VINTAGE CASTLES AND CARS THEN & NOW

As the saying goes a man's home is his castle but in this case, it really is true. A spellbinding collection of real-life castle homes from nine states across the U.S. have been uncovered with each fairy-tale pad currently listed for sale. Ranging in price from $38.5million in Hillsborough, California to $787,000 in Lewisville, Texas, these 19 homes feature everything from multiple swimming pools, wine cellars, elevators and movie theatres. Among the most boastful in luxury seen, The House of Josephine - gifted from a husband to his wife in 1920 - features 10 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms and 18 acres of green in sunny Lake Wales, Florida. For those especially desiring the fortified, castle-like feel, a white stoned home in Oak Brook, Illinois offers 18-inch thick walls, a full-size elevator and 12 skylights. Aside from the price, the gorgeous collection appears to offer something for everyone. For sale: This six bedroom home featuring 12 bathrooms, two pools and two exercise courts in Hillsborough, California is currently on the market for $38,500,000 The updated version: This modernized three-bedroom castle in Los Angeles is currently listed for $19,950,000 Fit for a king: This yellow and white five-bedroom home in St Helena, California is currently listed for $18,950,000 while featuring a swimming pool in its front White palace: Also seen in St Helena is this four-bedroom on the market for $16,996,000 while featuring an elevator and two-story library All yours: This five-bedroom home complete with a gym, wine cellar, swimming pool, sauna and spa also has a gated private driveway while listed for $7,000,000 in Los Altos Hills, California Hideaway: This newly renovated 1912 three-bedroom home in Portola Valley, California featuring a pool, guest house and bocce court, is currently listed for $6,495,000 Chicagoland: This five-bedroom palace featuring 18-inch thick walls, an elevator and 12 skylights is located just outside Chicago in Oak Brook, Illinois, while listed for $4,499,000 Wooded: This five-bedroom 2001-built home in Armonk, New York is listed for $3,999,999 Garden palace: This six-bedroom home in Flourtown, Pennsylvania featuring angled ceilings and winding staircases is listed for $1,895,000 Real-life palace: This beautiful 1885 castle tucked away in Wayne, Illinois features five wood-burning fireplaces and a five-story spire while all together listed for $1,800,000 Spanish estate: This 1920 10-bedroom home called the House of Josephine features 18 acres of green in lake Wales, Florida while listed for $1,599,000 Family home: This five-bedroom home in Lewisville, Texas comes complete with a rock waterfall and slide into a backyard swimming pool, while listed for $1,599,000 The works: This four-bedroom home on 90 acres of land features its own lake, a 14-stall stable for horseback riding as well as a fenced in pasture while listed for $1,593,000 in Elon, North Carolina Simple life: This four-bedroom home in Santa Rosa, California also features enough space for its own equestrian center while listed for $1,399,000 Emerald palace: This four-bedroom in Lincoln, Massachusetts features a study and a library as well as an extra apartment for a live-in nanny while listed for $1,295,000  American arches: Accompanying each of the four bedrooms are four private bathrooms in this castle situated in Marengo, Illinois while listed for $1,190,000 Golden arches: This two-bedroom home along St Augustine, Florida's shore is listed for $998,000 while equipped with a wine cellar and two-car garage Fortress: This three-bedroom home in Lincoln, Rhode Island boasts beautiful arched doorways and two cobblestone fireplaces while listed for $849,000 Tiny castle: This five-bedroom in Lewisville, Texas may look small but packs a punch with an additional theatre room and game room while listed for $787,000

According to the Daily Telegraph, all of the properties are currently being advertised by British estate agents and range from a historic Scottish fortress that once belonged to the earls of Fife to a magnificent hilltop palazzo in Italy. But you'll need deep pockets to afford one, as even the cheapest of the palatial homes will set you back more than £1 million. Historic: Parts of the magnificent Castello di Collalto just outside Rome date from the 10th century but if you want to move in, you'll have to cough up more than £7m Spacious: The nine-bedroom castle sleeps up to 19 people and also boasts seven bathrooms and a separate two-bedroom cottage for staff Spectacular: The 14th century Thurland Castle has been converted into a number of luxury apartments. The three bedroom Cromwell Wing is yours for £1.1m Renovated: The two main rooms in the Cromwell Wing are of vast mediaeval proportions and have retained their original fireplaces and cornice fittings Each of the castle dates from a different period, although Westenhanger Castle, near Hythe in Kent, arguably has the most fascinating past. The castle, a scheduled ancient monument, began life in 1035 during a period of Danish rule under King Canute. Following the Norman Conquest, Westenhanger was passed to a succession of knightly families, including the de Aubervilles, the de Kiriols, the Fogges and the Poynings. More... 'She was gangsta with her clothes! I loved everything she wore': As Rihanna hails Lady Diana as her fashion icon, FEMAIL looks at how the popstar stole the princess's style The James Bond of prams! Aston Martin release £2,000 buggy in time for Christmas - modelled on their £1.2m coupe Permission to crenellate was given by Edward III in 1343 and a curtain wall built to connect with the earlier round tower. By the 1540s, the castle was crumbling and it was completely remodelled by its Elizabethan owner, Thomas Smythe, in 1581. Impressive though Westenhanger is, it isn't the only castle with a history to be proud of on sale. Thurland Castle in Lancashire, although split into several apartments, still retains its moat and was owned by Sir Bryan Tunstall, a heroic soldier immortalised in a poem by Sir William Raleigh. He was a hero of the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and was dubbed the 'Stainless Knight' by King Henry VII. He was followed by his son Marmaduke, who became High Sheriff of Lancashire. Magnificent: The 16th Century Lickleyhead Castle in Auchleven near Aberdeen was built in 1560 by William Leith and boasts seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms Imposing: The drawing room at Lickleyhead Castle, which despite it's vast size, is the cheapest of the castles and costs just £1.3m for the entire property Cosy: Despite it's impressive size, Lickleyhead Castle is cosily furnished with traditional dark wood in the library (left) and romantic four poster beds (right) Striking: The cream stone Myres Castle near St Andrews comes with two additional properties and has 10 bedrooms, a library, a Victorian kitchen and a billiards room Comfortable: Myres Castle was begun in 1454 and was the ancestral home of the earls of Fife. It's now on the market at £2.5m Later, Thurland was sold to Sir John Girlington, who fought on the Royalist side during the English Civil War. During a 1643 siege, the castle was badly damaged by Parliamentarian forces and was left in a 'ruinous' condition before being restored in the 18th century. But not all of the homes are in England. Scotland too has a wealth of impressive properties including the pretty 18th century Bonaly Tower, which was the venue for frequent meetings of the 'Friday Club', a group of leading Edinburgh literati, hosted by owner Lord Cockburn. Others include Myres Castle near St Andrews, the former seat of the earls of Fife, and the imposing Lickleyhead Castle near Aberdeen, which was built by William Leith in 1560. Outside of the UK, there's a magnificent Italian palazzo dating from the 10th century. But the Castello di Collato near Rome doesn't come cheap. Of all the properties, it is the most expensive and you'll have to hand over £7 million before you get to move in and become king of the castle. Heritage: Castle Gogar is just six miles from the centre of Edinburgh and was built in Scots Baronial style. It has seven bedrooms and is on the market for £2.9m Eclectic: Castle Gogar has its own battlements, towers and turrets within, while outside, the property boasts a menage and a stable block with room for three horses Ancient: Westenhanger Castle in Kent dates from 1035 and the reign of King Canute but was modernised during the reign of Elizabeth II. It is on the market for £2.6m Elizabethan: Most of the interior owes its shape and size to the first Elizabethan Age and includes period diamond-paned windows and inglenook fireplaces Famous: The 18th century Bonaly Tower was the venue for frequent meetings of the 'Friday Club', a group of leading Edinburgh literati, hosted by owner Lord Cockburn Sumptuous: A three-bedroom apartment within Bonaly Tower is on the market at £795,000 and includes a separate study and a slice of the extensive grounds

Then and now: COUNTRY ESTATES Sprawling £7m estate thought to be last resting place of Robin Hood up for sale for first time in 450 years He is amongst the ultimate figures of folklore, and Robin Hood is well known for having robbed from the rich to give generously to the poor. But only the very wealthiest will be able to afford the sprawling estate where the legendary outlaw is thought to have been buried. Kirklees Estate, on the border of the West Yorkshire village of Hartshead, has been valued by London-based agents Strutt and Parker for £7m. Kirklees Estate in West Yorkshire, where the remains of fabled outlaw Robin Hood are thought to be buried, is up for sale for the first time in centuries The huge asking price for the estate - which has gone on sale for the first time in 450 years - entitles the buyer to 750 acres of land, as well as the main house itself. The sale also includes an annexe, two farmhouses and accompanying buildings, as well as a farm manager’s house and expansive woodland and gardens. Formerly a Roman encampment called Kirkless Priory, the site is also, according to folklore, the final resting place of the scourge of the Sheriff of Nottingham himself, who it is believed died there and is buried in a tomb on the site. As well as the famous burial site, the Kirklees Estate also spans 750 acres of land The estate, owned by the Armytage family since the 16th century, is on the market for the first time in centuries Unsurprisingly for a figure whose life has inspired countless re-tellings and myths, the manner of his death is also shrouded in mystery. Legend has it that Robin Hood, weakened by old age and illness and confined to his bed Hood, managed to pick up his bow and fire an arrow out of the window requesting to be buried where it landed. To the northwest of his grave and also on the historical site, a Grade II listed monument displays the site of the original Norman encampment. Scourge of the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin Hood, is believed to be buried on the huge site The Priory was constructed in 1135 by Lord of the Manor, Reyner le Flemyng, and remained occupied until Henry VIII the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. Estate agent Claire Whitfield, of Strutt and Parker, said: 'It is a unique opportunity to bring a property like this in both its scale and location. 'The estate represents a unique opportunity to create a very special country estate and despite being on the market for just a few days there has been lots of interest.' Birthplace of former prime minister Sir Anthony Eden The 25-acre grounds contain stables and staff quarters. Boasts 19th-century clocktower, billiard room, library and original fireplaces It was used as a POW camp during World War II Set in 25 acres of lush parkland and boasting a clocktower, stables and servants' quarters, this stately home was birthplace of former Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden in 1897. So it was no surprise when the 19th-century Windlestone Hall was valued at almost £2million shortly after Durham County Council put it on the market six years ago. Now, however, with the Grade II* listed magnificent country pile falling into disrespair, it has been sold off at a bargain £241,000. Piece of history: Windlestone Hall is thought to have been valued at nearly £2million just a few years ago Sign of distinction: The 19th-century clocktower would have been in place when former Prime Minister Anthony Eden was born here Deserted for years: The house has not been used since 2003, when a local authority school moved out because it needed major repairs Elegant decor: One of several ornate ceilings within the beautiful building In 2010, English Heritage refused the proposals by a developer who wanted to build luxury homes on the site

Is property in France and Spain really that 'cheap' after the euro's dive? Interest in European property on UK search portals is rocketing. But is it really a good time to buy in the eurozone following the euro's sell-off? Property is certainly cheaper for those buying in pounds - a €100,000 Normandy cottage now costs around £80,000 compared to £92,000 last summer.    Living the dream: This luxury pad in Costa de La Luz was sold to rugby international Matt Dawson for £1.13m at the top of the market in 2007. It's likely to be worth a fraction of that today Some claim to offer repossessed flats in Spain at a huge discount with ‘100 per cent mortgages’. We advise extreme caution about such claims and about diving in full stop. Spain’s uncertain economic future is one reason to be cautious, but there’s many more, as Dan Hyde and Lauren Thompson explain here. House prices in Spain and France remain dangerously over-priced, based on their historical average versus rents. This is a good measure to start with. It gauges fair value for properties in the same way that a price-to-earnings ratio does for a share on the stock market. In short, you divide the price by the annual earnings of a property then compare this against the average for the past 20 years. Taking the plunge: A fully furnished three-bedroom villa Mazarrón on the Costa Blanca was up for £191,115 last year - but prices are falling fast It gives an indication of how far out of kilter the market is today versus its historic norm. Helpfully, The Economist magazine evaluates all major property markets every three months based on this measure and it combines it with another credible gauge - house prices vs wages. Its latest study in April concluded that house prices in Spain, which were down nearly 7 per cent on a year earlier, were 27 per cent overvalued. It was far worse for France. The Economist estimated that a 4 per cent annual rise in prices there had left the market a whopping 47 per cent overvalued. Britain, in contrast, was judged to be 22 per cent too expensive. Cheap markets include the U.S. and Germany, both are 19 per cent undervalued, and Japan, which is  a bargain 35 per cent below fair value. If you want to get even more technical, economists at the forecasting group, Vox, have taken this measure further to calculate overvaluation. The chart of Spain gives food for thought. The rents measure is not perfect, or the prices vs wages measure, but they are probably the best we have for valuing property markets. 'FRENCH PROPERTY TO RISE - AND THEN FALL UP TO 20%' Analysis by Danske bank last month painted a gloomy picture for French house prices. Analyst Frank Olnad Hansen wrote in a broker note: 'We see signs of a bubble in the French housing market and would not be surprised to see French house prices declining 10-20 per cent in coming years.' Danke said French house prices saw only a minor fall during the financial crisis, rose in 2009 and reached all-time highs in the autumn of 2011 - up 121 per cent since 2000. It says prices were flat towards the end of last year in Paris and fell slightly in the rest of France, in cities with a population of more than 10,000. Hansen added: 'The big question is whether this is the beginning of a larger correction in the French housing market. There are several indications that it might be.' He pointed to signs of a slowdown - fewer mortgages being taken and permits to build new homes - and lenders making provisions for bad debts. He's also concerned about a tightening of the credit purse strings. 'There is little doubt in our minds that the French housing market at the current juncture is vulnerable to a sharp rise in interest rates,' he wrote, although with the current financial woes, the European Central Bank is unlikely to order a hike in the foreseeable future. Hansen does not believe that the ECB will raise interest rates before 2014 and thinks that French house prices might be able 'to rise strongly on an unsustainable path' for a couple of years making the eventual 'pop' much larger. Some prefer to latch on to the 'affordability' of property markets (prices vs mortgage repayments) - although it's quite often vested interests keen to talk up the market who do so. Because interest rates are so low, mortgage repayments are low, making markets look cheap. Other concerns are that the euro, at best, faces more volatility and, at worst, could break up. Britain's financial future is uncertain but the fortunes of France could be considerably worse if the euro implodes. Spain's economy is already in tatters with unemployment at 25 per cent. And as for Greece, exit from the euro would see property investments crash overnight in sterling terms. As the Mail on Sunday pointed out this week: 'No one knows how much chaos would result from an exit, if it happened – but the prospect has caused the price of properties in Greece and elsewhere to fall [read the full report].' Buying Greek property is a huge gamble on the country's future. The odds are slightly better with Spain, but it's still a big roll of the dice. You should also consider that even if a property market does reach its historic 'fair value', prices could still fall further. Consider America, which on The Economist's measure, has swung from being wildly overpriced to being 19 per cent too cheap. But Robert Shiller, the man behind the country's S&P-Case Shiller house price index and a highly regarded economist, says the market has further to fall because of the over-supply of homes: too many were built and remain empty. Shiller told Bloomberg TV earlier today: 'I'm looking for another 20 per cent decline and that is what it would take to bring them back to the long-term averages.' It should be noted that Spain has a similar problem with a huge over-supply of houses - and the vast majority of its construction boom was centred on the Costas. The Economist concludes: 'European house prices came under downward pressure [late in 2011]. The pace of depreciation quickened around the periphery of the eurozone. Appreciation slowed in Germany and France. The euro area’s downturn probably continued into the first quarter of 2012 and may persist beyond that. Unemployment is rising across the continent and banks are under pressure to shore up balance-sheets. 'Prices will struggle to rise in such conditions, in over- and undervalued markets alike.'    C'est la vie: The future price for homes like this four-bedroom villa for sale in Avignon, France, for ¿895,000 is uncertain How European property markets have fared Despite the crisis engulfing the eurozone, house prices in France have done surprisingly well, rising more than 7 per cent in 2010 and at only a slightly slower pace last year. Real prices, with inflation factored in, are down 27 per cent since the peak in Spain but down just 7.6 per cent in France. The fall was more than 30 per cent in the UK. In like-for-like terms, France's homes seem far cheaper than comparatives.  A four-bedroom house in Somerset will cost more than double the cost of an equivalent in Normandy, for example. This is largely because France is a sparsely populated country with 295 people per square mile compared with Britain (660 /sq mile) or Germany (593 /sq mile). So density has a bearing on house prices. But as events have shown in recent years, the state of the economy - and the amount of lending from banks - has the most dynamic impact. The chart below, from a report by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, shows the markets falling fastest have been Ireland and Spain. Both countries built far too many homes, encouraged by profligate lending from banks: read our full report.    RICS European house prices league table: The countries with the weakest economies have suffered huge dips

