Hunting Lodge?

Now bear with me here so I can exercise this demon while it's fresh.
The castle below really REALLY reminds me of Castle Leslie in Ireland where I've had the pleasure of staying twice.
Don't you think the below castle would lend itself nicely to an equestrian centere? Cuz I sure as hell do...You could model it after the Castle Leslie experience:


Castle Leslie Estate, set on 1,000 acres of magnificent scenery including woodlands, lakes and rivers boasts up to 150 cross-country jumps suitable for all levels making it the ultimate Equestrian Playground. Started in 1974 by Desmond Leslie, Castle Leslie was always the fore runner in equestrian holidays in Ireland. Some thirty years on, the stage is set to become the best worldwide with the restoration and regeneration of the old Hunting Lodge, stables and cross country course to the tune of over 10 Million Euros. The renovated Hunting Lodge is now open with 35 bedrooms set in the heart of the state-of-the-art Equestrian Centre. Five new court yards tucked in behind the Lodge make up the stabling, home to 55 horses and ponies, or as some may rather say, handsome hunters, charming cobs, cheeky ponies and flying armchairs.
The Center's aim is for nervous or novice riders to gain confidence from a team of experienced horses and qualified instructors in a constructive program. For the intermediate rider the emphasis is on improving, progressively jumping more challenging fences and combinations. The more experienced rider can ride younger, more challenging horses over extensive cross-country courses.
The countryside is soft green and rolling with ancient forests, lakes and abundant flora and fauna. Here it seems possible to step back in time and escape the pressures of the modern world and enjoy a close harmony with horses, nature and fellow riding companions. The picturesque village of Glaslough lies at the estate gates and has won many awards in the Tidy Towns Competition over the years. Its old buildings and character have been preserved along with the village way of life. All the riding programs include an initial assessment and rides are graded to ensure that everyone rides at a pace to suit them.
2008 Rates include accommodation in the newly renovated Hunting Lodge with full board, 4 hrs of riding per riding day on the Equi-Country program.
8 days/ 7 nights $ 2,700
6 days/ 5 nights $ 2,245
4 days/ 3 nights $ 1,350
Open: All year
Meeting: Glaslough
Airport: Dublin
Transfer: Group transfer from Dublin is $200 (€ 140) -up to 3 pass or $145 (€ 100) from Belfast - to pay locally direct
Tack: English
Horses: Irish Hunters, Cobbs, Connemara
Pace: all paces
Level: all levels
Facilities include

• 1,000 acres of private estate
• 300 new cross-country jumps from knee high to knee tremblers built by Willis Bros. of Badminton Horse Trials fame
• 21 miles of bridleways for meandering along
• Mile-long all-weather gallop
• 56 stables accommodating a minimum of 30 working horses and ponies from handsome hunters, cheeky ponies and 'flying armchairs'
• Virtual horse for beginners
• 50 x 30 meter indoor arena with indoor cross-country fences
• Tiered seating for 200 plus private dining/viewing room
• Catering for all levels from 7 yrs upwards

Riding
Qualified instructors up to B.H.S.I.I. lead the cross-country rides and also teach all levels and will make sure that everyone can make the most of their holiday with sympathetic instruction or just the right amount of encouragement for the rider who does not want 'formal tuition'. There are extensive trails on the Castle Leslie Estate with natural and man-made obstacles spread over a wide area, also riding on adjacent farmland and a competition course is available with a large number of fences to suit all levels. We will organize a range of demos and clinics with Equestrian luminaries such as Anne-Marie Taylor, Ian Stark, Pippa Funnell, Lucinda Green and many more! We continue to have Jeremy Spring BHSI here for clinics on a monthly basis.
-- The horses range from the 'Baby-sitters' & 'Flying armchairs' for the more novice or nervous rider, to typical Irish hunters who provide more of a challenge for the experienced rider.
Hunting Lodge:
The Hunting Lodge at Castle Leslie is now one of the most luxurious 4-star hotels in Ireland. The Hunting Lodge and the cut-stone stable courtyard have been lovingly restored, retaining all their natural beauty and original character. It remains a family-friendly venue full of local character, but now offers guests many more facilities for complete comfort and relaxation. It can also cater for private parties, functions and other events. Click here to learn about the history & funding
There are 30 bedrooms, each imaginatively decorated and furnished in keeping with the building's period features.
The Hunting Lodge is right next to the Equestrian Centre, making it even easier to explore the surrounding rolling acres of countryside and parkland. When it's time to relax, drop by the Organic Victoria Spa and let our therapists massage your aching muscles after an exhilarating day's riding or just because you deserve it.
Meals
During your stay you will sample Irish Country House cuisine in the Hunting Lodge Restaurant, the set menu features fresh local produce, home-made soups, fresh salmon, steaks, lamb etc., and home made desserts and ice creams. Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for.
Conor's Bar
Unwind over a drink in this snug cellar bar with its roaring fire, cozy corners, great music and lots of craic. It's the perfect place to relax with a pint, or enjoy our traditional country home cooking in a more casual setting.
Snaffels Brasserie
Enjoy delicious meals with a wonderful view of ancient woodland. Set on a mezzanine floor, the open-plan brasserie is light and spacious with its dramatic hand-carved ceiling and robust oak beams blending effortlessly with a striking wall of contemporary glass.
The delicious menu uses the highest quality local ingredients without compromising on taste and choice. Offering a fresh approach to Mediterranean cuisine, food is cooked in the state-of-the-art wood-burning stone oven. This healthy style of cuisine complements the wellness concepts of our Organic Victorian spa.

