A Mini-Castle, Saved From Ruins, Now Fit for a New King | WSJ Mansion
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- čas přidán 31. 01. 2019
- Architect Jaime Fernández restored a 250-year-old mini-castle from ruins to create a unique home with fossils embedded in the walls. He gives us a tour of Dinton Castle in Buckinghamshire, England, which is for sale for £765,000.
Photo: Jimmy Cape for The Wall Street Journal
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The fact that he kept the integrity of the structure so close to the original makes this renovation exceptionally heartwarming...
There is "grand designs" episode about it...he did really detailed restorations and reconstructions
Yes done so beautifully
That's NOT the Grand Designs castle!
@@chrisk8187 up🌸
🌸
speaking as a former 6 year old, i would’ve loved to live in a castle. keep it
lee lee - he doesn t love castles he loves money
@@oliverkat he literally stated the castle wouldn't allow him to have more kids, because it's got 2 bedrooms and that's why they're moving. but who doesn't love money anyway?
I never knew I wanted to live in a mini-castle until now. A million dollars is a fair price for this gorgeous, one-of-kind treasure.
@J M 😄 Well, one person's folly...
My ancestors lived in Castles for Generations as the War Masters and Chiefs the Earls of Ross, and I've know I wanted a Mini Castle as soon as I realize I could never have a full sized one... Well actually all I need is land with a Good Sized Rock Outcropping, some TNT, some Heavy Machinery, and Cement. Just think about it, blow up some rocks, push them over to the Location, Cement them together... I could build a Castle...
Same here
Me too
Everyone who lives in the area should be grateful to you for rescuing such a beautiful structure from oblivion.
You better buy an bunk bed and put those kids in there. I wasn't selling my castle for kids that move out in 18 years on an quest to find their own home!
Right! He's got more money than common sense.
@@bobbiclinger7500 I guess being that it is worth an million now it was an good investment! The excuse as far a the kids thou. I wasn't moving because of the kids 😂 sharing bedrooms is supposed to bring siblings closer!lol!
@@alterego8961 I'm so sorry, I don't wanna be _that person,_ but you only put "an" before a word that starts with a vowel, or a word that _sounds_ like it starts with a vowel. Other than that, it's just "a" not "an". And it's spelled "though".
@@alterego8961 Sorry, I don't wanna sound rude, it was just bothering me lol
@@AllisonChains64 No worries! Hope you feel better!💛
Omg, we need more people like him saving structures like this instead of people clearing land for new buildings.
I'd definitely live here
And for a paltry million dollars, it could be yours!
Too many people to not clear land for more homes.
Architect's kid: "I live in the castle".
Teacher: "Oh that 's cute"
I love to see people with capability and the passion to keep historical architecture alive!
It's like watching a kid presenting a science project they've been dying to show off how it works❤
I thought so too.
@@LoriUren so he's proud of what he's achieved! I would be too.
As a science fair teacher for many, many years, I approve this comment.
@@acuteteacher As a former student, I ❤ science!!!
True I feel that, its just sad that he had to sell it.
I’m extremely proud of the work put into the restoration of a beautiful landmark. Far too many castles and other structures are left to die in Britain! Well done
Spoiled a good ruin in my opinion. When was the last time you happened on a nice ivy covered ruin in England? They're all being bought up and modernised. Britains rich history slowly being homogenized into 21st century play houses for the rich.
@@limpfishyes they'll fall apart soon anyways
@@limpfishyes Come to Scotland. Some amazing ruins here.
Where Joshua? I’d say 99% of castles and other historic ruins here in Britain have been bought by trusts who preserve them extremely well, and where public can pay to visit.
You have no idea what you are talking about.
This particular ruin has well and truly been ‘ruined’! Should’ve been left...
Really? There are more of these in Britain?
Alright, someone finally saves a really beautiful old historic building! Well done, great job. I just love it.
I wouldn't sell such a precious CASTLE under any circumstances!! I love it, it's an amazing piece of art especially after your intelligent restoration 💖🏰
see THIS i can understand the asking price. this is literal history brought into the new age. so amazing they way he treasured this!
Ben, not a good price for you but remember you can put a price on anything it all depends on the buyer and what they receive for value.
Agree
Oh WOW...that is one of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen..if I had the money to buy it,I would in a heartbeat..that place is stunning ☺
👍👍👍 in a 💞 beat !!!