Affluent past: Staff quarters and a stable are situated in the extensive grounds Born at the hall: Anthony Eden was born at Windlestone in 1897, before going on to become Conservative Prime Minister in the fifties County Councillor John Shuttleworth said: 'The council might say they have got good value for it, but I wonder. 'My worry is that at a time when the authority needs all the money it can get this is another example of cash being frittered away.' The council’s bill for securing the hall, £81,000 a year, is thought to be another reason for the sale. Windlestone was first marketed by the authority in 2006, when it found a buyer who intended converting it and demolishing unlisted parts for luxury flats - but lengthy planning wrangles meant the deal was never concluded. The new owners do not want their identity to be revealed. They said: 'It is a private home which is going to be renovated back to its original splendour.' Michael Gilbey, Durham County Council’s area estate manager, said: 'The council began marketing the property in 2006 and an offer was accepted at that time, but was subject to planning consent. 'The developer spent a number of years negotiating with English Heritage over the scheme, but in 2010 English Heritage refused the proposals. 'We were looking at alternative options when we received an expression of interest, which culminated in the sale of the property. 'We are obliged to obtain the best value for a property. 'In order to meet this requirement, we had to provide 24-hour security for the property while it was vacant, in order to protect it from vandals and metal thieves.' Gorgeous setting: Windlestone lies within 25 acres of lush parkland Grand interior: The hall boasts a library with dummy bookshelf, many original staircases and fireplaces - but needs major repairs Upstairs downstairs: The northern elevation of the former staff accommodation The house that time forgot: Hundreds of antiques discovered in country mansion where little has changed in 100 years Auctioneers discovered a treasure trove of antiques inside The Hermitage They discovered wine from 1914 and Champagne from 1919 Also discovered family photographs spanning almost 100 years Contents of the house will be auctioned in 1,500 lots Thousands of people have driven past this mansion over the years and looked at its impressive exterior. But few could have imagined the secrets which the 18th Century building holds inside. The mansion, called The Hermitage, in Northumberland, has been described as the house 'that time forgot'. Antiques: Items untouched for almost 100 years were discovered amongst the 28 rooms in 18th Century mansion The Hermitage in Hexham, Northumberland Secrets: The cellars of the house included unopened Champagne bottles from 1919, some in their original tissue paper, and wine from 1914 Impressive: Thousands of people would have driven past this stunning house over the years, but few could have guessed about its treasures inside. When auctioneers entered the home recently they discovered a treasure trove of antiques dating back 100 years. Wine from 1914 was discovered along with Champagne from 1919. They also discovered a copy of a 1938  magazine as well as family photographs spanning almost 100 years. Andrew McCoull, managing director of Newcastle based auction house Anderson & Garland, said: 'Time had stood still and the house took on the qualities of a museum. It was a once-in-a-career experience. 'The Hermitage must be one of Hexham's most important and certainly the most hidden home. Thousands will have driven past its entrance, totally oblivious of this fine mansion house. 'The children's toys in the nursery had been left intact. There were christening gowns and rattles sent from London, and charts kept by the children's nanny. 'In the cellars were unopened Champagne bottles from 1919, some in their original tissue paper and packing cases, and 1914 wine. 'Cosmetics and pharmaceutical items, from the 1920s and 1940s, crowded the medicine cupboard. There were diaries and household accounts giving insights into a bygone age of servants, while fishing and hunting records spoke of house parties. For sale: The contents of the house on the edge of Hexham, described as a 'treasure trove' will be auctioned in 1,500 lots in Newcastle Ancient: Pharmaceutical items from the 1920s crowded this medicine cupboard. 'Clothes, including military uniforms, were hanging up as if they had just been taken off. 'In the library there was a copy of a 1938 edition of The Field magazine in the rack and there were family photographs spanning almost 100 years. 'In the main bedroom there were wash bowl sets and rooms had wallpaper from the 1920s and 1930s.' The house had been let by owners the Allgood family in 1922 to Brigadier General Hubert Horatio Morant, who had married Isabella Helen Coppin Straker in 1914. Their three children, Doreen Shirley, who died earlier this year, Alice Bettine, who died in 2008, and Major John Locke Straker, who passed away in 1971, all remained unmarried. The contents of the house on the edge of Hexham, described by Mr McCoull as a 'treasure trove', will be auctioned in 1,500 lots at Anderson & Garland's Newcastle base from June 18-21. Hidden: This now empty 18th Century building had become a time capsule. This image shows the inside of one of the rooms Stored away were also Brigadier General Morant's diaries and letters to his wife from the First World War. Historic: Jackie Eltringham tries on a Durham Light Infantry helmet - one of the items discovered in the Hermitage. 'What was striking was the enormity of it all, the sheer quantity of memorabilia and ephemera which would normally have been thrown out and which told how a family in the inter-war years lived, and what they did,' said Mr McCoull. 'The Hermitage is a rare survival of a house on a grand scale where the Morant family lived for 90 years and threw little away. 'Items no longer required were neatly wrapped in newspaper, tied with string and stored in the extensive attics. The contents offer us a rare glimpse of life in the inter-war period. 'Only once in a career are you fortunate enough to see a home such as this which has been inhabited but - highly unusually - also left alone to this extent. 'With the sheer scale of the property, the family's possessions could be stored in different cupboards, rooms, lofts and buildings and little was ever disposed of. 'As such, stepping into The Hermitage has been like stepping back in time. The sisters were characters and involved in the community.' Simon Morant, a cousin of the family, said: 'Following the death of Brigadier General Morant and his wife, their son and two daughters stayed at the property until they also died. 'I knew the two Miss Morants, Doreen and Bettine, and had the opportunity to go around the property. That said, even I was not aware to what extent their goods and belongings had accumulated. 'We have taken some of the more poignant things from the estate, including letters from 1840 between my family and theirs, but we very much hope that the remainder of the belongings go somewhere where they will be appreciated.'

Opulent fashion: Classical mouldings shaped like swirling leaves and baskets of flowers decorate walls and ceilings throughout the mansion
The rock-bottom selling price of the beautiful building is particularly bizarre in view of its grand history and beautiful features.

The U-shaped home, near Rushyford, County Durham, has a billiard room, a library with a dummy bookcase leading to its gallery, stables, separate staff quarters and many original marble fireplaces.

Elegant Doric columns and triglyph friezes adorn the house alongside Tudor and Jacobean finishings and classical mouldings shaped like swirling leaves, baskets of flowers and thick trails of plants.
Although in need of urgent repair work, its final selling price has prompted anger from one councillor, who claims owners Durham County Council could have made up to £2million on the sale.

The charming house features grand staircases, Doric order columns and 12 bay windows at the front. Generations of happy families: Hall as viewed from the former pleasure gardens with the clocktower in the background

The Hall has a billiard room, a library with a dummy bookcase leading to its gallery and a drawing roomIn 1835, the fifth Baronet, Robert Johnson Eden, replaced his 16th century manor house with Windlestone Hall - a new mansion designed by architect Ignatius Bonomi.
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Enduring designs: Map showing the listed buildings in and around the 19th-century home. 'As the hall is a grade II* listed building, we were obliged by law to protect and maintain it while it was under our ownership. The house had a 12-bay balustraded frontage to the east and a balustaded Doric order colonnade across nine bays of the ground floor.
On the death of the fifth Baronet in 1844, the estate and Baronetcy passed to his cousin, Sir William Eden, the fourth Eden of Maryland Baronet and High Sheriff of Durham in 1848.
Anthony Eden was born there in 1897 and later served as a cabinet minister before becoming prime minister from 1955 to 1957.
The estate was then used as a prisoner of war camp for female German prisoners during the Second World War, and afterwards adapted by the council to serve as a school for youngsters with emotional and behavioral difficulties for nearly 50 years.
Glorious countryside: An earlier prospective buyer wanted to build luxury flats on the site - but the new owners intend to restore the home to its former splendor.

One of Britain's most expensive country homes has gone on the market - and it really is fit for a Queen. The Grade I listed Mynde Park, set in a 1,180-acre estate, has a right royal price tag - a princely £15m. But the estate agents handling the sale say there is no shortage of potential buyers wanting to view the property.

Home fit for royalty: Mynde Park is Grade I listed and was completely renovated over a three year project by the current owners. The Queen held a picnic here in rural Herefordshire for 3,000 guests in 2003

It is one of Britain's most expensive country homes and has gone on the market for £15million. Craig Hamilton, the renowned architect, oversaw the restoration including the kitchen and study extension with private walled garden

‘The King’s Hall was described by Nikolaus Pevsner (architectural historian) as 'the finest room in Herefordshire', and has vast ceiling heights and remarkable plaster work. It takes up a large proportion of the house.

Listed: The house has 12 bedrooms, 10 of them ensuites, a drawing room, library, study and morning room. The spacious master bedroom has two dressing rooms, bathroom and shower  

Stately: The estate agents handling the sale say there is no shortage of potential buyer. The extended kitchen is a wonderful family space with dining and sitting area with door out to the garden
And the guided tour can take up to four hours because there's so much to see. The Queen held a picnic at the property in rural Herefordshire for 3,000 guests. Clive Hopkins, head of Farms and Estates for Knight Frank estate agents, said: 'It is a unique property, one of the finest anywhere in the country. 'We are getting interest from international clients, from Eastern Europe and other parts of the world.'

The dining room retains its original panelling, has a fireplace at either end and would comfortably seat at least 24 people

The guided tour of the house can take up to four hours because there's so much to see. The drawing room, off the great hall, is one of the many entertaining spaces in the house

Mynde Park dates back to 1350 and was once the home of Walter Pye, attorney-general to Charles I. The library room enjoys views over the surrounding countryside. But the house also has 12 bedrooms, 10 of them ensuites, a drawing room, library, study, morning room, billiard room, games room, two kitchens and various cellars. The London office of Knight Frank describe the house near the village of Much Dewchurch as 'deceptively compact' inside. A separate five-bedroomed house - the Little Mynde - stands in the grounds, along with six cottages and an entrance lodge. The manor is approached along a mile-long private 'carriage drive' with views of the swimming pool, gardens, lake and the surrounding Herefordshire countryside. Local historians said Mynde Park dates back to 1350 and was once the home of Walter Pye, attorney-general to Charles I.

Mynde Park house is set in 1,180-acres of prime arable land with stunning undulating countryside

Mynde Park has views looking out over its own lake
The house was later acquired by the Duke of Chandos who, in 1709, added the King's Hall with its Buggatti and Attari plasterwork. It is currently owned by Caroline and Audley Twiston-Davies, whose daughter Antonia was a God-daughter of Princess Diana.
The Twiston-Davies family spent four years and millions of pounds restoring the manor house to its former glory 10 years ago. The estate hosted the Queen, Prince Philip and 3,000 guests at a picnic in the grounds in 2003. Mr Hopkins said: 'The joy of the manor house is it stands in the middle of its own land at the end of a mile-long drive. 'It will appeal to someone who wishes to be the master of all they survey. 'It is a rare property because this isn't about the location - it could be anywhere in Britain. 'It's all about the property, its grounds and its history,. That's what makes it unique. 'It's only been on the market for two weeks but it is attracting a lot of people and we've shown a few around.'

The great outdoors: The house has been on the market for two weeks but is already attracting a lot of interest

The estate hosted the Queen, Prince Philip and 3,000 guests at a picnic in the grounds in 2003

Regal: The agents handling the sale say there is no shortage of potential buyers wanting to view the house

 

A lavish Californian mansion is up for sale for $100million (£60million) - but the price tag appears to be a bit too hefty, because there are still no takers a year after it was first advertised.The house in Hillsborough has 16,000 square feet of floor space and was put on the market in 2013 for the first time in 100 years, by Sotheby's.The potential new owners will have a mansion that boasts seven bedrooms and is just a short drive away from San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge and world-famous Alcatraz prison. Surrounded by 47 secluded acres of grounds, the property includes 10 bathrooms, a grand-scale ballroom and a fully-stocked library, with the interiors designed by the acclaimed Anthony Hail.Lucky owners can enjoy margaritas in the sun-drenched pool courtyard while taking in the stunning panoramic views of the East Bay.The property has been put up for sale by Christian de Guigne IV, whose great-grandparents built the house. He used to live in the house with his wife, Vaughn, who he divorced in 2002. According to court documents it was staffed by two housekeepers, three gardeners, a laundress, chef, childcare provider and a part-time chauffeur - and cost $450,000 a year to run. He said: ‘It's on the market for the first time in nearly 100 years, and this eye-catching property gives commanding views of the bay like no other.‘The property is surrounded by 47 acres of exceptionally rare land and it is one of the largest undeveloped lots known to the town of Hillsborough.’Christian is currently retaining a life estate in the lavish property, giving him exclusive use of the house during his lifetime. +15 House about that: The opulent mansion is on the market for the first time in 100 years +15 Size matters: The new owners will have plenty of space to relax and entertain guests +15 Luxury: The house is adorned with fine furniture and fittings   +15 Splash the cash: You'll need to be swimming in money to afford the property +15 Handy: The swimming pool is just yards from the main house +15 Grand: The property is fit for royalty +15 Stately: A fine chandelier adorns this regal room +15 This satellite image shows the incredible extent of the mansion's grounds +15 Flower power: Neighbours must be green with envy at the mansion's garden +15 Expansive: The nearest neighbours are quite a distance away +15 Way to mow: The new owners might need a little help to keep the grounds in good order +15 Soothing: The new owners will be able to stroll amongst rows of flowerbeds +15 Leafy: The grounds feature plenty of trees and greenery +15 The property has been put up for sale by Christian de Guigne IV, whose grandparents built the house Stairway to heaven: Every part of the mansion oozes luxury

