Scottish Castle in Wisconsin? Help!

**Glen C** · 11th November 08, 08:43 AM

OK guys and gals, I need your help! While at the fishing cabin in October and thinking about my impending retirement, I decided that rather than getting snowed-in, in the middle of nowhere, I would look for a place in town instead. Well I found this turn of the century church that I’m going to remodel. My first thought on seeing the space was “Great Hall in a Scottish Castle”. I’m going to put the bath and open kitchen in the 20’x20’ alter area and the sleeping area in the choir loft, as for the 30’x70’ main floor that’s where I need help. I want that area to have the feel of a great hall. Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Looking toward alter:

From alter to choir loft:

View from bell tower toward Lake Superior:

**Phogfan86** · 11th November 08, 08:45 AM

Watch out for rapacious Norskis up dere, you betcha.

**IRISH** · 11th November 08, 08:55 AM

a massive stone fireplace/hearth somewhere in there is a must. could play havoc with local fire code, though, especially when the fire marshall asks "what's that thatched roof made of?"

good luck. great idea.

**Sciuropterus** · 11th November 08, 08:57 AM

Is it being used as a martial arts school now? I noticed the mats and the bokken & jo on the racks. Aikido? Neat location for a dojo.

According to "Alice's Restaurant, by Arlo Guthrie, if you live in the bell tower, you will have all sorts of room where the pews used to be, and you won't have to take out your garbage for quite some time!

**Pleater** · 11th November 08, 09:45 AM

Many moons ago I thought I had to move back to my roots and one option was a stone built chapel - then at the last minute - well, the last week, I found I did not have to sell up after all.

Just occasionally I think about what it would have been like....

Looking at the photos I have the urge to measure up for curtains to hang from the edge of that choir loft, something in gold and crimson - maybe maroon would be better, heavy with gold fringes and cords with tassels to tie the middle ones back to those pillars.

Oh - you wanted tasteful refurbishment? Hmmm.

Anne the Pleater

**Jock Scot** · 11th November 08, 10:25 AM

Have a look at " threads that I(JS) started" then "Blair Castle, home of Clan Murray" there are some good pictures all through the thread that may help.

**Beertigger** · 11th November 08, 01:37 PM

There'll be a cold wind blowin' in off that lake in a coupla weeks, I betcha...

**Glen C** · 11th November 08, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Sciuropterus

Is it being used as a martial arts school now? I noticed the mats and the bokken & jo on the racks. Aikido? Neat location for a dojo.

According to "Alice's Restaurant, by Arlo Guthrie, if you live in the bell tower, you will have all sorts of room where the pews used to be, and you won't have to take out your garbage for quite some time!

Yes, it is a dojo. There is an apartment in the basement (income property) that the guy who ran the dojo used. I don't know what martial arts he tought.

**Glen C** · 11th November 08, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Have a look at " threads that I(JS) started" then "Blair Castle, home of Clan Murray" there are some good pictures all through the thread that may help.

Thanks JS!. Great pics. Getting some antlers won't be a problem, there are alot of deer here. The opening day of deer hunting season in Wisconsin is almost a holiday.