It’s very nice, yes, but the asking price is quite steep considering the location next to a busy road and the limited room it offers.
@@vondahe "the asking price is quite steep considering the location next to a busy road " Yes, that is quite true, but it would also depend on the actual location and how much land there is. Isn't Buckinghamshire an expensive area, because of reasonable access to London?
With all the stairs, just please don't get diarrhea and weakness at the same time.
Agree very very good Restoration
I'm really glad that there are people who are interested in history and what is valuable. Thank you and greetings from Egypt
Lol why do u make it sound like people being into history is a one in a trillion chance? Plenty are into history
@@ilikeapples1824 I'm glad that you like history and also apples - *smile*
Despite what many would say, you're preserving history in a creative way and turning something old and abandoned into something modern and cozy! Props to you!
This is what is known as a folly, a small ornamental building that is eye catching but not generally functional. In this case he has made it functional.
Joey Suggs There are dozens maybe even hundreds of 16th-19th century folly’s scattered across England and the rest of the U.K. sometimes you come across them by chance when walking through the countryside they are like little jewels on the landscape I love them.
Not so functional if you plan to live till old age....They should sell it while they can.
My ancestor, architect James Wyatt designed one of the most famous folly's; Broadway tower
@@manmaje3596 - They have them all over the world. Americans love them and there are follies in Central Park, New York. I'm not saying you aren't aware of this just adding it as you said all over the U.K. I visited the "Swallow's Nest" in Ukraine. The Chinese love ornamental follies and Europeans love putting oriental follies in our gardens.
In my home nation of Scotland my favourite is the "Dunmore Pineapple." At the time a pineapple was an incredibly exotic fruit. Something to impress your friends with, so why not make a building look like one.
@@manmaje3596 .. Where are you getting the name Joey Suggs ? The man that commented to which you've replied to is named Xtus Vincit .. I like your comment mentioning about the fact there's alot of these types of stuctures all throughout England, that's pretty neat!
Wow, to be a fossil hunter in the 1700’s must have been an amazing experience. No internet, no books, no road maps to the fossils- and to have found that make to incorporate into your home. What a cool person that must have been! The history and the structure is amazing! I really enjoyed this thank you! God bless! Xx 💗
You sound like a pretty cool person yourself. I agree with all you have said.
They had the means to build a castle. I'm sure they paid people to find these fossils for them, through a network of other wealthy people. It was a collection...how do you assume that the builder of the castle was the one finding the fossils?
Steph Ss If I was into fossils like that -and obviously the means like that person did- I would defiantly go out on an adventure and dig some up myself and have the amazing experience of knowing I was the first person to see this fossil in millions of years. I would defiantly do that! Maybe not for all the fossils but at for 5 of them lol.. but either way, very cool person.
brujaja Aknot Wrought Thank you love! Xx
No books?
Actually $1M is amazingly cheap for this beautiful castle.
But it seems they were ripped off by the contractor.
it's cheap because it is near the road... the noise.. aghh
If this castle is in Vancouver --- $2M at minimum
sweet... where is your million?
@@gloriatsau 1 mill per bedroom ha no thanks
This is one of the most amazing restorations of a castle Ive seen, it is so unique due to small size. Worth keeping
BEAUTIFUL, little castle, but where is the bathroom???
princed47130
Probably outside.
Phase 4 oh, certainly not after all that modernization and updates.
princed47130 he said in the video two bedrooms with en-suites. I think his accent is just thick. I almost missed it too.
behind the oak tree , outside!
He said there are two en-suite bathrooms, one on each bedroom.
It's an adorable castle, did a great job restoring, I can feel his voice getting very excited to show us around his masterpiece and dropping into a low tone when mentioning he has to sell. :(
Some guys restore classic cars but this guy chose a castle. Same kind of passion.
He doesn't HAVE to sell. He wants to make a profit!
That place is an absolute work of art. It’s beautiful, wistful and romantic. The location is gorgeous too. I could imagine being inside that home, sitting and looking out 1 of the windows and being very content with life. Such a beautiful home.
Sadly it's right be a very busy A road, a full UK trunk route
They need to bring BBC's Restoration Home back and feature places like this! So lovingly restored.
It was a showcase in Grand Design show of BBC in 2018.
They need more architects that restore old ruin buildings and make them their masterpieces. Lovely video!