A £1m street (lighthouse not included): Five cottages in Britain's most isolated street.... and some of our best sea views are thrown in for free Yours for less than £1million, an entire row of cottages ... with one very large street light. Perched on the top of a cliff, the five properties boast south-facing gardens and sea views. But there is one snag – you will probably need extra-thick curtains because there’s a fully-operational lighthouse and helipad on your doorstep. Awesome view: Four of the five cottages date back to 1938 with the last built around 1970 Clifftop: The five properties can be seen, right, next to a helicopter launch pad and a lighthouse which is now unoccupied The cottages situated on St Ann’s Head on the south west tip of Pembrokeshire in Wales used to be used as accommodation for lighthouse keepers. But they have been empty for over a decade since the lighthouse became automated. Consisting of four three-bedroom houses and one with two bedrooms, the whole row is on the market for £950,000. They are currently owned by Trinity House Corporation, which maintains all of the functioning lighthouses in England and Wales. Amy Thomas, of Cardiff-based chartered surveyors Cooke and Arkwright, said: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a property in a unique and idyllic coastal location. ‘They offer a perfect opportunity for someone looking for a renovation project.’ It would be the perfect hideaway for anyone who has sung along to the song: 'I want to marry a lighthouse keeper...' The terrace of cottages has been lying empty for a decade and they are being sold by Trinity House who run all the lighthouses in England and Wales. They have been given a list price of £950,000. The two lighthouses on the section of coastline have been electrified since 1998. Estate agent Amy Thomas said: 'It is a fantastic opportunity to purchase a property in a unique and idyllic coastal location. 'The cottages were previously used to house the lighthouse keepers and their families, looking after various lights along the Pembrokeshire coastline. Lighthouse keeper's properties with a sea view: The five clifftop properties at St Ann's Head in Pembrokeshire, three miles from the nearest town. The lighthouse is not for sale 'The cottages have been vacant for approximately 10 years - and are in need refurbishment. 'However, they offer a perfect opportunity for someone looking for a renovation project.' The idyllic cottages are part of a complex of properties at the remote spot. Also on the site but not for sale are two lighthouses, a helipad, a helicopter transit lounge and a former fog horn house. The money from the sale will go to the Trinity House Corporation which has maintained lighthouses and safety for mariners since they were granted a Royal Charter in 1514. Four of the five cottages date back to 1938 with the last built around 1970. A lighthouse has been on the site since 1712 to warn seafarers of the dangerous jagged rocks jutting in the Irish Sea. Miss Thomas, of Cardiff-based agents Cooke and Arkwright, said: 'Two lighthouses were were fuelled by coal fires. Amazing sea view: The row of cottages which are also available for sale individually. They are all in a poor state of repair Stunning: The five properties, available for less than £1m together, have some of the best coastal views in Britain but all require modernisation as they have been empty for a decade 'The existing lighthouse tower was constructed in 1844. The lighthouse was electrified in 1958 and automated in 1998.' The lighthouse will carry on blinking away on the headland as a warning to shipping lighting up the night sky outside. The nearest village of Dale is three miles away - but the real beauty is the panoramic views of the islands of Skomer and Skokholm with puffins, manx shearwaters and guillemots. Four of the five homes have three bedrooms while the last one has two bedrooms. Each boasts nine-inch thick walls to withstand the battering of the sea and winds. But Miss Thomas warned: 'The cottages have been vacant for some time and require total refurbishment. But it could be a bargain for the right person.' Remote hideaway: The five terraced homes at St Anne's Head, are at one of the most westerly points in Wales Run down: The properties were occupied by lighthouse keepers but the lighthouses were electrified in 1998 so they are no longer needed Green: The cottages have stunning views and there is a helicopter pad nearby. It is thought that a developer may purchase them to renovate Spectacular: The row of five terraced properties virtually stand alone on the remote, but beautiful, stretch of coastline Coastal paradise: Four of the five homes have three bedrooms while the last one has two bedrooms. Each boasts nine-inch thick walls to withstand the battering of the sea and Now where did I park my 60 cars? Incredible treasure trove of rusting classics worth £12MILLION is found languishing in a French farm garage after 50 years Ferrari and a rare Maserati are among dozens of rusting classic cars found on farm in western France The astonishing collection, left on the farm since the 1970s, is thought to be worth up to £12million Classic cars owned by Egyptian King Farouk and sat in by Jane Fonda and Shirley MacLaine are for sale Collection includes Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California SWB, one of 36 ever made including one owned by Chris Evans Owner of the collection Roger Baillon died more than 10 years ago, passing the cars on to his family They did not realise the classic cars were worth so much, calling in auctioneers who delivered the surprise A £12million treasure trove of 60 rusting classic cars left languishing on a French farm for 50 years has gone up for auction. The haul of motors, which includes dozens of vintage sports cars, was found gathering dust under piles of newspapers in garages and barns on a farm in western France. Among the vehicles up for sale are a Ferrari once sat in by Jane Fonda and a Talbot-Lago previously owned by extravagant Egyptian King Farouk.  Scroll down for the full list of cars and video +17 The Ferrari (left), once sat in by Jane Fonda, was found under newspapers in an outbuilding on the French farm, alongside a Maserati A6G 200 Berlinetta Grand Sport Frua - one of only three in the world +17 The £12million treasure trove of cars, including this Ferrari 250 GT California SWB, was left languishing on a French farm for 50 years before its discovery +17 The collection has sat dormant in makeshift corrugated iron shelters and outbuildings on the farm since the 1970s. Pictured: Facel Vega (left) and a Talbot-Lago (right) +17 Some of the vehicles may be too rusted to be restored, but many of the cars are worth hundreds of thousands of pounds +17 The Ferrari 250 during the filming of Les Felins in 1964 which starred Shirley MacLaine and Jane Fonda (right), as well as Alain Delon (left) +17 Chris Evans bought one of the Ferraris in 2008 and is believed to have paid up to £5.5million for the classic sports car The cars were collected from the 1950s to the 1970s by entrepreneur Roger Baillon, who dreamt of restoring them to their former glory and displaying them in a museum.  However, his plans were dashed as his business struggled, forcing Mr Baillon to sell about 50 of the vehicles. Since then his collection has sat dormant in makeshift corrugated iron shelters and outbuildings on the farm.  Mr Baillon died about 10 years ago and his son, Jacques, who inherited the collection, died last year. Mr Baillon's grandchildren had no idea of the extent of the collection, calling in car specialists Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff of auctioneers Artcurial Motorcars to estimate its value.  They found a 1956 Maserati A6G Gran Sports with coachwork by prominent designer Frua, one of just three in the world, which is estimated to sell for just under £1million. But the auctioneers' greatest discovery was that of a 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider with covered headlights, which was hidden beneath piles of newspapers. The car was previously owned by French actors Gerard Blain and Alain Delon, who was photographed in it with Jane Fonda and Shirley MacLaine, and is expected to attract attention from Ferrari collectors with an estimate of £9.5million.  Only 36 of the particular model of Ferrari were ever made, including the one in the barn and another bought by Chris Evans in 2008 for an estimated £5.5million.  +17 The cars were collected from the 1950s to the 1970s by entrepreneur Roger Baillon, who wanted to restore and display them in a museum +17 A Talbot-Lago T26 Cabriolet owned by Egyptian King Farouk is also among the vast haul of classic cars found on the farm +17 King Farouk was known for his extravagant lifestyle, which included owning dozens of expensive cars such as the Talbot-Lago +17 Mr Baillon's grandchildren had no idea of the extent of the collection, calling in car specialists Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff of auctioneers Artcurial Motorcars to estimate its value   +17 The family of Mr Baillon, who died around 10 years ago, had no idea the collection was worth so much. Pictured: Hispano Suiza H6B Cabriolet Millio +17 Mr Baillon's grandchildren had no idea of the extent of the collection, calling in car specialists Matthieu Lamoure and Pierre Novikoff of auctioneers Artcurial Motorcars to estimate its value   John Collins, from Ferrari dealer Talacrest in Ascot, has spent the last 12 months trying to find the car, which hen thinks could sell for £10million. He said: 'I have known about the car for years and I was gutted when I found out about three weeks ago that an auction house had got it. 'Apart from a few people, not many knew the Ferrari still existed. It is a phenomenal car and the best barn find in more than 20 years. 'I am sure it will go for an eight-figure sum and I will be one of several people looking to buy it. It is really great - people are going to be fighting over it.' A Talbot-Lago T26 Cabriolet once owned by King Farouk of Egypt was also found. The Egyptian King's extravagant lifestyle included owning hundreds of prestigious cars. While some of the cars are in a rusty and decrepit state, others have been well-preserved. Mr Lamoure said: 'These sorts of finds do not happen often. I think you go into this profession for discoveries like this; it really is a treasure trove. No doubt a once-in-a-lifetime discovery. 'We speak about 'barn finds' as cars that are intact, that have remained untouched for years, and are found again. 'On entering the gates of this property, we had no idea what we would find. We had to go in through the gardens at the rear of the property, to get a first look. Across three hectares, we could see different makeshift structures. From there, we realised that this was something big. 'We realised that there were dozens of cars parked underneath. We soon realised that some of these had been put there 50 years earlier and left untouched. 'Wooden posts, between the cars, supported the fragile roofs. The sides were open to the elements. We still didn't realise exactly what we were faced with; the number of cars, the marques, their condition. 'When we discovered the extent of the collection we found ourselves overcome with emotion. 'Probably much like Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter, on being the first person for centuries to enter Tutankhamun's tomb, it really was a case of waking up sleeping beauty.' +17 Some of the cars were bought by Mr Baillon, an entrepreneur, in the 1950s and have been parked on the farm since +17 The collection will be sold by Artcurial Motorcars in Paris on February 6 next year, with hopes of raising more than £12million +17 While many of the vehicles are rusty and covered in moss, they could still be worth £500,000 each on average +17 Mr Baillon, a transport and truck company owner from western France, bought most of his cars from the 1950s to the 1970s +17 Auctioneers and classic car experts Matthieu Lamoure (left) and Pierre Novikoff (right) found the haul of motorcars Speaking of the rare Ferrari, Mr Lamoure added: 'Ferrari is a legendary name in the automobile world. And this car is unique. Only 37 examples of this model were built making it extremely rare. 'Every example has been carefully documented by historians and this one was thought to be lost. We have found it.' Mr Novikoff said: 'I'm not sure I have ever seen so many exceptional cars together in one collection; Bugatti, Hispano-Suiza, Talbot-Lago, Panhard-Levassor, Maserati, Ferrari, Delahaye, Delage. Roger Baillon saved these cars and succeeded in his task - to trace the history of the automobile through the finest examples. 'A collection like this can't fail to arouse the passions of those who love automobiles, as well as art and history enthusiasts. Never again, anywhere in the world, will such a treasure be unearthed.' The collection will be sold by Artcurial Motorcars in Paris on February 6 next year.  TAKE YOUR PICK: FULL LIST OF THE 60 CLASSIC CARS FOUND ON THE FARM THAT ARE NOW FOR SALE Amilcar C6 Berline: An open-top classic, this car, built in 1927, sells for up to £40,000 in good condition. Amilcar CGS: The 30 horsepower, lightweight car, made in 1924, can reach speeds of up to 75mph. Ariès Coach:Coach by name, coach by nature, this classy vehicle, manufactured in 1935, was often driven by chauffeurs.  Auto Union Cabriolet: A front-wheel drive saloon car cost £1,259 including taxes during the early 1960s. Avions Voisin C15: Won the prestigious Concours d'Elegance competition in 2002. Avions Voisin Limousine C15: The C15's commanding presence was further extended for the limousine model. Avions Voisin C7 par Gallé: The stylish 93 horsepower C7 can reach speeds of 89mph. Ballot Limousine: The eight-cylinder car had an open-topped driving compartment, but passengers enjoyed a hard-top roof. Barré Torpédo: Only five of these cars, built in the village of Niort, western France, are known to exist. Berliet Coupé Chauffeur: A popular car in the late 1920s, the motor comes with a spare wheel attached to the side of the vehicle. Berliet Type VIGB Taxi Landaulet: From 1906, this Berliet, with unmissable red leather seats, could reach 40mph. Bugatti 57 Ventoux: Same model sold for £324,800 at auction in September. Citroën Trèfle: The three-seat model has room for a single passenger in the rear. Delage D6: The six cylinder car was produced both before and after the Second World War. Delage D8 Coach: Parisian manufacturers fitted different elegant bodies over the years the car was produced. Delahaye 135 Cabriolet Faget Varnet: Regarded as one of the best custom-bodied cars from the immediate post-WWII era. Delahaye 135 Coach Chapron: The 1947 car could reach 100mph from 125 horse power. 3x Delahaye 235 Coach Chapron: Regarded as two expensive, this car did not perform well on the market in the 1950s. Long road ahead: Restoration work begins after treasure trove of THIRTY-SIX Corvettes found collecting dust in a garage after 25 years The most valuable car in the collection is a 1953 Corvette, which is one of only 300 ever made Adam Heller who owns the fleet of cars said 'well over six figures' was being put into the restoration of just one car Some of the cars were expected to only take two weeks to restore, while others would take more than a year  A rare collection of 36 classic Corvettes that were hidden away for 25 years is being prepared for sale - and one model alone is expected to sell for half a million dollars. The classic American muscle cars were originally won in a competition organised by music channel VH1 and were then sold to German-born graphic artist Peter Max who wanted to incorporate them in his work. The collection consists of every model of Corvette released between 1953 and 1989.   +9 A rare collection of 36 classic Corvettes that were hidden away for more than 20 years are being prepared for sale - and one model alone is expected to sell for half a million dollars; pictured above is the co-owner of the collection, Adam Heller   +9 The classic American muscle cars were originally won in a competition organised by music channel VH1 and were then sold to German-born graphic artist Peter Max. The cars were all released consecutively between 1953 and 1989   +9 Mr Heller had reportedly offered to work with Mr Max to restore the cars for sale and then split the proceeds, something the artist declined. However, Mr Max was then said to have asked Mr Heller if he wanted to buy the collection outright Though Mr Max started to carry out his plan for the cars, issues such as a tax fraud case forced them on the backburner and he eventually sold the fleet to members of the Heller family. Real estate broker Adam Heller said the family now has a 'museum of Corvettes'. The 32-year-old said: 'We can go back in time with these cars. We started off by picking up cars from the mid 1970s and now we have one from 1958. 'It's covered in dust but it's in very good condition considering its age.' The most valuable car in the collection is a 1953 Corvette - one of only 300 ever made. Another vehicle in the collection was produced in 1955, and was one of only 700 ever made.     +9 The thick layer of dust covering the cars was said to have protected the paintwork, with some of the vehicles only needing minor restoration   +9 While some of the cars would only take a matters of weeks to restore, others would take up to a year, a Corvette expert said   +9 Chris Mazzilli, a Corvette expert and owner of Dream Cars Consulting on Long Island, USA, poses next to a 1969 Corvette Stingray   +9 Mr Mazzilli said one of the cars, a 1953 Corvette would undergo a full frame one restoration, meaning that the body would be removed from the chassis and 'everything will be refurbished and gone through'; the vehicle is expected to become the most valuable 1953 Corvette in the world   +9 One of the most valuable cars in the collection, a 1955 Corvette - one of only 700 ever made - gets a good working over at the garage   +9 The Vintage Auto Restoration Garage in Hickville, where the collection of Corvettes is being restored before being offered for sale Mr Heller said: 'We're putting a substantial amount of money that's well over six figures into just one of the individual cars. 'I think that by the time we get done on this restoration we will have the most valuable 1953 Corvette in the world.' Chris Mazzilli, a Corvette expert and owner of Dream Cars Consulting on Long Island, USA said the car will be worth around half a million dollars when it is fully restored. The 49-year-old added: 'It's number 291 of 300 and will be getting a full frame one restoration which means that the body will be removed from the chassis and everything will be refurbished and gone through.' He said the thick layer of dust that covered the cars had protected the paintwork, and some vehicles would need little in the way of restoration. Some would take around two weeks, and would simply need a few hoses and belts changed, while others would require 'more than a years worth of work'.    When the restorations are complete Mr Heller, who lives and works in New York City, will attempt to sell the collection in its entirety to one lucky bidder. Mr Heller had reportedly offered to work with Mr Max to restore the cars for sale and then split the proceeds, something the artists declined. However, Mr Max was then said to have asked Mr Heller if he wanted to buy the collection outright.      Britain's biggest private car collection of 543 classic motors sells the entire fleet to Jaguar Dr James Hull spent tens of millions of pounds filling numerous warehouses in Hertfordshire with classic motors Stunning collection consists of 543 cars, ranging from multi-million pound Jaguars and Bentleys to Morris Minors Also includes Lord Mountbatten's Mini Traveller, Winston Churchill's Austin and Bentley owned by Sir Elton John Originally put up for sale for £100million in May; Jaguar Land Rover has refused to disclose how much firm paid A dentist who amassed Britain’s biggest private car collection has sold the entire £100million fleet to Jaguar Land Rover. Dr James Hull, 53, spent tens of millions of pounds filling a number of warehouses in Hertfordshire with classic motors from the past 80 years. His impressive collection consists of 543 cars - ranging from multi-million pound Jaguars and Bentleys to Morris Minors. It also includes Lord Mountbatten’s Mini Traveller, Winston Churchill’s Austin and a Bentley owned by singer Elton John. Scroll down for video   +20 Impressive collection: Dr James Hull, 53, spent tens of millions of pounds filling a number of warehouses (including this one, above) in Hertfordshire with classic motors   +20 Luxury car: His collection consists of 543 cars - ranging from multi-million pound Jaguars and Bentleys (such as this classic black Bentley, above) to Morris Minors   +20 Classic: It also includes Lord Mountbatten's Mini Traveller, Winston Churchill's Austin and a Bentley owned by singer Elton John. Above, the dentist's classic Alvis   +20 Old-fashioned: Dr Hull's stunning collection, which is worth an estimated £100million, features cars from every decade since 1930, including this classic green Morris +20 +20 Expensive: Two of the vehicles are a blue classic Triumph (left) and a red Jaguar E type roadster (right). They are stored in a number of warehouses in Hertfordshire The collection features cars from every decade since 1930, including a super-rare 1950s Jaguar XKSS and a Jaguar D-Type worth more than £4million. It was originally put up for sale for a staggering £100million in May and today, it was revealed that it has been bought by Jaguar Land Rover. John Edwards, managing director of Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations, refused to disclose the sum the firm has paid for the one-of-a-kind collection. But he said: 'We are delighted that Jaguar Land Rover has come to an agreement with James Hull to secure the future of this very significant collection of Jaguar and British cars. 'We share the same objective as James to keep this unique collection in British hands and we are delighted this agreement secures their custody for the future.    +20 Car-obsessed: Dr James Hull - the owner of Britain's biggest private car collection - is pictured posing with a silver trophy and one of his 543 classic motors   +20 Packed: The collection was originally put up for sale for a staggering £100million in May and today, it was revealed that it has been bought by Jaguar Land Rover   +20 Another warehouse: John Edwards, managing director of Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations, refused to disclose the sum the car company has paid for the collection   +20 Valuable: But he said: 'We are delighted that Jaguar Land Rover has come to an agreement to secure the future of this very significant collection.' Above, a Jaguar E Type   +20 Shiny: Dr Hull spent tens of millions of pounds filling a number of warehouses in Hertfordshire with classic motors from the past 80 years. Above, one of his warehouses   +20 Owned by an Earl: Lord Mountbatten's red Mini traveller (pictured) is one of 543 cars that have been sold to Jaguar Land Rover by car enthusiast, Dr James Hull 'We look forward to continuing to work with James going forward as we develop our heritage activities. Heritage is becoming an ever more important differentiating factor when it comes to experiential customer marketing and in developing our brands in new and emerging markets. 'Jaguar and Land Rover have a combined "back catalogue" of over 140 years to draw upon and some of the most iconic vehicles in the industry. 'In addition with the explosive growth and interest in classic car events worldwide and the increase in the size and value of the market, there is a strong brand and business rationale underpinning this agreement.' Dr Hull, who sold the collection because of health issues, today described Jaguar Land Rover as the perfect custodians for the fleet.   +20 Multi-million pound: Dr Hull, who sold the collection due to health issues, today described Jaguar Land Rover as the perfect custodians for the fleet. Above, a Jaguar   +20 Soft-top: Travelling all over the world to build the collection over the years has been a labour of love and a life¿s work, so my primary motivation was not to get the maximum price but rather to secure the future of the collection in this country with the right custodian,' said Dr Hull. Above, a classic Jaguar XK   +20 Proud: Dr Hull is pictured possing with a large silver plate alongside a classic black Bentley. He has sold his entire £100million fleet of motors to Jaguar Land Rover Drawing a crowd: Sir Stirling Moss (left) is seen in a car from Dr Hull's collection, while the Dr Hull poses (right, in the striped shirt) with his award winning Jaguar SS1 'Travelling all over the world to build the collection over the years has been a labour of love and a life’s work, so my primary motivation was not to get the maximum price but rather to secure the future of the collection in this country with the right custodian,' he said. 'I have got to know Jaguar Land Rover well in recent years and they have borrowed cars from the collection for events such as the Mille Miglia and supporting Jaguar in China. 'They are the perfect custodians to take the collection forward and I know it is in safe hands.' Dr Hull's stunning collection also includes a Humber which was owned by the judge presiding over the Profumo Affair and a 1961 Jaguar E-Type, which belonged to Britain’s world motorcycle champion Mike Hailwood.   +20 Extensive: Dr Hull's stunning collection also includes a Humber which was owned by the judge presiding over the Profumo Affair and a 1961 Jaguar E-Type which belonged to Britain¿s world motorcycle champion Mike Hailwood   +20 Storage: There are also a number of British campervans from the 40s, 50s and 60s, and within the 4x4 section, early Land Rovers and pristine classic Range Rovers   +20 Rare: Dr Hull has travelled extensively around the world tracking down some of the rarest, original British models. Above, one of his classic motors, a red Jaguar E Type There are also a number of British campervans from the 40s, 50s and 60s, and within the 4x4 section, early Land Rovers and pristine classic Range Rovers. A Sinclair C5 from the 1980s is also in the collection. Dr Hull has travelled extensively around the world tracking down some of the rarest, original British models. In 2006, he was left devastated when vandals broke into a warehouse housing a number of them, before hotwiring the Jaguars and crashing them. At the time, police said the criminals had 'treated the cars like dodgems'. Late motoring fan’s collection of historic vehicles including buses, emergency vehicles and delivery wagons goes on sale for £3million Collector Michael Banfield of Kent who died last year began buying classic cars in 1959 - his first was a 1927 Bentley Since then he bought dozens of vintage vehicles and more than a thousand pieces of motoring memorabilia After his death, his family organised a special auction at Bonhams in London where almost 98% of the lots sold Sale included a 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost which sold for £418,140 and a trio of buses that went for in excess of £500,000 The collection of a lifetime of cars and vehicle memorabilia has sold at auction for £3million. Michael Banfield, a founder member of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society, spent more than 50 years collecting buses, emergency vehicles and cars. His interest was sparked in 1959 when he bought his first classic car, a 1927 Bentley. +24 Michael Banfield with the Merryweather fire engine. The company Merryweather was founded in the 19th Century and is still family owned. The founder was Moses Merryweather (1791-1872) of Clapham, who was joined by his son Richard Moses (1839-1877). Appliances were available in small sizes suitable for a country house, pumping about 100 gallons per minute, through to large dockyard models, that could eject 2,000 gallons per minute. +24 The same 1913 Merryweather fire engine as it appears today. The company that made it still exists and is based in Tuesnoad Grange, a Grade II. listed, 15th Century Elizabethean Yeoman's House at Tuesnoad, Kent. +24 Michael Banfield sitting in the Merryweather appliance receiving a trophy Over the next 50 years, the collection encompassed dozens of cars and more than 1,200 items of automobilia. Mr Banfield, from Staplehurst, Kent, died last year and his family sold his collection in a special auction with Bonhams. It included a 1914 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost which sold for £418,140 and a trio of buses sold for in excess of £500,000. This included a 1922 AEC S-Type open-top double-deck bus which sold for a world record £281,500 - three times more than expected. A collection of fire engines further heated up the bidding, with a 1913 Merryweather Fire Engine selling for £74,300, and a 1910 Delahaye Fire Engine chassis selling at £13,225, more than doubling its top estimate. The final total was more than £3m and 99.7 per cent of the lots were sold. Malcolm Barber, Bonhams co-chairman and auctioneer at the sale, said: ‘For more than 50 years Michael Banfield dedicated himself to the restoration and preservation of these fantastic vehicles. ‘I’m delighted we were able to celebrate Michael and his collection with the weekend’s event, honouring his life’s passion with his friends, family, and automotive enthusiasts. ‘Bidders came from all over the world including several from the southern hemisphere, with clients from both Australia and New Zealand not only bidding in the room, but also watching via Bonhams online bidding platform. ‘Customers registered from Japan, the Mid-West of America, Miami, across Europe and even Hong Kong - this was a highly sought after collection with many of Bonhams international clients taking an intense interest.’ After founding the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society, Michael Banfield became chairman in 1965, a role he remained in until 1993 when the society became a charity. He then stayed on as CEO until his retirement in 2011. His efforts were rewarded when, in 2007, he was made an Honorary Life President of the VCC and was given a Lifetime achievement award by the Transport Trust. +24 All aboard, plenty of room on top: This is a 1922 AEC S-Type open top double decker bus. This bus was built between 1920 and 1927. This particular vehicle went into service on October 2, 1922 with the Metropolitan Stage Carriage plate No 2635. Among the routes that it plied from Nunhead Lane was No 12, which ran from The Plough at Dulwich to the Princess Victoria at Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, a journey of 13.3-miles for which the full fare was 8d (3.5p). Its driver would have been paid £4 a week, his conductor £3 15s (£3.75) +24 The AECS Type bus in the late 1960s. When it was auctioned at Bonhams it went for £281,500   +24 Get that bus out: Mr Banfield makes some repairs to the AECS Type bus in the 1960s Mr Banfield with his Renault AX, when he first bought it in the 1970s (left) and after spending hours on its restoration (right) +24 A 1915 Peerless TC4 open back lorry. In 1914 the British Government hired Gaston, Williams & Wigmore to supply American chassis to be fitted with bodies in England. A leading supplier was Peerless of Cleveland, Ohio, a firm that began when Queen Victoria was on the throne and started off making mangles before turning to bicycle manufacture. From 1915 until 1918 the Government bought 12,000 Peerless truck chassis, which were imported via Liverpool. This lorry sold for £42,550. +24 Michael Banfield with the Peerless lorry during restoration in London   +24 Michael Banfield with the Peerless lorry during restoration in London +24 Pierce-Arrow R8 open back lorry. Like its contemporary Peerless, Pierce-Arrow of Buffalo, New York, who made this lorry, began by manufacturing domestic items. In the case of Pierce-Arrow they made fridges and birdcage. They started making lorries in June 1911 and this R8, which is dated 1917 by the Veteran Car Club, was bought by Michael Banfield in June 1973. +24 This 1929 Chevrolet LQ International 14-seater coach was manufactured at the General Motors factory at Hendon. The bus was the forerunner of the Bedford commercial vehicle range and was powered by a six-cylinder 2.9-litre petrol engine with overhead valves. It has a four-speed gearbox and sold for £40,250 +24 1922 Tilling Stevens double deciker bus. The company behind the bus was founded in 1847 by Thomas Tilling and started a horse-drawn omnibus service three years later. By 1897 the company had 4,000 horses. Tilling¿s is thought to have been the first company to run a regular service over a regular route. They bought the first electric buses in 1904 and by 1921 they had a fleet of 150 running in London. Thios bus began its working life in Catford, south London, in June 1922 and Mr Banfield bought this from a scrapyard on February 17 1970. It sold for £216,540. +24 1906 Minerva Roi Des Belges. The Minerva was created by Sylvain de Jong who in 1889 began a Belgian company importing English bicycles. He began manufacturing cars in 1902 and the following year founded the Société Anonyme Minerva Motors. This car sold for £177,340   +24 Boy racer: Michael Banfield, aged 5, with his first car although he did not buy his first classic until 1959, many years later +24 1904 Mors Roi des Belges: The Mors company was founded by Emile Mors, one of France's leading electrical engineers, heading one of the country's biggest telegraph, telephone and electrical equipment factories. He began racing cars and in 1897 finished in seventh place in the 106-mile Paris Dieppe Race in a car with an average speed of 19.6 mph   +24 1916 Crossley RF Van: On the outbreak of war in August 1914 Crossley of Manchester changed its production line to almost entirely to producing vehicles for military service. By the Armistice, there were more than 6,000 being used and for 25 years Crossley was the preferred supplier to the RAF. This one sold for £52,900 +24 1935 Austin Taxi. One of the last vehicular additions to Mr Banfield's collection, he bought this in 2011 from Dr Peter McWilliam of Yorkshire, who had owned it for 20 years. The model was introduced in 1930 and this particular car went into service in March 1935. It was a reliable cab and the last left service in the 1960s, although this one stopped its working life in the previous decade. It sold for £67,580   +24 Michael Banfield raises a glass to the Fiat country bus. The vehicle was introduced in 1910 with a 2.6-litre engine and a four-speed gearbox. The Italian army used this as its main way of moving troops around during the Italo-Libyan war of 1911-1912. Mr Banfield's vehicle was registered in Hampshire but its body was later replaced by a bus chassis and the Fiat worked in the Reading area as a station bus +24 Michael Banfield with his Wolseley lorry at Iden Grange. In 1912, buyers who purchased a certain type of lorry were paid an annual subsidy of £110 to keep them in good order, the rationale being that they would be taken into Army service should war arise. This particular lorry was powered by an 8522cc bi-block four-cylinder engine. Michael Banfield bought it in the 1980s and maintained the lorry so that it is still in good working order. It sold for £23,000 +24 Michael Banfield with the Garford in the 1970s +24 Michael Banfield with the Leyland Titan at Brighton having won the Concours d'Elegance +24 Michael Banfield with the Leyland Titan at Brighton having won the Concours d'Elegance. The expression comes from the 17th Century French aristocracy, who paraded horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris during Summer weekends and holidays

