A home that towers above the rest! Scotland's 'most-haunted' site mysteriously crumbles

 

 

 

 

A home that towers above the rest! Space-age property has 360-degree views, fingerprint entry and a beer dispenser in the sofa Jono Williams, 28, designed and built the steel tower, located in a forest in Linton, New Zealand Tower has a queen size bed, wireless sound system, solar power and other features controlled by an app Mr Williams spent $50,000 (£32,000) on materials and worked on the Skysphere for 3,000 hours This space-age home that was custom built in a forest is the perfect place to get away from it all – or throw a memorable party for a friends. Known as the Skysphere, the solar-powered home offers a 360-degree view of the countryside and a number of slick features that are controlled by a smartphone app. Jono Williams designed and built the impressive steel tower, which has a queen size bed, display screens, LED mood lighting, a wireless sound system and a couch with a built-in refrigerated beer dispenser. Scroll down for video +11 Known as the Skysphere, the solar-powered home offers a 360-degree view of the countryside and a number of slick features +11 Jono Williams designed and built the impressive steel tower, which has a couch with a built-in refrigerated beer dispenser +11 The unusual home has a queen size bed, display screens, LED mood lighting and a wireless sound system Set in Linton, New Zealand, north of the capital of Wellington, the home is the ultimate man cave, but it could one day serve as a model for holiday homes. Mr Williams, 28, told MailOnline Travel he has been contacted by people who want one of their own for their personal use or to rent to holidaymakers. After coming up with the idea over a few beers with a friend, the plastics engineer spent $50,000 (£32,000) on materials and worked on the Skysphere for 3,000 hours before it was completed. The entire project was documented on his website. +11 Jono Williams (pictured inside the Skysphere) uses a smartphone app to control the lighting and fingerprint entry +11 The home is the ultimate man cave for Mr Williams, but it could one day serve as a model for holiday homes +11 Mr Williams, 28, said he has been contacted by people who want one of their own for their personal use or to rent to holidaymakers +11 Mr Williams spent $50,000 (£32,000) on materials and worked on the Skysphere for 3,000 hours before it was completed Man uses amazing electronics to have beer delivered in man cave To gain entry, Mr Williams scans his fingerprints to unlock the hatch, which opens to a ladder within a narrow steel column. He said the design can be configured to include a lift, as he used a rope and pulley system to hoist materials and furniture into the pod. It has no toilet or plumbing, but Mr Williams plans to build a small bathroom in the trees and said the second version may include running water and a toilet. For privacy, he toyed with the idea of installing electronic smart film overlay on the window – which is 6.5ft high with a circumference of 46ft – that would transform from opaque to transparent. However, he decided against it due to its high cost. +11 To gain entry, Mr Williams scans his fingerprints to unlock the hatch, which opens to a ladder within a narrow steel column +11 With no toilet or plumbing, Mr Williams plans to build a small bathroom in the trees and said a second tower could include running water +11 The design can be configured to include a lift; Mr Williams used a rope and pulley system to hoist materials and furniture into the pod   The Skysphere was constructed laying on its side, on rollers. ‘My boss found some rollers on the internet. So, I bought them and welded some frames up, then plonked the column on them, then welded everything on and rotated the tower as I went.’ It’s not the first time he’s constructed an extraordinary hangout. Four years ago he and a group of friends built a solar-powered treehouse with a heating, a bath, hammocks and a remote-control draw bridge.