I agree. You can see in this one how he restaured it but used some modern touches of his own. I think that's the way to go. Old buildings most of the time aren't well suited for modern life, so you need at least some modern elements to make them work.
This is Marvelous!
It's a baby seashell castle!
I'm glad you saved this building.
Pixy Rose Jes me too!
They wouldn't have much of a choice. In the UK, you have to get permission to change things. Buildings have to be preserved because of its history. They have to keep them as close as possible to the original. They can upgrade plumbing etc but it is is very strict.
I never thought a castle can be even cute. And this, is super Cute
This was an episode of "Grand Designs" a few years back here in the UK.
As an interior architect, I find this incredibly dreamy.
As a person I find your comment incredibly [insert]
@@az8557 Are you being rude? Because that's how you're coming across.
I think this incredibly dreamy too.
@@boeing_RBLX Yes, he did an amazing job with it. He should be very proud of his work.
A good weekend story on preservation & restoration, optimism and environmental & architectural consciousness.
why was this comment so complete?
Or a realestate add
T R Maybe it was well thought out OR complete and accurate comments come easy to a well educated and informed individual.
You've done such an exceptional job restoring this lovely place. Excellent!
Bravo Jaime on your tasteful restoration of a neglected 'folly'. You are a credit to your nation (Spain?) and a valuable addition to ours.. Wishing you and your family a long and well earned tenure in your beautiful Castillo.
Buckinghamshire....
Very appreciative that passionate, imaginative folks like Jaime Fernandez are out in the world making it a better place.
@Provocateur Well he Invested 400 000 in money and easily 100-200k worth of time which would put it between 500-600k and on top on that you always want to make profit
@Provocateur people from former socialist block rarely understand free enterprise principle.
@Provocateur No greed, just good business sense.
Thank you for restoring our heritage in such a tasteful and respectful way.
I wish there were more homes just like this!! I LOVE it and would LOVE to own one of my own!!!
Thankful people like this save these bits of history for the future. Beautiful
It's Beautiful. I'm glad they restored it. I hate for buildings to be abandoned. They look so sad.
It’s gorgeous! And the restoration work is just fabulous. The only thing I would change is the glass panels either side of the exterior stairs. I think that looks completely wrong for the building.
@Maroxa’s Choices carved stone
Agreed. The fiberglass panels shriek 'modern and commercial' to me. Wrought iron or even wood similar to what's inside the house would've been gorgeous.
In the UK, you are not allowed to add on non contrasting architecture to important or listed buildings. Add ons have to be obvious.
Yeah I didn't like it either
@@algonzalez6853, what does that even mean or have to do with the subject at hand?
So amazing when someone respects the past enough to invest in it and preserve as many aspects as possible.
I luv it. I feel like crying, it's so beautiful. Awesome job in restoring it. You can actually see the love. I'd live in it for sure. My son would luv it as well.
Just build a cage outside for the kids , they'll be fine . I turned out ok. Kinda .
😂😂😂😂😂
Ahahahahahahahahaha. X love from bangladesh!. I live In an old Maharaja palace. N the only way my parents would find us in this MASSIVE palaces is they keep us in some caged play area. Lol #iturnedoutoktoo ahaha
Omg I’m dying 😂😂😂😂😂
😂🤣😂
😭😭🤣🤣
Keep the Castle! The kids will grow older and leave!
@AnotherOne The castle isn't even medieval
Yeah!
They could expand the structure, or build another house close to the castle. And maybe rent out the space. Idk 🤷♀️ this house is such a unique find and build. I honestly don’t think they should sell it.
It’s even situated in a very beautiful location.
All the 'DuH, GeT riD oF tEh cHiLDreN' comments come from people with vaginas or part-time pussies.
Terrific that you saved this bit of history. Wonderful job.
So beautiful. Thank you for preserving and improving it.
I remember watching this being built, I believe it was on a show called 'Grand Designs' and from recollection, the wife found the process quite traumatic as it took a lot longer to build than expected! I'm glad to see they have a family and settled in nicely though.
It's not really suitable for a family of four, especially with the spiral staircase and two young children. Plus they were left heavily in debt. It's a beautiful place, but I'm not surprised they've decided to sell and move on. Absolutely gobsmacked the sale has made the US media. Do you have follys/follies in the US?
@@wilmaknickersfit Do we have follies in the US? Yes. We call them Democrats..
@@Skelly5962 Don't you mean Republicans?