Looks perfect, but is that tenth bedroom a little on the small side? Super wealthy prospective house buyers are being provided with a novel try-before-you-buy scheme to entice them to part with vast sums of money for a deluxe new home. Property company Clarenco has made the unusual offer after deciding to sell six properties in its portfolio, including stately homes and a castle. With it's unusual frontage and thatched roof eight bedroom Happisburgh Manor in Norfolk looks like an idyllic country home. It also comes with a heated pool and is on the market for £800,000 White meets beige in a bedroom at Happisburgh Manor in Norfolk and the wide windows ensure plenty of light gets in Wooden paneling and beams give the dining room at Happisburgh Manor an airy light feel, while the giant rug adds an air of decadence The modern-looking gym at Happisburgh Manor is complete with a rowing machine and a bike. It also has a massage bed in the adjacent room The drawing room at Happisburgh Manor features a fire and a coat of arms. There is also a huge mirror and plenty of comfortable chairs Potential purchasers are being given the chance to rent out country piles for a weekend to get a true feel of what it would be like to live there. If they go on to buy the property the rental cost will be taken off the sale price. The stunning homes which went on the market in August were all bought and restored by Clarenco in 2010 and include Happisburgh Manor in Norfolk - with a price tag of £800,000 and Tempsford Mill in Bedfordshire, on sale for £2.8million. the properties are currently being used as holiday lets, while a sixth, Bath Lodge Castle, is a hotel. However, all are now being sold as individual residencies. Despite each boasting between eight and ten bedrooms, the properties are actually the smallest in Clarenco's portfolio which also features an abbey and a Napoleonic sea port. The stunning Tempsford Mill in Bedfordshire overlooks the River Ivel and includes 6.5 acres of land. It also comes with a renovated old mill, a newer extension and outbuildings - it is on the market for £2.8million The main bedroom at Tempsford Mill has a crisp but simple finish and features a striking purple-backed double bed Although it has a modern finish the kitchen at Tempsford Mill still has original features from its former days as a mill There is plenty of room to entertain guests in the main lounge at Tempsford Mill on the white sofas complete with plack and gold cushions The dining room at Tempsford Mill oozes with elegance and features a large window and bookshelf Clarenco was established by Dream beds founder Mike Clare, and estate's director David Lobb said he hoped the decision to market the properties in such an unusual way would prove to be a successful one. He said: 'Given the unique nature of the properties and difficult market conditions, we are looking for a different approach to selling the properties. 'Every year hundreds of people take a luxury break in our fully refurbished country retreats and comment on how beautiful and unusual each of them are. This offer gives potential buyers a chance to experience their beauty and tranquillity before they decide if they want to own one of them.' Managing director, Suzanne Taylor added: 'The sale of the properties is to fund the expansion of the Clarenco portfolio of unusual and luxury venues in the UK, which are used for weddings, exclusive use, corporate hire and luxury breaks.' Set in 3.5 acres the historic Bath Lodge Castle near bath features ten bedrooms as well as a huge garden and woodland. Starting price is £1.75million With purple curtains and a period piece wardrobe in the corner the main bedroom at Bath Lodge Castle looks fit for royalty The chandelier hangs over the beautiful rustic wooden table in the dining room area at Bath Lodge Castle Candles in the ceiling light up the table to give a sense of medieval times at the long dining table in Bath Lodge Castle Stone walls and a striking fireplace stand out as the feature pieces in the drawing room at Bath Lodge Castle The large reception area at Bath Lodge Castle is furnished with large leather chairs a stag light stand and a antique wooden chair The properties are available for rent at between £550 and £1,500 a night. Two of the properties for sale are being marketed by Savills: Beau Castle in Worcestershire (£2.3million) and Bath Lodge Castle in Somerset (£1.75million). Plas Cilybebyll, a beautiful nine-bedroom home in Neath (£1.5million) is being sold by Savills and Fine & Country. Happisburgh Manor (£800,000) and Old Morley Hall in Norfolk (£2.5million) are being sold by Savills and Strutt & Parker; Tempsford Mill (£2.8million) in Bedrforshire is being sold by Fine & Country. The interestingly-shaped Beau Castle in Worcestershire is located on a hill overlooking Wyre Forest and includes nine bedrooms. Offers start at £2.8million Even the toilet looks special at Beau Castle with steps leading up to it. The bathroom also features a huge mirror and plenty of cupboard space