Did GHOSTS cause this castle to collapse? Scotland's 'most-haunted' site mysteriously crumbles - with paranormal experts blaming spirits who were angry that it was about to be turned into flats Birkwood Castle in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, was formerly a psychiatric hospital and allegedly haunted by patients Historic building is being renovated as part of multi-million pound luxury hotel conversion which started last year But one of the walls fell down, collapsing with such force that nearby residents reported hearing an explosion Tom Robertson thinks ghosts might be upset after being evicted, adding: 'They might be taking a hand in matters' The mysterious crumbling of one of Britain's 'most haunted' castles is due to angry spirits who objected to the building being turned into flats, paranormal experts believe. Historic Birkwood Castle, in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire was formerly used as a psychiatric hospital and is considered among paranormal circles to be one of the UK's most haunted places. The dilapidated buildings on the 86-acre estate, which dates back to 1860, are currently being renovated as part of a multi-million project to convert it into a boutique hotel and luxury housing. Scroll down for video +9 The mysterious crumbling of one of Britain's 'most haunted' castles is due to angry spirits who were against the property being turned into flats, paranormal experts believe   Historic Birkwood Castle (left and right), in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, which was formerly used as a family home and a psychiatric hospital, is rumoured to be one of the UK's most haunted places +9 The dilapidated buildings on the 86-acre estate, which date back to 1860, were being renovated as part of a multi-million project to turn it into a boutique hotel and luxury housing Take a virtual tour through Birkwood Castle Hospital   But the plans have been thrown into jeopardy after parts of the building fell down, collapsing with such force that nearby residents reported hearing an explosion. Local paranormal experts have now suggested the partial collapse of the gothic mansion is linked to the reported 'ghost' activity onsite. Tom Robertson believes the ghosts might have forced the wall to fall down because they were being evicted from their home. He said: 'It might have been the ghosts reputedly haunting the building taking a hand in matters to prevent the work going ahead or being angry at being disturbed.'  According to local folklore, the imposing property is home to the ghosts of former patients who were treated at the hospital. A number of people have reported supernatural occurrences at the castle, including the sighting of cigar-smoking spook and the spirit of a man stabbed through the throat. +9 But the plans have been thrown into doubt after parts of the building fell down, collapsing with such force that nearby residents reported hearing an explosion   Local paranormal experts have now suggested the partial collapse of the gothic mansion is linked to the reported 'ghost' activity onsite +9 Tom Robertson believes the ghosts might be angry because they were being evicted from their home There are also rumours of strange smells, lights turning themselves off and the sound of mysterious footsteps tramping up and down the empty corridors. Among the paranormal inhabitants, a boy called Michael is believed to stalk the grand spiral staircase where he fell and died. A young girl's voice has also reportedly been heard crying and singing from within empty rooms in other parts of the castle. And it has even been claimed the figure of a doctor who suffered a heart attack and died while working at the hospital has been seen at the huge, sash windows. +9 According to local folklore, the gothic house (pictured) is home to the ghosts of some of its former patients In 2013, 'Ghosthunters' Glasgow Paranormal Investigations filmed an episode of their series Haunted Planet TV there and said it was one of the most active locations in which they had filmed. The castle closed as a hospital in 2002, but plans were announced last year to bring it back to life as part of a £50million project by property tycoons Chris Naylor and Jo Lloyd. The developers want to regenerate the estate with the castle as a focal point. They hoped to finish the work - which would include a luxury hotel and apartments - by April 2016. Since the collapse, local politicians - including Clydesdale MSP Aileen Campbell and MP for the Lesmahagow area Lisa Cameron - have called for the rest of the building to be secured to prevent further collapses. SPOOKY GOINGS ON: THE FORMER PATIENTS WHO ROAM THROUGH HAUNTED BIRKWOOD CASTLE It has long been believed that Birkwood Castle is haunted by former patients who were treated there when it was used as a psychiatric hospital. A number of people have reported supernatural goings-on in the castle down through the years, with most of the stories involving sightings of ghostly children. According to local folklore, a boy called Michael is said to stalk the grand spiral staircase where he fell and died, while a young girl's voice has also been heard crying and singing from within empty rooms in other parts of the castle. Visitors and staff at the former hospital also reported smelling phantom cigar smoke, electrical disturbances and mysterious footsteps. And it has even been claimed the figure of a doctor who suffered a heart attack and died while working at the hospital has been seen at windows. In 2013, ghosthunters Glasgow Paranormal Investigations filmed an episode of their series Haunted Planet TV there with the crew saying it was one of the most active locations in which they had filmed.

Inside Taylor Swift's $20 million New York penthouse: Plant lover spends four years GROWING his own chapel from shrubs

 

 

 

 

 