Descriptions:
Equi-Country (Intermediate, Advanced)
Tackle a wide variety of natural cross-country fences over undulating terrain. Riders need to be a minimum of intermediate standard and relatively fit as this is a challenging but demanding programme. Riders will do a 2 hour cross-country ride in the morning and afternoon each day. Please note the 7 day programme consists of 5 days of riding.
4 hours of riding daily with two 2 hour x-country rides

Equi-Trek (Novice)
Ideally suited for novice riders who wish to enjoy the scenery on horseback around the estate. Riders may progress to jump small cross-country fences towards the end of the programme if desired. Riders will do three hours of trekking each day with this programme. Please note the 7 day programme consists of 5 days of riding.
3 hrs of riding daily with 1 hr trek and 2 hr trek. Riders may wish to join a 2hr cross-country ride towards the end of their stay instead of a 2hr trek

Equi-Improve (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced)
For novice, intermediate & advanced riders wishing to learn new techniques and get training while enjoying the thrill of 2 hour cross-country rides & group lessons. Riders will do three hours of riding each day consisting of a 1 hour lesson and a two hour cross-country ride or trek (depending on their level of ability) each day. Please note the 7 day programme consists of 5 days of riding.
3 hours of riding daily with a 1hr lesson and 2hr trek or cross-country if riders are up to it

Equi-Sensual (All Levels)
Suitable for all levels, enjoy a daily 2 hour equestrian activity that suits your level and desire and indulge in the spa to ease any fatigued muscles from the day's exertions. Spa activities are not included in this price but guests of this programme receive 15% discount on spa activities during their stay.
guests can choose 2 hours of riding either 2hr trek,x-c or 1hr lesson with 1hr trek/x-c.

1888 CASTLE OFFERED AT 15 MILLION

THE SEARLES HOPKINS CASTLE
1888 CASTLE OFFERED AT 15 MILLION

$15,0000,000 14 Bed 13 Bath 54246 Sq Ft

THE SEARLES HOPKINS CASTLE

OFFERING: 1888 French Château style stone castle, built with the finest materials of the 19th century. Interior finishes of the utmost value, including four varieties of imported marble, statuary accentuated fireplaces, carved wood ceilings, a Louis XIV drawing room with details in gold and original painted ceiling, acoustically engineered music room with 42 foot dome ceiling, and many examples of fine craftsmanship impossible to replicate. The exterior architecture features a slate roof and a variety of hipped and conical roofs accentuated by delicate finials, narrow chimneys,
gablets and turrets. The main structure is comprised of over 60,000 square feet, including an impressive sub-basement, staff quarters, and gym.

The property consists of 61 lush acres, with over a thousand feet of river frontage on the Housatonic. Stone loggia and formal terraces, lagoon and garden temple. Distant mountains frame the green meadows and stately property, which is tucked in-town but protected by a large stone wall.
Carriage house, barn, tennis court. Located in the Berkshires, a long time resort community for the affluent, located only 2 ½ hours driving time from Boston or NYC. Perfect for personal residence or commercial investment opportunity. Offered at 15 million. Inquiries to Kristine Girardin,
860-459-7797.

* Seven towers
* 40 rooms
* 7 levels
* 36 fireplaces
* Carriage house, lagoon, barn,
* Over 60,000 sq foot mansion
* 6000 sq foot carriage house
* 2300 sq foot barn
* Over 1,000 feet of river frontage

HISTORY:

The Searles Hopkins Castle was finished in 1888. It was built by Mary Sherwood Hopkins, (1819-1891) who was the widow of Central Pacific Railroad magnate Mark Hopkins (1813-1879) After Mark's death, Mary Hopkins decided to return home to Great Barrington, and commence construction of the mansion.
She met Edward Searles (1841-1921), the interior designer for the castle.
They eventually married and honeymooned in Europe, where the couple acquired many important finishes for the mansion, which Mary called "Kellog Terrace."
Edward Searles inherited the property upon her death.


