Hello from your favorite Castle,
Here is a long quote from Great Estates and Homes about our collective heritage. I agree with it wholeheartedly and hope you will, too. We work hard and study fine homes around the world to help us understand ours and share that story with our guests, friends and neighbors. I have begun to say we are the next chapter in the story of Castle La Crosse. We consider the Castle as a great American home with it’s roots in Europe. The architects, Schick and Stolze, used castles in Germany as inspiration for their Richardson Romanesque work in the U.S. The greatest compliment is when a guest plops down in a comfy chair and lets their cares melt into the floor boards. The best example of that are the great English country houses, of which there are many. Also, when a guest has the feeling they have been in our home before, even though they have not. It’s sparked a memory or a feeling that is warm and welcoming. When we see that, we know we have done our jobs. See what you think:
The country house is a promise between generations, a quiet duty to fill these places with warmth and the little joys of life. To let the old stones breathe with family, friends, laughter and the gentle rhythm of paws on floors. Great houses are as much family homes as custodians of our collective heritage. In the sense that the craftsmanship, the art of the past, is cared for and preserved for future generations. It is a privilege to walk in such a beautiful place. The country house is a home, not a museum. It is a place for family, for life, for memories, for pets. We care for it, yes. But in return it gives us roots and a reason to stay. Here is the link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDNPcFMNNzR/
I hope that resinates with you as much as it did me. Brandon and I are the current caretakers, the writers of the next chapters for Castle La Crosse and it’s an honor we enjoy very much. We continue to work hard to maintain, not restore the Castle. Our latest preservation project had me stretching and balancing to install one of the big curved storm windows. It’s now in place with the other two and the curved windows installed in our tower in 1892 are now safe from the elements. I’ve worried about them constantly since we moved in, but things take time. Now our wonderful handyman Gordon is making the next set of three curved window frames for the middle windows. Some of you know that as the Willow Sitting Room. Though there’s not much sitting going on, it’s also a game room, reading room and where we keep hot coffee and tea handy for the morning rush. It’s a beautiful room right in the tops of the trees. After that we have the top tower windows to build, those are cured and arched. Good luck Gordon! He’ll figure it out.
We always like to hear about your projects, too. Our guests are a busy bunch of folks, we hear about their travels and travel plans, garden projects and grandkids. It’s a nice way to start the day around the breakfast table. Then there is always the discussion of what everyone is reading or has recently read. I’m very happy that the book stores, both large and small, are still doing well. They certainly seem busy any time we go into one. Along with what Brandon is baking in the kitchen and what’s blooming in the garden, our books are some of my favorite things. Do you have a favorite? Maybe bring it next time you come to stay at the Castle
Safe Travels, we hope to see you soon for a special birthday, anniversary, romantic weekend or much-needed getaway,
Billy and Brandon