The Beverly Hills mansion that featured in The Godfather and The Bodyguard, and provided a romantic retreat for John F Kennedy and his new bride Jackie on their honeymoon, is being listed for $135 million. The historic mansion, set on six acres of land close to Sunset Boulevard, has had only four owners since it was built in the 1920s, but countless A-list celebrities, royalty and high-profile figures have been guests there. From the honeymooning Kennedys, to parties for Rihanna and Prince Albert of Monaco, the legendary Beverly House had become nearly as famous as those who have graced its rooms. +11 Starring role: Beverly House has appeared in several films, including The Godfather and The Bodyguard +11 Romantic retreat: The lavish estate was used by the Kennedys on their honeymoon The sprawling estate, which includes a 50,000sq ft house, cascading waterfalls leading to a swimming pool, and a two-story library, is a mix of period features and luxurious flourishes. A spa, 22ft tall hand-painted arched ceiling, billiards room complete with a carved fireplace from Hearst Castle in California, and parquet flooring are just some of the features in the 30-bedroom, 40-bathroom estate. Current owner Leonard Ross, who bought the mansion in 1976 when he was just 31, said it takes two hours to show prospective buyers around. He paid $2 million for the house, but told ABC News that despite its current $135 million price tag the property was an 'investment that could only go up in value'. He admitted that when he bought the property it was 'much larger than I needed'. +11 New chapter: The two-story library comes with an open fireplace, wood paneling and carved ceiling +11 Original features: The parquet floor and stone fireplace in the billiards room were installed when the house was built in the 1920s The iconic home, made famous by the horse head scene in The Godfather, is being listed by Hilton Hyland, who describe it as a 'perfect combination of Italian and Spanish style'. The property has an outside terrace that can seat 400 for dinner, an art deco nightclub, tennis courts, gym and array of guest cottages and accommodation for staff. Built out of terracotta stucco, the H-shaped residence combines Spanish and Italian style. It has intricately carved ceilings and paneled walls, French doors, balconies, arched ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, which overlook the pool and Venetian columns beyond the pool house. Alongside financier Ross, previous owners included newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, who was given the house as a gift by actress Marion Davies, and banking executive Milton Getz, who commissioned Hoover Dam architect Gordon Kaufmann to build the home. +11 Star billing: The $135 million estate appeared in The Bodyguard, above, as the home of the character played by Whitney Houston +11 Dream home: It may have appeared in one of the nightmarish scenes from The Godfather, but Beverly House would be a fantasy for many people +11 Honeymoon: Jackie and John F Kennedy stayed at the luxury estate after their wedding in Newport +11 Room with a view: Huge windows overlooking the gardens and a door opening on to a terrace are found in the dining room +11 Historic: The home was built in 1925 by architect Gordon Kaufman, who is best known for his work on the Hoover Dam +11 Stylish: The H-shaped home has a flair of Spanish and Italian design +11 Party place: A nightclub, pool and terrace that can seat 400 people make Beverly House perfect for entertaining

Remote: Remarkable aerial image of the coastline shows just how isolated the five properties are California isn't what it used to be, back in the days of swimming pools and movie stars. The state grew at a slower clip the past decade than during any other in its 160-year history, according to the census. Demographers question whether the boom-time growth will ever return. Click on a photo to compare a historical image — when the area was up-and-coming — to a present-day image. THENNOW What do Scottsdale, Arizona, Syracuse in upstate New York and the San Juan Islands off Washington have in common? They are all home to some of the most architecturally inspiring addresses in the United States. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has handed out the 2012 Housing Awards to projects at the pinnacle of design, creativity and sustainability. The jury recognized projects in four categories - custom-built homes for one family, large structures which sleep many individuals in their own apartments and specialized buildings such as community centers. The ten homes selected were: The Nakahouse, a space-age home in the Hollywood Hills; Relic Rock, a luxury home in Scottsdale, Arizona; The Pierre, a strange stone inspired home in the San Juan Islands off Washington state; The Camelview Village, a futuristic condo complex in Scottsdale, Arizona; Hampden Lane House in Bethesda, Maryland; The Live Work Home in Syracuse, New York; the luxury Carmel residence in Carmel-by-Sea, California; a new Jesuit Community centre in Fairfield, Connecticut; new low-budget homes in San Francisco and new college halls of residence in Houston, Texas.

Otherwordly homestead: Optima Camelview Village is a 700-unit condominium development comprised of eleven buildings linked by bridges in Scottsdale, Arizona

Spiritual setting: The Arizona complex draws inspiration from the surrounding mountains and Native American desert communities

Sit back and relax in your surroundings: A lounge area in the Optima Camelview Village in Scottsdale
The American Institute of Architects was established 150 years ago and has more then 79,000 members.
The One and Two Family Custom Residences award focus on remodelling of homes for individual clients. The Carmel Residence in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California was completed by Dirk Denison Architects. The owners wanted to marry a space that worked with the beauty of the natural surroundings and the nearby Pacific Ocean.

All rooms flow from a central courtyard with nooks for the kitchen and office spaces. Areas are separated by screens of solid mahogany and steel which move to allow air and light to circulate throughout the home.

The Hampden Lane House in Bethesda, Maryland by architect Robert M. Gurney is a simple cube where all spaces are utilized. It stands out from others in the neighbor for its style - but nevertheless is an environmentally conscious project.
Nakahouse in Los Angeles, by XTEN Architecture, is an abstract remodel of a 1960s hillside house with fluid indoor - outdoor spaces. Its cantilevered terraces and stark monochrome interior - white steel, plaster and concrete along with deep black plaster walls - give it a futuristic look despite its glamorous location under the Hollywood sign.

Inspired by its surroundings: Located in Carmel Bay, California, the Carmel Residence was conceived around one central room

California dream: The home by the coast has niche spaces that hide the kitchen and bedrooms around a central area paneled in solid mahogany and glass sliding doors

The art of zen: The open plan nature of the Carmel property allows air and natural light to flow through the entire home
The Pierre on the San Juan Islands, Washington was created by Olson Kundig Architects. The owner's desire to use stone throughout the home led to its name (pierre is stone in French). It was conceived as a bunker and is almost camouflaged by the nature which surrounds it.
Rock extrudes into the home, sitting at odds with more luxurious furnishings and fabrics used. Interior and exterior hearths are carved out of existing stone and  the master bathroom sink and the powder room are fully carved out of the rock.
Relic Rock, another property in Scottsdale, Arizona was designed by DCHGlobal Inc. It is almost entirely sustainable - with the structure made of 99 per cent recycled steel. 'Floating' floor plans mean that the rocks around and under the property have been untouched.
Cook + Fox Architects designed the Live Work Home in Syracuse, New York. The home was created as a small, modern loft - an ecologically sound space in response to America's future housing needs that appeal directly to the environment in which they are built.
As Syracuse often has long, dark winters, the home is filled with skylight tubes and perforated screens that allow light to bounce.

Tranquil: Optima Camelview Village in Scottdale, Arizona uses greenery and water features to combat the desert heat

Room with a view: Nakahouse in Los Angeles is an abstract remodel of a 1960s hillside house

Spaceage: Nakahouse is an abstract remodel of a 1960's hillside house

Go with the flow: The LA home is made from white steel, plaster and concrete with contrasting black plaster walls
'Multifamily housing' recognizes apartment and condominium design - for both public and private clients that include open and recreational space.
David Baker + Partners designed the Drs. Julian and Raye Richardson Apartments in San Francisco - 120 permanent, supportive studio apartments for low-income formerly homeless residents, many with mental and physical disabilities.
The site of the project is a demolished freeway that has been transformed with plenty of green space and local shops. The eclectic style also gives the homes a sense of common identity and place in the neighborhood.
Drawing inspiration from the surrounding mountains and Native American desert communities, Optima Camelview Village in Scottsdale, Arizona (by David Hovey & Associates Architect, Inc.) is made up of 700 separate condominiums linked by planted-draped bridges designed to fend off the harsh climate. It is easy to walk around with plenty of courtyards and jutting landscaped terraces creating serene shelter.
The special housing award by AIA is for the design of housing that fits a specific purpose - homes for the disabled, rehabilitation centers or domestic violence shelters.
Rice University in Houston, Texas enlisted Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas + Company with Hopkins Architects to build McMurtry & Duncan Colleges.
The two buildings are home to 650 students and faculty, weaving squares and tree-lined paths with innovative design that blends with the more traditional buildings on campus.
Also outstanding in this category was the Jesuit Community Center in Fairfield, Connecticut by Gray Organschi Architecture. Encompassing administrative offices, a chapel, community dining room, great room, and library, the Jesuit community wanted a building that would reflect their goal of acting as 'good stewards of the Earth'.

Star quality: The home, which sits right below the Hollywood sign, has several cantilevered terraces

Visionary: The Jesuit community center in Fairfield, Connecticut uses innovative technologies to reduce both short and long term impact on the environment

Building blocks: The Jesuit priests wanted their building to exemplify their goal as acting as good stewards of the earth

Good things in small packages: The LEED Platinum Live Work Home is an efficient, highly adaptable space designed as an urban infill prototype for shrinking cities in Syracuse, New York

The garage of the Syracuse home

Tres belle: Conceived as a bunker nestled into the rock, the Pierre - meaning French for stone - celebrates the materiality of the site

The Pierre, French for stone, celebrates the owner's affection for a stone outcropping on her property

The Pierre's interior and exterior hearths are carved out of existing stone and left raw

Arizona: Relic Rock is the prototype for a sustainable building system that is based on a three dimensional structural grid comprised of 99% recycled steel

The floor planes leave native boulder formations and natural topography untouched

The interior of the Red Rock home in Arizona

San Francisco: Richardson Apartments provides 120 permanent, supportive studio apartments for very-low-income formerly homeless residents, many with mental and physical disabilities

Green living: The San Francisco homes have on-site social services, generous outdoor and common spaces, neighborhood-serving retail

Bethesda: Hampden Lane House is designed as a cube and is approximately 2200 square feet

Sleek: The flat roof provides an additional 1100 square feet of outdoor living space with views of treetops and the downtown Bethesda skyline

The house is intended to be more site sensitive, environmentally conscious, and to provide comfortable, efficient living spaces

No place like home; The exterior of the Bethesda home

Mansion where John Lennon wrote songs for Sgt Pepper goes up for sale… but at £14m you might have to buy with a little help from your friends John Lennon bought property in Weybridge, Surrey, for £20,000 in July 1964 and lived there until 1968 He is believed to have written a number of tracks for classic album Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band at house The 1,110.4 square metre home, called Kenwood, boasts 1.5 acres of land and is on the market for £13,750,000 The mansion where John Lennon is believed to have written tracks for The Beatles' legendary Sgt Pepper's album is on the market for £14m. Lennon bought the six bedroom property in Weybridge, Surrey, for £20,000 on July 15, 1964, and lived there with his first wife Cynthia. He lived in the luxury home until 1968 and is thought to have penned a number of tracks for The Beatles' eighth studio album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, released in 1967, at the house. Up for sale: Kenwood, the former home of John Lennon, is on the market for nearly £14million Plush: The six bedroom property has six bedrooms, six reception rooms, six bathrooms and boasts 1.5 acres of land History: John Lennon is believed to have written a number of tracks for The Beatles' legendary Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album at the house Wife: Lennon lived at the property with his first wife Cynthia (left) and is also believed to have written a number of tracks for Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (right) at the house The band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, sold 70 million copies of the album. It featured the hits With A Little Help from My Friends, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, and A Day In The Life. The property - which has been refurbished - contains a full-size snooker table and a heated indoor swimming pool with a sauna. It has six bedrooms, six reception rooms, six bathrooms and boasts 1.5 acres of land. The 1,110.4 square metre home, called Kenwood, is situated at the heart of the exclusive St George's Hill Estate is on the market for £13,750,000. It was originally called the Brown House when it was designed by architect T.A. Allen and built by local firm Love & Sons in 1913. Home: Parts of a home movie showing Lennon at Kenwood in 1967 were featured in the film Imagine: John Lennon Luxurious: The property is situated at the heart of the exclusive St George's Hill Estate and is on the market for £13,750,000 Pricetag: Lennon bought the property for £20,000 on July 15, 1964, and lived there until 1968 Neighbours: Kenwood is close to Sunny Heights, the former home of Ringo Starr, and a short drive from Kinfauns, George Harrison's former home in Esher Legend: John Lennon bought the house in 1964 and sold it in 1968 It was renamed by manufacturer Ken Wood when he owned the property. Parts of a home movie showing Lennon at Kenwood in 1967 were featured in the film Imagine: John Lennon. Kenwood is close to Sunny Heights, the former home of Ringo Starr, and a short drive from Kinfauns, George Harrison's former home in Esher. In October 2006, the stunning home went back on the market, with an asking price of 5.95 million pounds. Costly: The house was sold in January 2007 for £5.8m and is now back on the market being sold by estate agent Knight Frank Changing names: The property was originally called the Brown House when it was designed by architect T.A. Allen and built by local firm Love & Sons in 1913 Leisure: The property contains a full-size snooker table and a heated indoor swimming pool with a sauna Naming: The home was renamed by manufacturer Ken Wood when he owned the property Legendary: The Beatles in the Apple offices, in London, for the launch of Sgt Pepper's in June 1967 - the album went on to sell 70m copies It was sold in January 2007 for £5.8m and is now back on the market and is advertised by estate agent Knight Frank on their website. The advert reads: 'Kenwood is situated at the heart of the exclusive St George's Hill Estate, acknowledged as one of the UK's premier private residential addresses. 'The house occupies a superb plateau position set around St George's Hill's renowned golf course, tennis club and leisure amenities. 'Kenwood overlooks magnificent landscaped gardens and grounds and enjoys uninterrupted views of the Surrey Hills.' Resting place: One of the six bedrooms in the house, which is now on the market for nearly £14million Exclusive: The estate agent's advert says the house is 'situated at the heart of the exclusive St George's Hill Estate, acknowledged as one of the UK's premier private residential addresses'  https://www.google.com/maps/preview#!q=Hotel+Chateau+Sallandrouze+24+Rue+Saint-Jean%2C+23200+Aubusson%2C+France&data=!1m8!1m3!1d3!2d2.170501!3d45.952573!2m2!1f290.78!2f94.79!4f30!2m9!1e1!2m4!1syxappVdPQydNS9j8kOXwqg!2e0!9m1!6sRue+Saint-Jean!5m2!1syxappVdPQydNS9j8kOXwqg!2