Inside Taylor Swift's $20 million New York penthouse where beamed ceilings, wooden panel staircases and velvet sofas give it a countryside feel in the HEART of the city  Normally only the singer's inner circle of models and fellow musicians get a chance to see the way she lives. But new pictures found by E! Online have revealed the private - and very expensive - haven of Taylor Swift. The 25-year-old purchased the Tribeca, New York, loft in March last year off Lord of the Rings director, Peter Jackson. Scroll down for video +7 Through the keyhole: New pictures reveal inside Taylor Swift's stunning New York loft +7 Welcome feel: Despite the expansive space, Taylor's maintains a cosy feel despite all the space thanks to stunning wood floors and exposed natural wood beamed ceilings +7 Settled in: The 25-year-old purchased the Tribeca penhouse in March last year off Lord Of The Rings director, Peter Jackson Despite splashing $19.95 million on the penthouse, the deal was done so privately and quickly no one really got too see what the impressive pad had to offer. Now in new pictures taken as part of the initial sale, just what almost $20 million buys you in New York is now available for all too see. While Manhattan may be known for its micro apartments, New York's new ambassador would not know anything about that considering her home is made up of two penthouse apartments combined. +7 Twice as nice: While Manhattan may be known for its micro apartments, New York's new ambassador would not know anything about that considering her home is made up of two penthouse apartments combined +7 Cook up a storm: Best of all, for the Blank Space singer - who likes cupcakes more than clubs - the home has a huge kitchen As the photos show this means the star has plenty of space to entertain with expansive living and dining area plus the loft also boasts nine bedrooms and nine baths. However, Taylor's spot somehow maintains a cosy feel despite all the space thanks to stunning wood floors and exposed natural wood beamed ceilings. Best of all, for the Blank Space singer - who likes cupcakes more than clubs - the home has a huge kitchen with a double chef's quality stove, plentiful counter tops and a big island where the star and her friends can sit around and chat as they cook up a storm. Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid and Martha Hunt head out in NYC   Taylor is known for throwing girly get together with her friend especially her favourite model pals Karlie Kloss, Martha Hunt and Gigi Hadid. Up until now the snapshots with her pals the singer out up on Instagram have been the only sneak peeks of the property. From those it is clear Taylor has put a lot of effort in making the blank space her own with rustic yet homely furniture and fixtures to match the wood and exposed brick unit. There is so much room that Taylor has even put in a full snooker table which she and her friends regularly have a few games of pool on. Soon the space may not be as girly however, with Taylor's relationship getting very serious with boyfriend Calvin Harris - fortunately there is plenty of room for the DJ to move in if their romance heats up any more than it already is. +7 Girls' nights: Taylor is known for throwing girly get together with her friend especially her favourite pals Ashley Avignone, Karlie Kloss, Martha Hunt and Gigi Hadid (pictured January) +7 Game on: There is so much room that Taylor has even put in a full snooker table which she and her friends regularly have a few games of pool on