ARCHECTURE: Designed by McKim, Mead, and White and is thought to be the work of Stanford White himself. The 1888 French Chateau style mansion was built with the finest materials of the 19th century. The design is said to resemble Chambord or the older part of Chenonoeaux, on the river Cher, with its elaborate rooflines.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS: The quarry on East Mountain provided the blue dolomite for the building, being brought down the hill and onto the property to stone dressing sheds. A modern home for its time - built with indoor plumbing and electricity. Many early electrical fixtures are still intact. Unique detail such as curved rooms, curved pocket doors, and countless carved wood and
marble fireplaces. Lake Mansfield once powered the organ and elevator in the castle. The two marble sphinxes currently on the garden temple, originally graced the front door to the mansion.

VESTIBULE: (ENTRY WAY)
Floored in moriah marble from near Lake Champlain on walls and trim, other marble French griotte, veined and spotted red marble- dark green from the Pyrenees, and port venere, verde maurin, and American black from Glen Falls, NY.

Right of vestibule, reception room paneled in black walnut, with FP red of vecchiano Italian marble. Elaborate ceiling reminiscent of fan vaulting in the Henry VII Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Far left of vestibule, breakfast room with FP Italian marble

GREAT HALL:
Woodwork of hand polished English oak, as is much of the house. It is rumored that two ancient English oaken ships were towed to America and taken apart to provide the fine wood.



ATRIUM: ("Heart of House")
Side walls of rose of ivory marble from the atlas mountains of Africa. 16 pillars. Floor native white marble. Mexican onyx panels conceal electrical lights which gave the illusion of sunlight. Glass doors open upon a loggia above the terrace.

MUSIC ROOM:
50 feet long entered through atrium beneath carved oak pillars. Dome shaped ceiling, 42 feet above. Carved oak seats. Formerly the home of a massive custom built organ, which was removed. Balcony from the second floor; third floor window can be opened and adjusted so the upper rooms are flooded with music. Small shelved room for storing sheet music. Acoustically designed.

DINING ROOM:
Moorish style paneled in antique oak with FP French groitte and Belgian black marble. Opening to private porch for breakfasting.

BUTLERS PANTRY: Note the original call buttons and dumbwaiter.

DRAWING ROOM:
Louis XIV drawing room, in white and gold, brought from Paris in sections.
Mantelpiece of Siena marble with bronze figures of Hercules. Ceiling was painting on canvas. Morning room on the Southeast paneled in dark oak. FP of porte venere black and gold marble from near Spezzia with gold-bronze ornaments. The woodwork is embellished with real gold leaf. The fireplace, alone, was valued circa 1922 at $25,000.

Second Floor Details:
Upstairs hall served as a family living room. Ceiling said to be one modeled after a ducal palace in Venice (oak paneling).
Circular library with dark native oak.
East wing - Mrs. Hopkins suite
Mantel of bois d'orient and Siena marble in the sitting room. Smoking room
on the west of verde maurin mantel.
The billiard room on 3rd floor is finished in butternut wood.

GUEST HOUSE: 6000 square feet comprised of meeting rooms, bedrooms, and
apartment.

Dolgeville

DOLGEVILLE 2 ACRES $ 695,000

Victorian Mansion built by Alfred Dolge, the entrepreneur who built the Dolgeville Mill and then the entire town. This historic home is in excellent, original condition with carved oak trim, plaster relief, gas fireplaces, and stained glass windows and lights. The over 12,000 square feet of space includes huge rooms and 22 bedrooms. Make this your private retreat or a country inn. Views overlook the East Canada Creek. Absolutely Magnificent!

Holyoke, Massachusetts $155,000

Bedrooms: 0
Approximate square footage: 6800
Contact: Varick
413-552-9161
varick@rocketmail.com

Mt Tom Engine House #4

This charming 6800 sq. ft. firehouse called Mt Tom Engine House #4 would make a fun single or two family residence. Located on the second canal in Holyoke’s historic manufacturing district this building is in an arts and industry overlay zoning area, and as such can be used for either commercial or residential purposes. Directly across the canal is the Open Square project – see website: http://www.opensquare.com - a large totally refurbished manufacturing building with offices, studios, residences and a cafe.

The firehouse features two large main garage bays and a smaller third bay down a side driveway on the first floor, a large open second floor with many windows, a giant wide open third floor and a 4 story tower. The first floor can be used for parking or a shop front, although street parking is limited.

The building is currently gutted awaiting your dreams! New water and electric service have been brought to the building.