@@Skelly5962 Ahahahahaha!!!
@@wilmaknickersfit No, only really ignorant people get that confused. We call them demonazis.
Forget the kids. Keep the castle!
No. Kids are the most precious
I agree you just need another room on the rooftop. It's the most cozy house I ever see.
@@danielgorzelniak3209 I don't agree: you can find kids everywhere but there is only one castle like this ...
@@mllemarielectric how old are you?
@@danielgorzelniak3209 I think that was a joke, although......
Thank-you for saving that building and doing such an exceptional job of renovating it.
Thank you for saving this little gem of historical property. Well done!
The gentleman that made this castle was a scientist. I think that is freaking awesome! Thank you.
Absolutely Beautiful, I wish it was mine. Such an accomplishment.
Delightful. Love you for preserving this gem.
This is amazing, I can't even begin to express how utterly gorgeous that looks, the way it connects history with the modern settings, I would definitely love living in a place like this. :)
This is a place you easily can rent out whilst you wish to live in another place till your kids are grown up.
Two flies in one strike: You still own it and you can make profit out of it!
NB:Think of this Castle as your retirement home.
Lots of up and down winding stairs for a retirement home. Won't be much "retiring" in that one ; )
Never heard that one before. We say 2 birds, 1 stone in the U.S.
@@bluesouthpaw6326 :Vive la difference. ;-D
@Cant Twit put the price high enough to weed out some or find a person who would greatly appreciate the history like a teacher, professor, etc
@@bluesouthpaw6326 same! two flies in one strike seems like something only bruce lee or jackie chan would say...
Truly... a man's home IS his castle. .. literally! Great job renovating.
Thanks for saving such a wonderful little structure. You did a magnificent job of restoration!
I respect you guys for restoring it, it's absolutely breathtaking
They should enclose the roof terrace and make that the master bedroom and still keep the two rooms on the third floor
I'm guessing that would be against planning permissions.
Would also be roasting in the summer and freezing in the winter.
That would be beautiful.
angeline Costa brilliant!!!!
Yep, build the master bedroom with a veranda.
I don't understand how the outside looks so much larger than the inside. Thick walls?
Old buildings have super thick thick walls I was surprised to when I saw a nearly 100 yo building demolished. The walls were so thick and yet the house was huge and spacious good ol' days man
Theyve made it look bigger from the outside - it really is small even from the outside
Proper castle walls are usually 4 meters thick, but it looks like the walls in this one are just a meter.
Old buildings used to have very thick wall because of insulation, it was to keep the warm in in winter and the cold in in summer
I had the oposite feeling, small outside, a lot space inside.
I have driven past this building while working, I always wondered about it history, I'm very glad you saved this castle and given it a new lease of life, well done.
What a lovely mini castle! Fit for a new king!the top floor is so lovely!
A person's home is their Castle. Be very proud of even a small house. Because it's a roof over your head, a warm place, and food in your stomach.
"...and food in your stomach." ???
😄😄😄 But I get your drift. 💖💖
"All I want is a room somewhere
Far away from the cold night air
With one enormous chair
Oh, wouldn't it be lovely..."
Greatest comment ever!
Wish me luck to have my own house.
@@Oasi692 That I can pray hopefully you find a home. Well, I'm not perfect. Although, I was homeless before. Having honesty about yourself and staying out of trouble. Often is the key about success in life. Trust is not a commodity. Trust is hard earned.
@@jacoballred7689 thank you so much,wish u the best too
I'd be like " Guess no more kids for me " 😁
Me too, I don't think that castle would ever disappoint me.
Oh Yeah. Keep the castle sell.the kids.
berryfairy68 😂 keep the castle. Build them a tiny home in the backyard
Exactly. The choice is so clear.
You people are beyond vain.
Jamie... I love the small expressions and intricacies of the wood pieces used both in protecting the structure from further damage before restoration outside at the window sill, and the board where according to your explanation to hide utilities is. Not many might take the time to form a board around existing stone structure in order for the wood to meld with the stone. Simply genius! Such very original and exquisite finalizations to the grand masterpiece you and your wife have created for this beautiful little castle. Congratulations on your find and beautification of the area there where you reside. I wish you and your family many lovely years there.
This place looks beautiful and happy that you saved it and restored to the beautiful home it is today.
Kids don't need a lot if space! Keep it in the family always!