Bedrooms : 12 Habitable Size : 600m2 Land Size : 26,000m2 Surrounded by green hills and bubbling waters of the Creuze and Beauze, this castle welcomes you in the heart of France and the Limousin area. This former home of a legendary tapestry family, along with its 12th-century chapel, has now been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel Comprising 10 luxury suites boasting unique atmosphere. The Château Sallandrouze is an ideal venue for an intimate country break. The shaded pergola overlooking the large park Allows you to fully unwind. Number of rooms: 10 Depart: Superior Type of property: Hotel   Dining Area Due to a sale falling through this genuine distressed sale must be sold over the next 14 days the price is non negotiable and it’s a first come first served basis. Situated in the heart of the historical town of Aubusson surrounded by green hills and bubbling rivers of the Limousin is this former home of a legendary tapestry family, which has now been transformed into a beautiful boutique hotel comprising 10 luxury suites in 2008. The property has been completely renovated to the highest standards over a 3 year period from 2005 – 2008 with no expense spared at a cost of around 2.5 million euros, unfortunately due to the fact the property has been empty now for over a year it will require a little freshening up, but this can be achieved at very little cost and time. The property is spread over 5 levels with the basement holding the kitchens, spa and treatment rooms, boiler room and storage, ground floor is an abundance of reception rooms with fireplaces and luxury wall papers overlooking the lovely landscaped gardens at the back, the rooms all have the original high ceilings and a lovely glass veranda. The next two levels have 10 large spacious and light bedrooms all en-suite and the 5th level is 2 owners’ apartments. The chateau also has lift access to all floors. This property would be absolutely ideal for anyone wanting a business or a private residence as it’s situated on the outskirts of a busy tourist town. I must stress at this price this is a bargain and should not be missed it has been priced to sell not to sit looking pretty on the market and has recently been valued at well over 1.5 million euros.                     Description Chateau Sallandrouze Address Chateau Sallandrouze 24, rue Saint Jean 23200Aubusson France Telephone: +33(5)55675392 Fax:+33(5)55675392 Official Homepage Room features Chateau Sallandrouze Bathroom with bathtub Bathroom with shower Windows that open Television Hairdryer Central heating Tea/ coffeemaker Minibar Satellite TV Desk Small lounge Telephone Internet WiFi in the rooms Hotel features Chateau Sallandrouze Elevator Parking lot Garden or park Terrace Child/ Baby Cot Childcare/ Babysitting Conference rooms Massage Non-smoking rooms Restaurant Wheelchair accessible WiFi in Lobby The unsellable estate finally finds a buyer! Bel Air's very own Palace of Versailles sells for $102 MILLION after seven years on the market... and the new owner is a 'mystery French billionaire' The Fleur de Lys estate in Bel Air has become the most expensive home ever sold in LA Seven years after it was first put on the market - and with the asking price reduced by $23 million - the property has been sold to a 'highly secretive French billionaire' The 50,000-sq-ft mansion was custom built in 2002 by socialite Suzanne Saperstein and her then husband, Texan billionaire David Saperstein As well as 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, the mansion contains a 50-seat, satin-lined private cinema, a two-storey wood-paneled library stocked with first-edition books and garage parking for nine cars After years on and off the market, the ‘unsellable’ Fleur de Lys estate in L.A. has finally found a buyer and at $102 million has become the most expensive home ever sold in Los Angeles County. Three billionaires reportedly engaged in a bidding war for the nearly five-acre trophy estate, the winner closing in 10 days in an all-cash deal that included antique furnishings. The 50,000-square-foot residence was sold by socialite Suzanne Saperstein, who had the mansion custom built in 2002 with her then husband, Texan billionaire David Saperstein. +13 After years on and off the market, the 'unsellable' Fleur de Lys estate in L.A. has finally found a buyer and at $102 million has become the most expensive home ever sold in Los Angeles County +13 The gilded ballroom features mirror-clad arches based on those in the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, as well as impressive chandeliers and a ceiling fresco +13 The 50,000-square-foot residence was sold by socialite Suzanne Saperstein, who had the mansion custom built in 2002 with her then husband, Texan billionaire David Saperstein They divorced three years after work was finished, and she first listed property at $125 million in 2007 just as the global economic downturn was taking hold. Since then the property has been off and on the market and Mrs Saperstein even dropped her price. It has 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, a ballroom, two kitchens, a massive movie theater, a pool, tennis courts, and a nine-car garage. The buyer’s name remains a mystery as it isn’t on the deed, although it is rumored to be a ‘highly secretive French billionaire,’ reports the LA Times. However the sale does not top the U.S. record set last year when a mansion on nine acres in the Northern California community of Woodside went for $117.5 million. That deal's buyer and seller were business partners and may have included other considerations. +13 Three billionaires reportedly engaged in a bidding war for the nearly five-acre trophy estate, the winner closing in 10 days in an all-cash deal that included antique furnishings +13 The Sapersteins divorced three years after work was finished, and Suzanne first listed the property at $125 million in 2007 just as the global economic downturn was taking hold As well as its 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, the mansion contains a 50-seat, satin-lined private cinema The five-acre estate in the Holmby Hills in Bel Air, Los Angeles, was modeled on Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles – and certainly contains all the opulent luxuries a modern-day prince could demand including a two-storey wood-paneled library stocked with first-edition books, left The five-acre estate in the Holmby Hills in Bel Air, Los Angeles, was modeled on Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles – and certainly contains all the opulent luxuries a modern-day prince could demand. As well as its 12 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms, the mansion contains a 50-seat, satin-lined private cinema, a two-storey wood-paneled library stocked with first-edition books and garage parking for nine cars. Not to mention a gym, a ballroom based on Louis XIV’s Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and a formal dining room. Italian marble walls, French limestone floors and gold-embossed leather wall coverings all add to the decadent feel. Outside the property boasts a spa pool with its own kitchen, an ornamental garden, a 1,200-metre running track, a championship tennis court and a folly – plus private quarters to house  up to ten live-in domestic staff. The property has 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, a ballroom, two kitchens, a massive movie theater, a pool, tennis courts, and a nine-car garage Italian marble walls, French limestone floors and gold-embossed leather wall coverings all add to the decadent feel Tucked away behind gates and a 200-yard driveway, the property was commissioned in 1996 by Texan billionaire David Saperstein for his wife Suzanne. It was completed in 2002 – but less than two years later the couple’s 23-year marriage collapsed. Mrs Saperstein was awarded the estate in the divorce, and put it on the market in 2007 for $125 million. Saperstein, who made his fortune developing the idea of using helicopters to provide up-to-date traffic reports, left Suzanne in 2003 for Hillevi Svensson, the family’s 32-year-old Swedish nanny. The divorce, one of the most expensive in US history, came after Saperstein served his wife with divorce papers as the family’s Gulfstream IV made a stopover in Houston en route from California to Europe. The reason was Texas is thought to be more sympathetic to men than California when it comes to alimony settlements. Mrs Saperstein was once described in a Vanity Fair profile as ‘probably the world’s No 1 consumer of haute couture and 18th Century furniture’ – rumored to buy matching designer sweaters and shoes in every color available. David and Suzanne Saperstein's divorce was one of the most expensive in US history, he served his wife with divorce papers as the family’s Gulfstream IV made a stopover in Houston en route from California to Europe +13 Outside the property boasts a spa pool with its own kitchen, an ornamental garden, a 1,200-metre running track, a championship tennis court and a folly ¿ plus private quarters to house up to ten live-in domestic staff In a sign that the housing market is improving, more lavish mansions are entering the market with jaw-dropping asking prices. First there was the $190 million estate in Connecticut, and now the West Coast is adding their own record-breaking listing to the housing market. Coldwell Banker recently listed the house at 2585 Riviera Drive in Laguna Beach, California for $65million dollars. According to the Orange County Register, it is the fourth most expensive residence to appear in their listing service in their records that go back more than a decade. Currently it is the second most expensive home in the entire state of California, according to Zillow. It is also estimated to be the largest oceanfront home in the area. Live like the Romans do: The neoclassical design of the recently listed $65million dollar mansion in Laguna Beach, California looks like something straight out of an Italian dream. The home's huge size and unique details explain the hefty price tag. First there's the massive 17,000 square feet of living space and 6,000 square feet of outdoor living space. There are five bedrooms with eight bathrooms and a six-car garage for the vintage collector. Massive: The house has 6,000 feet of outdoor living space perfect for warm-weather entertaining, in addition to the 17,000 feet of indoor living space Perfect for kids: The house was built with children in mind with the outdoor pool and hot tub, and a billiards/ping-pong room. The master bedroom has his-and-hers closets and bathrooms - with extra space for the women's closet accessed by an elevator down to the basement. The house looks like it was moved straight off a seaside cliff in Italy and moved to the Pacific coast. It was built in the neoclassical style with details such as towering glass doors and terrazzo floors that ooze wealth. Seaside living: The home has spectacular views of the ocean, and is estimated to be the largest oceanfront home in the area Palatial: The house's hallways probably provide enough space for a good walk Extra space: The master bedroom includes his-and-hers bathrooms and closets. One of the closets has extra space in the basement accessed via elevator Airy: The house's doors utilize glass to let as much light in as possible A place to relax: Just one of the house's 10 bathrooms Giada DiLaurentis would be right at home in the commercial-caliber kitchen space with it's expansive Italian Carrera marble counter tops and Bonnet range suite. There's room for banquet dining and even chef's quarters for those who would rather be cooked for, than do the cooking. Other amenities include a wine cellar with a tasting room, outdoor pool and hot tub, a billiards/ping-pong room and a full gym with massage room. If friends are drunk from drinking in the wine room, you can offer to have them stay over in the detached guest house modeled after the Philip Glass House in Connecticut. Room for everyone: The estate includes a detached guest house modeled after the Philip Glass House in Connecticut Perfect for entertaining: The house comes with it's own wine cellar and tasting room - great for adult get-togethers Built in 2010, the home was originally owned by the Irvine family until 2002. The current owner is Ronald K. Loder, according to county records.

your own castle... and village! Island community up for sale in Italy for £3million Small village in region of Umbria boasts a large castle plus its own church Stunning estate is located on Lake Trasimeno and is on sale for £2,911,200 With grounds spanning 11 acres, the castle overlooks two private harbours Estate was founded around the 14th century Church of St Francis Price is still cheaper than the average terrace in the heart of London A small village boasting a giant castle and a church with a bell tower has gone on sale for nearly £3million on an island in the central region of Umbria. Despite the eye-watering price tag, the property, with all of its alluring features and scenic location, is still cheaper than the average price of a terrace in the heart of London. It is proving to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for potential buyers, and the perfect property for anyone who has dreamed of becoming lord of the manor. Scroll down for video +7 The stunning estate is located on Lake Trasimeno, in Italy's Umbria region, and is on sale for £2,911,200 +7 The castle overlooks the village's tennis courts, harbours and the nearby coast of Passignano sul Trasimeno The stunning estate is located on Lake Trasimeno and is on sale for £2,911,200 – a million less than the average terraced house in Westminster, one of London’s priciest property markets. With grounds spanning 11 acres, the castle overlooks the village’s grass tennis courts, its two private harbours and the nearby coast of Passignano sul Trasimeno. It is a large 10-bedroom luxury escape set over two floors and around three courtyards, with planning permission to be converted into a hotel. If it becomes a hotel its history could help to lure holidaymakers, as the historic estate was founded around the 14th century Church of St Francis, which later grew to include a monastery. Stunning castle estate for sale on Lake Trasimeno, Italy +7 Today, the castle is a large 10-bedroom luxury escape with planning permission to be converted into a hotel +7 Today, the castle is listed as a building of significant historical and artistic interest It is listed as a building with significant historical and artistic interest, and has received special protection from local authorities. The castle tripled in size after renovations from 1885 to 1891, allowing it to accommodate the then fashionable large frescoes and collections of antiques. Today, the grounds are still home to six battle towers, an old mill and a park in the style of an English garden from the 19th century. +7 The estate was founded around the 14th century Church of St Francis, which grew to include a monastery +7 The castle's architectural features include windows with pointed arches and intricate cornices +7 Located two hours north of Rome, the castle could be the perfect escape or an ideal investment opportunity A spokesperson for LuxuryEstate.com, which has listed the property alongside others selling for more than £10million, said: ‘The castle is listed as a building of significant historical and artistic interest. ‘Its architectural features include windows with pointed arches, intricate cornices and beautiful roof terraces. ‘All of these elements, reflect the architectural styles during the periods of construction and additions to the castle, emphasizing the eclectic tastes of the time.’  Design for life: wo new residential colleges at Houston's Rice University have also been nominated For years, the Citroen 2CV was the laughing stock of British roads. The upturned pram or tin snail was slow and old fashioned. Conceived before the war, to carry a farmer’s eggs across a rough field, nearly 5million ‘ugly ducks’ were sold. The last of the quirky little French cars left British showrooms in 1990 costing £4,552 on the road. But the 2CV has now, most definitely, had the last laugh. Prices for the 600cc deux chevaux are now rocketing, with refurbished cars selling for £11,000. The incredible origami house that can change its shape to face the Sun D*Haus concept can 'metamorphosize' into eight different configurations It responds to seasonal, meteorological and even astronomical conditions Incredible design based on the work of mathematician Henry Dudeney There are houses for cold climates, which are designed to keep in the precious warmth; there are houses for hot climates where architecture allows for air to sweep through and keep inhabitants cool. However, until now, the two were difficult to combine. But this new incredible folding house is able to, in the words of its creators, 'metamorphosize' into eight different configurations to adapt to seasonal, meteorological and even astronomical conditions.   Autobots, transform! This computer generated graphic shows the incredible concept for a house that can 'metamorphosize' into eight different configurations depending on the weather For example, in the summer plan, bedroom one faces east and watches the sun rise as its inhabitants wakes up. It can then rotate so that the user is constantly in sunlight, while the house generates energy through its solar panels. The revolutionary home is based on the work of an early 20th Century mathematician who discovered a way to dissect a square and rearrange its parts into an equilateral triangle. The flexibility of the house allows adaptation from winter to summer and day to night by literally moving inside itself. Thick heavy external walls unfold into internal walls allowing glass internal walls to become facades; doors can become windows, and vice versa. The layout consists of two bedrooms, an open-plan living room and a bathroom, but it too can be adapted to suit the needs of different living situations. Design: The revolutionary home is based on the work of an early 20th Century mathematician who discovered a way to dissect a square and rearrange its parts into an equilateral triangle Adaptable: Thick heavy external walls unfold into internal walls allowing glass internal walls to become facades; doors can become windows, and vice versa Living space: The layout consists of two bedrooms, an open-plan living room and a bathroom, but it too can be adapted to suit the needs of different living situations. The incredible house is the brainchild of British architects David Grunberg and Daniel Woolfson, who launched the D*Haus company to develop the concept. The shape-shifting home was first conceived as part of Mr Grunberg's graduation project, for which he designed a house that could withstand the extreme sub-Arctic temperatures in Lap Land, a region infamous for its harsh weather. The pair's design, which they call D*Dynamic, is based on the work of English author and mathematician Henry Dudeney, a leading puzzle creator. In 1903 Dudeney invented a way to cut an equilateral triangle into four pieces that could be rearranged into a square, a conundrum he dubbed the 'Haberdasher's Puzzle'. The D*Dynamic house realises this mathematical curiousity as a solution to living in extreme climates. Sections would fold out on rails so interior partitions could become exterior walls in warm weather. The whole building could even rotate to follow the direction of the Sun throughout the day. Now watch the D*Dynamic house transform. In a release, D*Haus describe their house, which is yet to be built, as 'a product of an applied mathematical realisation'. 'The D*Haus Company is set to cause a revolution in architecture and design by transforming Dudeney’s idea from the conceptual, to the physical,' the release adds. 'Inspired by Dudeney’s logic puzzle, each D*Haus dwelling is capable of adapting to changing patterns of living in the future. 'D*Haus is continuing the journey that Dudeney began by breathing new life into a century-old concept; not only to define a space, but a lifestyle.' INSPIRED BY THE WORK OF A BRILLIANT AMATEUR MATHEMATICIAN Henry Ernest Dudeney (April 10, 1857 – April 23, 1930) was an English author and mathematician who specialised in logic puzzles and mathematical games. He is known as one of the country's foremost creators of puzzles. Mathematical basis: Henry Dudeney's Haberdasher's Puzzle inspired the design of the house. Although Dudeney spent his career in the Civil Service, he continued to devise various problems and puzzles. Dudeney's first puzzle contributions were submissions to newspapers and magazines, often under the pseudonym of "Sphinx." Dudeney later contributed puzzles under his real name to publications such as The Weekly Dispatch, The Queen, Blighty, and Cassell's Magazine. For twenty years, he had a successful column, "Perplexities", in The Strand Magazine. One of Dudeney's most famous innovations was his 1903 success at solving the Haberdasher's Puzzle, which involved cutting an equilateral triangle into four pieces that can be rearranged to make a square. A remarkable feature of Dudeney's solution is that the each of the pieces can be hinged at one vertex, forming a chain that can be folded into the square or the original triangle. Two of the hinges bisect sides of the triangle, while the third hinge and the corner of the large piece on the base cut the base in the approximate ratio 0.982: 2: 1.018. Dudeney showed just such a model of the solution, made of polished mahogany with brass hinges, at a meeting of the Royal Society on May 17, 1905.

