The Molly Keane Writers Retreat is located in the village of Ardmore in County Waterford. It was the writer Molly Keane’s residence, the place where she lived from 1950 up until her death in 1996. Her daughter made the home available for writers. The house is a peaceful, secluded and comfortable family home with spectacular views...Read More

Here’s another possibility, but it’s not high on my list of favorites. What I like about Butron castle is its size: it’s massive. I like all the towers. I like that it looks like a ‘real’ castle. And at 3.5 million EU it’s half the cost of my other favorite. What I don’t like about...Read More

Somebody commented on my Facebook post recently saying, Non-pretentious writers don’t care where they write. And that’s kind of true. You need to write wherever you are. Despite the circumstances. So why would you pay to go to a writer’s retreat? 1. Unblock Sometimes you just get stuck. If you’ve never traveled or done anything...Read More

Here’s a nice hybrid: it’s obvious a castle with history, but it’s been completely redone. The inside is sleek and modern. I’d love to live here, but again, it just doesn’t scream “castle.” I don’t just want it to look like a castle from the outside, I want it to feel like a castle from...Read More

Here’s something that would be a bit easier. It’s not exactly a castle, but it does look modern and comfortable. However… that’s probably not enough. I could get a few friends to live with me and rent this place out. It would be nice. But so what? I can live in a nice place anywhere...Read More

This isn’t one of my favorites… but it makes the list for 1.4 million Eu. I like the outside and the view, the inside not so much. But it does like kind of comfy, like grandma’s house.       http://en.bellesdemeures.com/listings/luxury-sale/castle/vebret-15/93666239.htm?bclannpg=18&idpays=250&idtt=8&idtypebien=13&pxmax=1700000&pxmin=1100000&tri=d_px&referrer=listeRead More

Chateau with 40 rooms for 1.484 million EU. I love the way this looks from a distance, and the interior has a lot of potential.         Listing hereRead More

This one reminds me of Oregon’s “Enchanted Forest.” For 1.5million EU it’s a contender, and it looks like it has a bunch of side buildings as well and quite a lot of grounds.     http://www.bellesdemeures.com/annonces/achat-de-prestige/chateau/chateauroux-36/la-loge-notz-cre-touvent/79619313.htm?ci=360044&idqfix=1&idtt=8&idtypebien=13&tri=d_dt_crea&bd=li_LienAnn_PhotoRead More

I’m quite interested in this one as well. At 2.5 million EU it’s a little pricier, but it’s been mostly modernized, and the exterior looks great (including the all important tower).     Plus it seems like it comes with those four outbuildings, which could be used for extra accommodation or events, and one of...Read More

I know by now my best bet will be a ginormous castle that looks like a ‘real’ castle, with luxurious old furnishings to die for. It’s got to have history and style to attract writers who love bygone eras, but enough comfort and bling to make entrepreneurs looking for a great place to start their...Read More