I just watched a tiny house program where they made bedrooms for 3 kids in about 10 feet of a shipping container. 2 beds on the floor with a small loft containing a third bed. Something like that could probably be done with one of the upstairs bedrooms.
Add on. Not like there's no room for that.
Beautiful. What a work of art he created in a living space.
A great job! I wish other architects and builders are as gifted and sensitive as you are. It is sad that you have to sell this. Hope another owner will treasure this gem as you did. Good luck. May be you can look for another “ruin” to bring back to it glories.
He looks so happy with passion about the thing he did in the castle.
I love this and the owner's enthusiasm - great story and great work!
It is too beautiful to sell. Just keep it. It is unique. Stunning!
It looks very comfy and beautiful. He did such an amazing job.
This is super wonderful! This little castle made me so happy! Thank you sir for keeping this piece of history alive! ❤ 🤍 💙 🧡 🖤 👍
Wow.. you are truly blessed to wake each morning in this incredibly beautiful home!
Just think, this castle was built, when America was becoming a country.
Kisama001 that’s what I was thinking
Crazy
And now that the castle is reborn, America is dying
Alex kaneh bosm what highest gdp froth in over a decade dum dum.
Isn't America a continent.
If I had the money I would definitely buy it.✌🐼🤳🏼
Which you live in country?
And I would put plants on a roof and some garden furniture with pizza oven...
So would I! It looks like it also has a really nice feel to it
oh god me too
I have seen this many times years ago before the Covid pandemic.
And had a love at first sight with this gorgeous castle😍
Whoever owns this now is surely lucky❤️
This is so great! He saved a run and it looks wonderful.
Such beautiful work, well done Jaime!
How lovely! The only part I didn’t like was the stairway in front of the house.
I would never sell that castle for whatever reason. Such a piece of history to treasure.
What an amazing couple! I hope their family is happy and growing wherever they ended up :)
Please don't sell!!☹️ You made it into such a beautiful home . If I had the money I would buy it in a heartbeat.
If you had the $, you'd buy it after telling him NOT to sell? 🤔 🤷♂️
@@mrodgt you're smart😀👏
@@MrSvenovitch
In the UK you'd have a hard time finding a cannon that fires.
One word solves it all: ADDITION! You can make an addition that esthetically looks like it was always a part of the main structure!
My comment was the same.
I went into detail how I would make it blend in nicely...
They cant get permission to do that because of heritage. It was featured on grand designs . Looks tiny I'm not sure I'd want to live in it
Planning laws in England are stringent and they are probably prohibiting that.
@GaunletofDestruction that would probably cost a fortune to do that. It appears in his mind he has already moved on.
Since the place was a ruin, it is surprising he can't just add another floor without jeopardizing the original structure.
A very beautiful old Mini Castle. Good job renovting. Left all the beautiful rock structures and fossils. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
What a beautiful and thoughtful restoration!
I'd rather have the castle than more kids, but that's just me.
Have children you selfish and vain woman.
@@hebedabber2770 LOL! 😂👌
Me to honestly
Who needs kids when you can live like a king
@@hebedabber2770 why is it selfish choosing not to have children? isn't people chose to have children because they want to? doesn't it make both decision selfish? #whatislogic
This is gorgeous! Outstanding restoration. Major props
Oh my God. I love this. So wonderful. This is what I would consider my dream house. Thank you for seeing the vision and bringing it back to life.
Nice home! Glad you restored it so it can be enjoyed for many more years!
Congrats for saving this piece of history and all the restoration you did-it’s beautiful!😊
Absolutely stunning a fabulous save thank you
Truly Stunning! I could never leave it!
Omg!!!! Fossilized shells... I FREAKIN LOVE IT
Simply fantastic! Extremely well done! It's so good that this unique place was saved an restored.
What a spectacular achievement! Very beautiful building, wonderful, loving restoration ❤️
This is such a wholesome beautiful place.
what a labor of love. Kudos on an excellent job. Nice that someone had the money & an eye for saving something unique. Take good care of it.
It's great to see you finally managed to finish the project. I remember seeing the TV programme you took part in showing the restoration process.
Just beautiful,you have worked a miracle,from nothing to a showpiece,thank you for sharing.
God bless you, Jaime Fernández, for your love of history and willingness to preserve it.
I love this place ! We need more places like this one all around the world to enjoy . now days homes gose up fast . they have many looks to them . but I think this place is way better ! Thank you for sharing