Lewis Carroll stayed in Charlton Kings, a suburb of Cheltenham, for four days in the 1860s The property was built for Henry Liddell, dean of Christ Church College in Oxford and father of the real Alice Home comes with the mirror that inspired Through The Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There This is the house where Lewis Carroll met the real-life Alice and stared into the looking glass that transported his much-loved character into another world. And all of it, including the famous mirror that the adventurous child walked through in the second volume of the author's much-loved series of novels, could be yours for £1million. The three-storey, five bedroom house in Charlton Kings, Gloucestershire, a suburb of Cheltenham, was home to Alice Liddell and was where Carroll - whose real name was Rev Charles Lutwidge Dodgson - stayed for four days in the 1860s. The house still features the giant, ornately framed mirror that is said to have inspired the idea behind the second volume of his stories, Through The Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There. +13 Piece of history: This is the magical house where the girl who inspired Lewis Caroll's Alice In Wonderland stories lived and is up for sale for £1million Magical: The 6ft by 5ft mirror that inspired his second book still stands in the home where Lewis Carroll met the real Alice, Alice Pleasance Liddell, right +13 Grand: Carroll - whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson - stayed in the property for four days on a trip to see his friend in Cheltenham +13 Home: The mirror was in the drawing room of the house, pictured, when Carroll visited in the 1860s Inspiration: Carroll noticed the mirror, which gilded frame features interwoven branches, foliage, birds dogs and other figures, and is now placed on the upstairs landing, pictured right when the house was last sold in 1981 The property, last sold in 1981, was built for the Liddell family in 1862 and the daughters of Henry Liddell, the dean of Christ Church College in Oxford, were sent to live there when their mother was expecting her fourth child. The girls, Alice, Lorina and Edith, stayed with their grandparents, governess and two maiden aunts, and while there received a visit from their father's close friend - Lewis Carroll. The writer's four day visit was very inspirational because scholars say that the Red Queen was based on the girls' governess Miss Prickett, and the White Knight was Dodgson himself. The house's grand mirror, which at the time was in the drawing room of the house, is 6ft by 5ft in size, and the gilded frame features interwoven branches, foliage, birds dogs and other figures. It is now placed on the upstairs landing. +13 Rare chance: The property has this sweet garden and is on the market for the first time in more than three decades +13 Private: The house has a greenhouse, a small vegetable plot, mature trees and a large patio that enjoys sunshine for much of the day +13 Package: Along with the legendary looking glass, buyers in this house will get five bedrooms, a large drawing room with doors to the garden, a study next door, a kitchen/breakfast room and a large dining room +13 Designer: The bright and airy house was the work of architect John Middleton. Middleton was famed for his design of Holy Apostles as well as other churches in Cheltenham +13 Kitchen: Despite some rooms in the Cheltenham house needing some modernisation the property is expected to fetch at least £1million +13 Snapshot: A photograph taken by Lewis Carroll of Alice Liddell (R), his inspiration for Alice in Wonderland, and her siblings Edith (L) and Ina (C) In the book Alice climbs up onto the fireplace in her home and after pressing against it she finds she can walk through it. Behind the looking glass is a reflected version of her own house where she find Jabberwocky - the reverse book of poetry that can only be read with the help of the mirror. In the real-life house, along with the mirror, the buyer will also get a large drawing room with doors to the garden, a study next door, a kitchen/breakfast room and a large dining room. The private garden is walled and had a large flat  lawn surrounded by grand borders. It also has a greenhouse and a small vegetable patch. The house is marketed with property website Zoopla. CARROLL 'HATED HIS FAME' AND HIS REPUTATION WAS TAINTED BY CLAIMS HE WAS FIXATED BY CHILDREN Lewis Carroll's books made him one of the world's most famous authors, and his classic tales have been loved by generations of children the world over. But before his death he revealed he wished he had never written his popular Alice books, because he despised the fame their success brought. The famously private author, whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, developed an ‘intense hate’ of being recognised by strangers. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, depicting the journey of a young girl through a fantasy world, was published under the pen name Lewis Carroll in 1865 by Macmillan and Co. The phenomenal success of the stories was followed in 1871 by his sequel Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. Even Queen Victoria wrote personally to the author saying how much she enjoyed his work. Carroll died shortly before his 66th birthday in 1898 from pneumonia. By the time of his death, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland had become the most popular children's book in England. By 1932, it was one of the most popular in the world. Dodgson was notoriously shy and often refused to sign autographs. In the later stages of his career, he would send collectors who contacted him about his work a printed note denying any connection with Lewis Carroll. Her father was Dean of Christ Church college and Dodgson was a close friend of the family until there was a mysterious cooling of relations in 1863, when she was 11. In 2008, another letter from  Dodgson came to light in which the lifelong bachelor appeared to address speculation about whether he was a paedophile. Following his death aged 65 in 1898, pages from his diaries were censored or destroyed, and none of his ten siblings ever spoke about him to outsiders. Raise the drawbridge! Rich homeowners are going medieval to protect their homes and installing MOATS Having a moat encircling your property is the latest must-have feature for high-end home-buyers Back in medieval times, moats served as a line of defense, but nowadays they've been re-branded as 'wraparound water features' Supermodel Gisele Bundchen and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had one included as part of their new $20 million French-style estate J-Lo's former $10 million Bel-Air mansion included an arched footbridge and a cobblestone driveway cross a stone-lined waterway An increasing number of architects serving the rich and famous are including moat-like features in their designs

In the never-ending search for exclusivity amongst high-end home-buyers the latest must-have feature is to have a moat encircling your property.

Back in medieval times, moats served as a line of defense from marauders, but nowadays the concept has been re-branded by exclusive architects as ‘wraparound water features.’

Celebrity home-owners are of course ahead of the curve on this kind of thing and so supermodel Gisele Bundchen and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had a moat included as part of their $20 million French-style estate in Brentwood, California, which they moved into earlier this year.

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady had a moat included as part of their $20 million French-style estate in Brentwood, California

The couple's extensive water feature looks more like a winding stream than a means of defense and is home to some expensive koi fish rather than alligators. A stone bridge leads to the main entry.

The amazing property was the work of architect Richard Landry, one of the hot designers credited with creating this new trend. Another celebrity who was at the forefront of the trend for ‘wraparound water features’ is Jennifer Lopez.  The star’s former home in Bel-Air, which recently resold for $10 million, includes an arched footbridge and a cobblestone driveway cross a stone-lined waterway that encircles the French-style villa.

Jennifer Lopez's former Bel-Air home included an arched footbridge and a cobblestone driveway cross a stone-lined waterway that encircled the villa

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte in France: Moats were historically deep, broad ditches used to provide castles and towns with a preliminary line of defense

Moats were historically deep, broad ditches used to provide castles and towns with a preliminary line of defense.

In some places, moats evolved into more extensive water defense systems, including lakes and dams, though in later periods they became largely ornamental.

The modern day equivalent have taken on a much more atheistically pleasing design features.

At one $36-million Beverly Hills contemporary, a narrow ‘demi-moat’ serves a practical purpose and takes the place of a guardrail, which would have obstructed the outstanding views of the city.

Christina Aguilera's fabulous mansion: 'Wraparound water features' are all the rage with architects building properties for the rich and famous

Celebrating 50 years of the world's best-loved sports car: The Porsche 911 A new book celebrates the history of the Porsche 911, from its humble beginnings in post-war Germany to global cult status   1963: The very first Porsche 911 set the tone for the next 50 years, with its sloping back, distinctive circular headlights and slanted windscreen SPEC: Engine 2.0 litre Power 130hp Weight 1,080kg 0-60 9.1 seconds Top speed 130 mph Price £4,095 (about £68,000 in today's money) Beloved of celebrities the world over, and, like a Rolex watch or a tailored suit, one of the most enduring ‘I’ve made it in the world’ purchases, the Porsche 911 has surprisingly humble origins. In fact, the world’s most popular sports car is arguably descended from the Volkswagen Beetle. Porsche’s emergence as a carmaker in post-war Germany was inextricably linked to that of Volkswagen (it’s now part of the Volkswagen Group). Before the war, its founder, Ferdinand Porsche, had designed the Beetle, and in the late Forties the firm found success with the Beetle-derived 356. By the late Fifties, Porsche was in need of a successor to satisfy demand. After several years of intensive work – during which a larger four-seat option was considered – Porsche’s engineers had a prototype to reveal to the world. At the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show, they unveiled the car that would go on to sell over 800,000 units (and be driven into a truck by Lindsay Lohan): the 911. In fact, the car that Porsche displayed in Frankfurt was called the 901. The ‘911’ name arose because Peugeot claimed the rights to all three-digit model numbers with a 0 in the middle. So Porsche simply changed the 0 to a 1.   On the inside, while there have obviously been technical advances, one basic element remains key to the car's identity: a counter-intuitive set-up that sees the engine placed right over the rear axle, driving the rear wheels. Famously, the 911’s design has barely changed in five decades. Line up any two models and you’re immediately looking at the same shape. The wheelbase might have been lengthened over time, the windscreen tilted back a few degrees, bumpers and spoilers added and taken away, but that silhouette remains. No other car looks so close to how it did in the Sixties. And on the inside, while there have obviously been technical advances, one basic element remains key to the car’s identity: a counter-intuitive set-up that sees the flat-six engine placed right over the rear axle, driving the rear wheels. For many years this made the 911 a challenging drive, as in overconfident hands or poor conditions it was liable to spin at a moment’s notice. Famous 911 drivers include U.S. chat-show host and motoring obsessive Jay Leno, David Beckham, Arnold Schwarzenegger and – in a recent departure from his lifelong love of Ferraris – Jay Kay. The most devoted celebrity fan, though, is surely comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who owns over 50 Porsches, including many 911s.   The wheelbase has been lengthened over time, the windscreen tilted back a few degrees, bumpers and spoilers added and taken away, but the classic shape remains   The Porsche is a 'wormhole of detail and specificity' says fan Jerry Seinfeld Says Seinfeld of his collection, ‘Oh, I know it’s insane. They’re an obsession. 'Top Gear wanted to have me on, so I had dinner with Jeremy Clarkson, but it turned out he didn’t like Porsches, so we had nothing in common. 'What do I like about them? For me to take you down that corridor would bore you to tears. It’s a wormhole of detail and specificity. 'I’ve driven a lot of other cars, but that’s only reinforced my impression that the Porsche is the only properly designed automobile. ‘My favourite is the 959 from the mid-Eighties, at the time the fastest production car in the world. There’s nothing like it. 'They cost about a million dollars each to produce and they sold at $250,000, so they were losing $750,000 a car. But it has a feeling of quality about it that’s unique.’         A legend in motorsport   You can't make sports cars for over 60 years without acquiring a little racing experience: This 911-derived 935 won at Le Mans in 1978 Steve McQueen in Le Mans You can’t make sports cars for over 60 years without acquiring a little racing experience. Since the launch of the 356 in 1948, Porsche has clocked up a world record 28,000 race victories – not all in 911s, it must be said – including 16 wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The endurance-race heroics of the 1970 Porsche team were immortalised by Steve McQueen in the 1971 film Le Mans – in which he raced Porsche 917s, which can trace their origins back to the father of the 911, the Porsche 356. In 1978 the 911-derived 935 won at Le Mans. Nicknamed ‘Moby Dick’ after its whale-like elongated bonnet and tail, the 1978 model 935 is one of the most iconic cars to come out of Porsche’s motorsport division – and with a top speed of 235mph, one of the most ferocious.

World's fastest electric car revealed: 155mph two-seater will go 190 miles on a single charge - and cost £90,000 (allegedly) Set to take on Paypal billionaire Elon Musk's Telsa Roadster in the lucrative electric sports car market Only 999 of the cars, which can reach 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, will be built It can reach a top speed of 155mph, and drive for 190 miles on a single charge. The Detroit Electric SP:01 is the world's fastest electric car, and is set to take on Paypal billionaire Elon Musk's Telsa Roadster is the lucrative electric sports car market. Only 999 of the cars will be built, and the plans have been masterminded by a team of executives from Lotus, who set up the firm five years ago to revive the century old brand.   Detroit Electric's two-seat all electric sports car SP:01, which can reach speeds of 155mph   Boasting 155 mph (249 km/h) top speed and covering the 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, the SP:01 has a range of almost 190 miles between recharges which takes 4.3 hours according to the auto maker SP:01 SPECS Price: £90,00, $135,000 Only 999 will be made 155 mph (249 km/h) top speed 0-62mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds Range of almost 190 miles Charging time 4.3 hours Detroit Electric, a startup electric-car maker reviving a brand that dates back more than a century, unveiled its first With a projected top speed of 155 mph, the Detroit Electric SP:01 is 'the world's fastest pure-electric sports car' the company says, adding the two-seater has a range of 'just under 190 miles' between charges. The $135,000, battery-powered sports car is to go into limited production in August. Founded more than five years ago, Detroit Electric enters a still-nascent market that is struggling to find buyers. One of its would-be rivals, Fisker Automotive, a hybrid-electric sports-car company that hasn't built a car since last summer, has hired a law firm to advise on a possible bankruptcy filing. The car will be built in the Detroit area at a dedicated plant with an annual capacity of 2,500, the company said Wednesday at a reception at its new headquarters in Detroit's historic Fisher Building. Detroit Electric plans to build only 999 SP:01's, which it says will be followed by 'a new family of all-electric production cars, including two other high-performance models that will enter production by the end of 2014.' The SP:01 appears to borrow heavily from the British-built Lotus Elise - no surprise considering a number of Detroit Electric executives previously worked for various affiliates of Lotus Cars. Versions of the Elise have been used by other low-volume carmakers, notably Tesla Motors, which based its $100,000-plus Roadster electric car on the Lotus chassis.   The SP:01 will also see the revival of the century-old Detroit electric brand   The SP:01 has a range of almost 190 miles between recharges which takes 4.3 hours according to the auto maker The SP:01 will also compete with the Telsa roadster, which previously held the record with a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). Detroit Electric said the SP:01 was being introduced 'following a five-year development and road-test program.' The Detroit Electric brand had been dormant since 1939. Previously, it was used on a series of electric cars built in Detroit from 1907. The brand was revived in 2007 as a joint venture between China's Youngman Automotive Group - which tried unsuccessfully to acquire bankrupt Swedish automaker Saab in 2012 - and a small California-based electric-car company called Zap. The venture hired Lotus Engineering in 2007 to provide contract design and technical services. In late 2007, Albert Lam, the chief executive of Lotus Engineering, joined the venture as chairman and was named CEO of Detroit Electric in 2008.   The Fisker Karma car, the other major rival in the the electric car stakes   The new car will compete withe the Telsa roadster, pictured, but outpaces its top speed of 125mph with 155mph

A company based near Bradford has set up a production line, turning old 2CV wrecks back into new cars, and is also making new chassis... and sending them to France to keep the French cars alive

Prices for the 600cc deux chevaux are now rocketing with refurbished cars selling for £11,000

British company 2CV City pays around £300 for the scrap cars from all around Britain
In a true ‘coals to Newcastle’ story, one company based near Bradford, West Yorkshire, has set up a production line, turning old wrecks back into new cars, and is also making new chassis... and sending them to France to keep the French cars alive.
Tony Shields, 58, who owns 2CV City said: 'We sell nearly 300 chassis a year to the French - and a few of our refurbished cars too.
'French restoration leaves a lot to be desired. Over there, the MOT isn’t as stringent - they just seem to keep the cars in one piece by riveting new bits of metal to them.

'Twenty years ago, there were enough good ones around that they didn’t need refurbishing - good second-hand cars were retailing for up to £700.

'But now we’re paying £300 for scrap cars. We buy them from all over the country – and some from France too.

Tony Shields, 58, who owns 2CV City said: 'We sell nearly 300 chassis a year to the French - and a few of our refurbished cars too'

Mr Shields: 'French restoration leaves a lot to be desired. Over there, the MOT isn't as stringent - they just seem to keep the cars in one piece by riveting new bits of metal to them.' Above, a 1988 2CV Dolly, Plums and Custard. Fully restored and on sale for £10,995

Owner of 2CV City, Tony Shields, is seen with another classic French car
'Part of the attraction is their simplicity. Their electrical components are simple and people can work on them themselves.'We have about six cars in production at any one time. There are two levels of restoration on our cars. 'They cost between about £5,000 and £11,000 for a fully rebuilt car. 'We can’t get hold of old cars quick enough. We recently sold one to one of The Hairy Bikers!'Our fully restored cars are made with new body panels and many new or reconditioned parts. 'They come with a 12-month warranty and, if well looked after, could last for another 15 years.
'They leave here as they would have left the factory – although we can fit a CD player and speakers if customers want them.'
Mr Shields employs six full-time staff and restores a variety of 2CV-based vehicles including vans and vehicles dating back to the 1950s.
They make chassis and have a huge selection of new and used parts.
He also sells a selection of other classic French vehicles.
Last week, he bought a black 60-year-old Peugeot van from France.
'It was a used by a funeral company – it was so ugly – I just had to buy it', he said.

Mr Shields employs six full-time staff and restores a variety of 2CV-based vehicles including vans and vehicles dating back to the 1950s

BIRTH OF THE 'TWO STEAM HORSES': A SHORT HISTORY OF THE 2CV

The French Citroen 2CV Dolly, from 1985
The prototype for the Citroen 2CV - 'an umbrella on four wheels' - dates back to the 1930s' design by engineer Pierre-Jules Boulanger.
Officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1948, the name is an abbreviation of 'deux chevaux vapeur' -  which translates as 'two steam horses'.
Regarded as a simple, reliable vehicle, the economy car was produced by the French manufacturer up until 1990.
It was famously heralded as being able to be driven across a ploughed field without breaking the eggs it was carrying.
Over its 42-year production run, the car was a great commercial success - around 5million units were sold, including just over a million vans.
In 1981, a yellow 2CV was driven by James Bond in the film For Your Eyes Only, including a chase sequence through a Spanish olive farm.
From 1988 onwards, production took place in Portugal rather than France. This continued for two years until 2CV production halted.