What a View! Whoopi Goldberg's idyllic Victorian barn where she spent 30 years with late brother and mother sells for $2 million ($750,000 over the asking price!) Sister Act actor and The View host bought the 1890 property in Berkeley, California, in 1985 Her brother Clyde Johnson lived there full-time while Whoopi jet-setted for acting jobs Since his unexpected death of a brain aneurysm in May, Whoopi has decided to move on The property, with a three-bed main house and three-bed cottage, went for $750,000 above asking price This is Whoopi Goldberg's idyllic Victorian barn which has been snapped for $2 million just 10 days after hitting the market. The estate in Berkeley, California, features a three-bed main house, a detached three-bed cottage, and a tree-lined patio. And though it may look quaint, it has five garages fit for an A-list homeowner. So perhaps it is no wonder the place went for $750,000 higher than the asking price just over a week after it was listed. +20 Quaint but extravagant: From the outside, Whoopi Goldberg's Victorian home looks low-key, but it has been snapped up for $2 million +20 Complete with barn: The estate consists of a main house and a barn/cottage, which was erected ten years later +20 Both buildings sit on a plot of land that measures about a third of an acre with stretches of grass and delicate green trees +20 Earthy: This is the astonishing master bedroom in the barn, with vast eaved ceilings and a wood fireplace +20 Outside: The new homeowner, who paid $750,000 above the asking price, can enjoy Sunday mornings on this shrouded porch +20 More than your average barn! The skylight hallway leads to a tiled bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, and a fireplace +20 Modern take on a classic: Though the barn was built as a community center, it has been renovated into an idyllic home +20 Roll up, roll up! The home has five garages for cars. Originally it houses horse-drawn ambulances for the local community +20 Aerial view: This shot of the property, which was snapped up within 10 days of it hitting the market, shows the luxurious plot of land +20 +20 Whoopi Goldberg bought the home in 1985. Her mother Emma Johnson (pictured together, left) lived there until she died in 2010 Whoopi, 59, bought the property in 1985 for a mere $335,000, according to Yahoo! Homes. While the Sister Act actor's career took her all over the world, her brother Clyde Johnson lived there full-time. According to Yahoo!, their mother spent her last years in the renovated barn with Clyde and Whoopi until she passed away in 2010. Now, after Clyde's unexpected death following a brain aneurysm in May, Whoopi has decided to move on. The new homeowner will enjoy 1,500 square feet in the main house, which was built in 1890. Ten years later, the barn was built to house ambulances, it is said, before being turned into a community hall. A century on, it is a three-bedroom outhouse with beamed ceilings, French windows and modern lighting. +20 Bright and modern: In the main house, guests can luxuriate on these pop color chairs among wooden beams +20 High quality: There is plenty of space between stone-lined fireplaces and marble-topped kitchen bars +20 A family home: Whoopi's mother spent the last years of her life in this high-end but low-key home +20 Practical: The new homeowner can look forward to the multiple kitchen spaces for daily life or hosting +20 Bright lights: Gaping windows allow California sunlight to pour into the bedrooms +20 Traditional: Each of the six bedrooms are lined with traditional wood and simple furniture +20 A space for children? A family moving in here could use this heart-engraved room with light colors for a child's space +20 Study: This simple space would work perfectly for a study or office space +20 Smile! The new owners have been left with a small symbol of joy as they take the home where Whoopi has spent 30 years       Plant lover spends four years GROWING his own chapel from shrubs – and eight hours primping the structure each time he hosts a wedding Barry Cox dedicated four years of his life to constructing an enchanting church made completely from living trees Using a tree spade that can uproot matured trees, Mr Cox relocated a variety of trees to create the complex structure While he initially built the space for his own enjoyment, Mr Cox has now opened the grounds up to the public Sprawling across 1.2 hectares, it takes around eight hours of 'primping' before the space is ready for an event A man from New Zealand has dedicated four years of his life to carefully training tree branches so he could construct an enchanting church made completely from living trees. Using his trademark Tree Spade, Barry Cox, who once aspired to be the Pope, was able to relocate a variety of mature trees to create a unique and structurally complex church on his 1.2 hectare property near Cambridge, located on New Zealand's north island.  After spending several years of his youth on the back of a motorcycle, exploring Europe and America, Mr Cox developed a deep appreciation for church architecture, according to Stuff.co.nz. Drawing on that passion, the tree specialist decided that he would try his hand at creating a structure with 'distinctly different' plants that would highlight the vast proportions of his unorthodox church, echoing a style common in masonry churches. Scroll down for video  +10 Using his trademark Tree Spade, Barry Cox was able to relocate a variety of mature trees to create a unique and structurally complex church on his 1.2 hectare property Saturated in natural light, the dappled rays shine on a floor of bright green grass which is offset by a noteworthy marble alter that was taken from Mr Cox's own family church. The roof is made from Cut Leaf Alder, chosen for its sparse foliage which allows an abundance of light to shine into the church, even on the coldest winter's day. The walls are made from an Australian tree that boasts thick and textured greenery called Copper Sheen.  The space seats around 100 people and is currently supported by a temporary iron frame, which in a few yeas will be replaced by branches from the roof.   +10 The roof is made from Cut Leaf Alder, chosen for its sparse foliage which allows an abundance of light to shine into the church, even on the coldest winter's day +10 The walls are made from an Australian tree that boasts thick and textured greenery called Copper Sheen +10 Saturated in natural light, the dappled rays shine on a floor of bright green grass which is offset by a noteworthy marble alter that was taken from Mr Cox's own family church +10 A Labyrinth walk is a single circuitous path that winds its way into the center often used during meditation  While Mr Cox orignially designed the unique space for his own enjoyment, he bowed to pressure from friends and relatives in January, finally opening the magical property's wrought iron gates to the public.  As couples line up to say their vows in the one-of-a-kind venue, Mr Cox revealed he spends around eight hours 'primping' the grounds before it is ready for an event.  'It takes me five hours to mow the lawns and at least three hours of final primping to get the gardens and Tree Church to the standard I need to be happy for an event,' he told Stuff.co.nz. +10 While Mr Cox orignially designed the unique space for his own enjoyment, he bowed to pressure from friends and relatives in January, finally opening the magical property's wrought iron gates to the public +10 As couples line up to say their vows in the one-of-a-kind venue, Mr Cox revealed he spends around eight hours 'primping' the grounds before it is ready for an event +10 The space seats around 100 people and is currently supported by a temporary iron frame, which in a few yeas will be replaced by branches from the growing roof Devoted to giving condemned tree's a second life, much of the greenery that now stands on Mr Cox's property was liberated from surrounding areas.  'People know how much I love trees so they call me when there are trees that would otherwise be cut-down or removed. I go and kind of rescue them.' Relocating trees that have already been given the chance to mature means that Mr Cox's garden does not look four years old, it appears to have been established decades before. The expansive grounds, which hosts events twice a week, also features a calming Labyrinth walk and a large canopy constructed from a Military cargo parachute.  +10 Devoted to giving condemned tree's a second life, much of the greenery that now stands on Mr Cox's property was liberated from surrounding areas +10 Relocating trees that have already been given the chance to mature means that Mr Cox's garden does not look four years old, it appears to have been established decades before