Sunday, June 21, 2015

This Couple Bought a Scottish Castle and What they did was AMAZING (10 Picture)

1 Janet & John Brennan

The Brennan's purchased the run down caste in 1997 and after eight years of renovating and spending hundreds of thousands of British sterling pounds they finally turned Barholm Castle, in Dumfries and Galloway into a wonderful castle home.

2 Barholm Castle

The 15th Century fort castle in Scotland is 600-year-old and was crumbling when the Brennan's found it for sale. But they saw the property's potential with fabulous views over Wigtown Bay and its Scottish history. Nevertheless renovating it took much determination and will.

3 The Castle's History

The landmark was reputed to have been used as a hiding place for the Scottish Protestant Reformation leader, John Knox, and it was also once home to a branch of the powerful Lowland Scottish McCulloch clan.

4 Honoring The Castle Roots

The Brennans were able to transformed the old castle into a stunning home while staying true to its historical roots. Mrs Brennan is the chairwoman of the Scottish Castles Association and knowledgeable about landmark projects with historical importance.

5 Doing The Work

An artist carefully works on the decorative ceiling planks that is the in castle's large living area (pictured in the previous slide). This room was also formerly the great hall in the fortress where Scottish minister John Knox was housed.

6 'Labor Of Love'

The castle project took two years to complete the purchase, four years to get planning permission and three years of restoration. Although the property was purchased in 1997 for £65,000 ($98,699) and today it values at £700,000 ($1,062,915), Janet Brennan says the cost to restore the castle exceeds the current value. She also adds though, the project was a 'labor of love.'

7 Luxury Home's Kitchen

They built the kitchen with modern appliances within the Barholm Castle's great vault.

8 Four Stories Tall

The castle has four floors as well as stunning sea views over Wigtown Bay seen from the upper floors where four bedrooms are found, one is said to have been used to shelter John Knox.

9 The Scope Of The Renovation

Wow, one can get the perspective of how huge this project actually was! John Brennan, a retired university lecturer added: "It was a massive project. . . We've no regrets. Other people take up golf and they buy boats. We bought a castle."

10 Barholm Castle's For Sale!

Janet & John Brennan are selling the castle now that the renovation is complete. Mrs Brennan, who's written a book on restoring castles mentions: "It's an enjoyable experience living in the house. . . It's not that we're selling because we want to leave it, we want to be closer to family. I think it would make a fabulous holiday home for someone with deep pockets."