building if the amount of email and visits are any indication.
------------------
Megan and Ralph at
Castle Duncan,
Castles and Medieval Discussion Forums May those who love us love us
And those who don't love us
May God turn their hearts,
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we'll know them by their limping.
--- Irish Proverb
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Whitemanfrtown
Member
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posted 07-08-2003 09:27 PM
Duncan - No web site for me yet - Im the worlds latest, greatest computer tenderfoot.
I am however seeking someone to make one for me.
Funny, I was about to ask about submitting photos and all that stuff. I went to the photo gallery (or is it archives) but stopped when i read " dont pursue this any further unless you plan on submitting photos..."
I need to hook up my scanner and learn how to use the thing - but other than that i guess its alright to go ahead, huh?
Re: 450 lb stones- just a guess and/or exaggeration. From photos I have seen stones used near the base of gatehouse walls that appear to be 2-3 ft. square so Id imagine those are rather heavy. |
Whitemanfrtown
Member
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posted 07-08-2003 09:31 PM
Sailorman- got it on your project.
in answer to the faux stone thing see my new topic "faux stone". |
sailorman
Member
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posted 07-09-2003 12:25 AM
Duncan - going to have to be a couple weeks as I am in the middle of selling a house (lots of work before closing) and then I am off for a week. I do have lots to put up on a new site and will post a free viewer to rotate my solid CAD files. | |
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