Citroen 2CV owners and their cars arrive for the 16th World Meeting of 2CV Friends in the Scottish border town of Kelso in 2005; right, a patriotic 2CV in Paris, capital of

MOTORING NOW AND THEN The financial crisis and our ageing population has brought about an army of older workers who are turning to taxi driving, property development and cleaning to make ends meet. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today showed that the number of workers above the official retirement age has doubled since 1993, from 753,000 to 1.4million last year, with most of that rise coming since 2000. While some of the increase is down to the high number of baby-boomers reaching retirement, the figures also showed that the proportion of workers above retirement age was rising faster than the population generally - indicating that a higher proportion of this age group is staying in work than previously. Face of things to come: More of those above the retirement age are working - with taxi driving proving a popular choice among male pensioners. Some 7.6 per cent of those aged above the state retirement age were in work in 1993, compared to 12.0 per cent last year. DO OLDER WORKERS STEAL JOBS FROM YOUNGER WORKERS? It's a popular claim - surely if older people are staying in work longer it takes jobs from younger people, writes Andrew Oxlade. And how can this be in any way sensible or fair when youth unemployment has risen sharply during the financial crisis. But the overwhelming view from economists say is that this simply isn't true. In fact, they have a technical term for it: 'the lump of labour fallacy'. This, they say, is the belief that there is a fixed number of jobs in the economy. In reality, the economy expands, broadly, with the size of the workforce – one of the reasons for political acceptance of immigration. Analysis by the ONS showed that 39 per cent of workers above the retirement age are men and 61 per cent are women. This may reflect the lower levels of pension provision for women arising because of periods out of work to raise children, as well as generally lower employment benefits than their male counterparts. Around two-thirds of male workers in this group are in jobs classed as higher skilled, while almost two thirds of women are in lower skilled roles. There are higher proportions of part-time work and self-employment among older workers, reflecting efforts by older people to reduce their workload in a more gradual way, rather than switching directly from full-time work to retirement. The ONS report also suggested that improved standard of health were allowing people to work longer, but that lower incomes in retirement were also playing a part. The property boom and rise of private buy-to-let landlords - often older people who have seen their property wealth balloon - is reflected in the figures. 'Property manager' is included as one of the more popular roles being carried out by older men. The most popular jobs undertaken by men after the retirement age were farming and taxi driving, while there were signs that executive level workers were choosing to work longer with high numbers of marketing and sales directors, production managers and chief executives among older male workers. A woman's lot is harder, the ONS figures suggest, with common roles among older female workers including cleaning, administration assistance, care working and retail. Rise of the grey army: More people are working past the retirement age. People in, or close to, retirement have been faced with the prospect of a substantially reduced income thanks to the financial crisis. Pension funds have been reduced as stock markets have been battered by recession conditions in the world's developed economies. Additionally, the return on annuities - bought at retirement to provide an income for life - are at record low levels because yields on the assets that fund them, gilts, have been pushed lower by the policies adopted to combat slower growth in the economy.  However, while much of the motivation to stay in work is financial, campaigners for older people said that many were choosing to stay in the labour market for other reasons too. How older people work: There is a higher proportion of self-employed and part-time workers among older workers. Dr Ros Altmann, Director-General of Saga, said: 'Many  older  people  are  increasingly  choosing  to  stay  at work, often part-time  so that they ease more gently into retirement.  If they feel fit and healthy and want more money, and are able to work, they are choosing to do so. 'Saga’s research shows that many of our over 50s already want to work past 65. 71 per cent  would like to work part time rather than retiring and in fact 7 per cent are  already  working  past  the age of 70. This isn’t just for the money - work  satisfaction,  feeling  useful  and  the social benefits we gain from working were key reasons that people wanted to continue.' The trend for older workers will continue, according to Tom McPhail, head of pensions research at Hargreaves Lansdown. 'This is an inevitable consequence of more and more people arriving in their 60s with inadequate retirement savings', he said. 'This trend will accelerate over the next few years; it presents a significant challenge to individuals and employers who will need to find ways to accommodate more flexible working patterns and later retirement ages.’ The state retirement age had remained steady - 60 for women and 65 for men - for many decades until increased life expectancy forced plans to raise it. The last Labour government drew up plans to equalise retirement ages between the sexes and then raise them for all over the coming decades. The Coalition government accelerated plans so that the retirement age will rise to 66 for both men and women by 2020. A further rise to 67 will commence in stages from 2026. Darren Philp, policy director for the National Association of Pension Funds, said: 'Our rapidly changing demographic is hitting home. Having more older people in the workforce will increasingly become the norm. 'The problem comes when people want to retire but end up stuck at work because they cannot afford to leave. With half the workforce not saving into a pension, this is going to become a painful reality for millions. It is vital that we get more people planning and saving for their old age, and that they start as early as possible.' Geographically, employment rates for older people in the regions was consistent with rates for the working population generally, with the South boasting the highest employment rates. However, the one exception was London. For the younger population, London only ranks eighth of 12 in terms of the employment rate, but for older people it has the 2nd highest percentage in employment, behind the South East. This may reflect the higher cost of living and the greater variety of jobs in London which might provide an incentive for older workers to remain in the labour market. ONS stidy shows a higher proportion of older workers in the affluent South East.   When General Motors engineers and designers started work on the next-generation Corvette, they drew up the usual requirements for the star of American muscle cars. Killer looks. Big engine. Handles like a race car. But topping the list back was something at odds with the roar of the car's big V-8: Gas mileage.   Green machine: The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has all the styling and power of the classic car with greatly improved gas mileage   On the way: The new Corvette will arrive in showrooms this fall. The new Corvette could not be a gas guzzler. Stricter government rules were forcing a leap in fuel economy. If the car burned too much gas, it would trigger fines from regulators and never get built. 'There won't be a Corvette if we don't care about fuel economy,' said Tadge Juechter, the car's chief engineer. But the 2014 Corvette is here, the first all-new version in nine years. The king of American sports cars, driven by astronauts and celebrated in a Prince song, rolled out Sunday night in Detroit. It will arrive in showrooms this fall. To many fans, the new Corvette symbolizes the rebirth of America's auto industry after its near death in 2009, showing the world that it again can lead in technology, styling and performance — at a lower cost that European competitors. Getting there was tough for the 1,000-member Corvette team, which gave the car the code name 'C7.' GM's bankruptcy slowed development twice.   Curves: The car's beautifully styled body should be the envy of any sports car enthusiast   Rebirth: To many, the new Corvette symbolizes the return of America's auto industry after its near death in 2009. With each delay, new safety and gas mileage regulations forced changes. The Corvette team overhauled the car: aluminum replaced steel, super-light rivets held parts together, and the V-8 engine kicked down to four cylinders at highway speeds, saving fuel. All the changes helped it overcome nine years of government crash safety requirements that could have bloated the car. But even with the lighter materials, the regulations have pushed its weight to a little more than the current base model's 3,200 pounds.   Always in style: The new car's fuel economy should be much better than the current base model's 16 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway . Still, it's an engineering achievement. The Corvette is so new that it only shares two parts with the current model. GM said testing is still being done on the car's fuel economy, but it'll be better than the current base model's 16 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. Juechter said the window sticker highway mileage won't reach 30 mpg, but he wouldn't be surprised to see some drivers get that or more.   Body work: The hood slopes low to slice through the wind, while all the vents and scoops have functional purposes like cooling the brakes or transmission. The car's usual buyers — men in their mid-50s — will also notice dramatic changes on the outside of the two-seat car. The hood slopes low to slice through the wind. All the vents and scoops have functional purposes like cooling the brakes or transmission. On the back, designers took cues from the1963 Corvette, with a sloping roof that tapers toward the bottom. The car has a small Stingray badge on each side, complete with gills. And there's a more modern rendition of the Corvette's crossed-flag logo. A 6.2-liter small-block V-8 with 450 horsepower takes the car from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds. That's at least a few tenths of a second faster than the current base model. Engineers also redesigned the somewhat-chintzy interior, giving it a jet cockpit look with leather, carbon fiber and soft plastics. GM hopes the styling, performance and updated dashboard electronics will expand the car's appeal to younger buyers. The Corvette's been a favorite of adrenaline junkies for 60 years. Mercury astronaut Alan Shapard owned one from the first year — 1953. The company won't quote a price on the 2014 model. But Juechter said someone who bought the current version can afford the new one. The Corvette starts at $49,600.   Sticker shock: The new Corvette starts at $49,600, roughly $30,000 less than its competitor, the Porsche. That is more than $30,000 below what GM considers its chief competitor, the Porsche 911. The car makes a decent profit for GM despite relatively low sales, Juechter said. GM wouldn't give sales targets for the new car. Last year it sold only 14,000 of the aging Corvettes, down from over 30,000 the first few years after the current version was rolled out. Porsche sold about 8,500 911s last year. The prospect of a new 'Vette has fans waiting anxiously, browsing the Internet for unauthorized photos or drawings. Thousands of aficionados live in the U.S., and even Europe and the Middle East. John Browning, 70, president of the Renegard Corvette Club of Hollywood, Fla., one of 600 such clubs in the U.S, said some Corvette lovers can't contain themselves. 'I've got one member, he just sold his '13 in anticipation, to wait for the '14,' said Browning. 'I think the Corvette is the icon. As far as I'm concerned you can't get a better deal.' 54 Olds could have “killed” the Corvette Thanks to John Stokes This is the car that in 1954 could have ‘killed’ the Corvette. So, Chevrolet, being GM’s big sales and profit division, campaigned to GM to ‘kill’ this car. When Chevy was coming out with its 6-cylinder sports car with its 2-speed ‘powerglide’ transmission and side curtains, there was a sports car from Olds with a big old V-8 engine with power windows. So, GM said, ‘no’ to Oldsmobile on building this car. 1954 Concept Old’s Rocket F88 – the only one in existence. John S. Hendricks (Discovery Communications founder), paid in excess of $3 million to acquire this 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 Convertible Concept Car. After spending decades as a collection of parts stuffed into wooden crates, the F-88 was reassembled. In 1954, the F-88 was a Motorama Dream Car, and was one of only two (or an unconfirmed possible three), ever created. The F-88 seen here is literally the only car left of its kind and was sold to John and Maureen Hendricks at the prestigious Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona , for an unbelievable $3,240,000. This acquisition made automotive history and is in the cornerstone of the Gateway Colorado Automobile Museum , in its own special room in a rotating display, worthy of the F-88!

Vintage 1929 Bentley becomes the most expensive British-made car ever sold after going for £5million at auction A vintage Bentley has sold for a record-breaking £5million making it the most expensive British-made car ever sold at auction. The legendary 1929 Bentley was sold for a staggering £5,042,000 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed today smashing the previous British-car record of £3.5 million paid in 2007 for a 1904 Rolls-Royce. Auction house Bonhams would not confirm the identity of the buyer, who was bidding for the Bentley over the phone.    Record-breaker: A vintage Bentley has become the most expensive British-made car ever sold after it fetched a staggering £5million at auction    Heyday: Sir Henry 'Tiger Tim' Birkin set a lap record in the red Bentley at Brooklands Outer Circuit in 1931 when it hit 137mph The bright red Bentley was once owned and raced by Sir Henry 'Tiger Tim' Birkin who set a lap record in the car at the iconic Brooklands Outer Circuit in 1931 when it hit a staggering 137mph. Birkin was one of the most famous of the Bentley Boys - a group of wealthy men who raced the British sports cars in the 1920s and 30s. His life was tragically cut short in 1933 in a freak accident after he burned himself on an exhaust pipe during a race. The burn became infected and he died from septicaemia at the age of 36. His iconic Bentley was later bought by the groundbreaking horologist George Daniels, who owned it until his death last year.    Impractical: The 1929 vintage Bentley has just one seat and no storage room making it inconvenient for lengthy journeys    Powerful: The Bentley Blower is one of only 50 made and boasts a 4.5 litre engine The Bentley - which has just one seat and no storage space - is part of the incredible George Daniels car collection being auctioned off at Goodwood in Sussex. Watchmaker George Daniels bought the Bentley and described it as the 'most exhilarating' car to drive The car, known as a Bentley Blower, was fitted with a 4.5-litre supercharged engine which developed 240bhp. Just 54 were built, with the sports cars capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just 8 seconds. Classic car enthusiast Daniels loved the Bentley, once writing that 'for all its inconvenience it is a most exhilarating car to drive both on the road and track'. Malcolm Barber, Bonhams chief executive officer and auctioneer at the Daniels sale, said: 'The prices achieved for George Daniels’s cars today are a fitting tribute to one of the truly great artist engineers of the 20th Century. 'George was not only a fantastic craftsman who hand-made some of the world’s most desirable watches, he was also a car connoisseur held in immense respect throughout the vintage motoring world.' Doug Nye, a car historian, added: 'It is wonderful to see this iconic car’s true value recognised by the world market. 'The Birkin single-seater Bentley was, in effect, the Concorde of its time, the fastest car around the high Brooklands bankings. 'It was driven by a great British hero in Sir Henry Birkin and was the most glamorous racing car of the era.'    Sleek: Mr Daniels, who died last year aged 85, also owned a Jaguar E Type V12 worth around £30,000    Smooth: A 1954 Bentley R Type Continental, worth an estimated £450,000, also went under the hammer    Racer: A 1908 Itala Grand Prix Car was also expected to be a big sale at the auction    Historic: The Maharajah of Bhavnagar's 1929 Bentley - worth an incredible £500,000    Vintage: A 1907 Daimler Type 45 also went on sale at the Bonhams auction The new McLaren P1 is to be fastest car ever built in Britain The car can hit 124mph in under seven seconds Also promises to be as environmentally-clean as family saloon he fastest car ever built in Britain with a top speed of 217mph is officially unveiled today. The McLaren P1 can rocket from zero to 62mph in under three seconds, hit 124mph in under seven seconds and 190mph in under 17. Believe it or not, it also promises to be as environmentally clean as a family saloon thanks to its ‘green’ petrol-electric plug-in hybrid technology.   Stunning: The McLaren P1, the fastest car ever built in Britain, has been unveiled today Fast: The car has a top speed of 217mph and can go from 0 to 62mph in under three seconds Rapid: The new McLaren can hit 124mph in under seven seconds. The red-hot two-seater, designed for use both on the road and race-track, will cost £866,000. And that’s without a carpet, which will be an optional extra on this purist sports car built at the firm’s state-of-the-art factory in Woking, Surrey. McLaren has already increased its workforce by 100, to 1,000, to build the car. A spokesman for the company said: ‘It is the most technologically advanced and fastest series production car ever to come from the UK.’ Modern: The McLaren P1 is said to be the 'spiritual successor' to the three-seater McLaren F1 Environmentally-friendly: The car's 'green' petrol-electric plug-in hybrid technology also promises to make it as environmentally clean as a family saloon Interior: The car will set you back £866,000, with carpets as an optional extra To maintain exclusivity, only 375 will be built. Half of those have been sold already, with some customers buying two. It is the ‘spiritual successor’ to the three-seater McLaren F1, launched in 1993 with a price tag of £600,000 but which now fetches up to £4million at auction. Exclusive: Only 375 of the cars are to be built and half of those have been sold already. Car-mad comedy actor Rowan Atkinson is expected to be at the head of the queue for the machine, having recently secured a £910,000 insurance pay-out to restore his McLaren F1 after he crashed it.The P1 is powered by a mid-mounted 3.8litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine developing 727 brake horse-power, which sits behind  the driver and passenger. It is connected to a lightweight 176bhp electric motor, and the company claims that the two work ‘seamlessly’ to keep down emissions. The total combined power of 903 brake horse-power – linked to a dual clutch seven-speed F1-style racing gearbox – is equivalent to nine Ford Fiestas. The engine set-up promises ‘instantaneous throttle response’, says McLaren. Lightweight batteries behind the driver store charge generated by the petrol engine but a plug-in charger can also be used to boost energy levels from empty to full in two hours. As a result the car produces zero emissions when running on electric power only and has a range of 12.5miles at an average city speed of 30mph. ‘That’s more than enough for an owner to enter, for example, a city-centre zero emissions zone, have dinner and return home,’ says McLaren. Overall, the McLaren P1 emits an average of 200g/km of CO2 – about the same as a Honda Accord 2.4litre family saloon. The rival Bugatti Veyron emits 559g/km of carbon dioxide while the Ferrari 458 averages 307g/km. Car-mad: Comedy actor Rowan Atkinson is expected to be at the head of the queue for the machine Dashboard: The car is to be launched officially at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5 Technology: McLaren says the P1 features Formula 1-derived race technology which increases speed and acceleration Power: The car's 'instant power assist system' propels the car from rest to 190mph in under 17 seconds Special date: The first deliveries of the car are planned for September 2 to coincide with McLaren's 50th anniversary. The P1 features Formula 1-derived race technology which the company says increases speed and acceleration. It has an ‘instant power assist system’ that propels the car, rocket-like, from rest to 190mph in under 17 seconds – more than 35 per cent faster than even the F1. The car will be launched officially at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5, with the first deliveries planned for September 2 to coincide with McLaren’s 50th anniversary. A company spokesman said: ‘Our goal is to create the best driver’s car in the world on both road and track. A maximum speed which is electronically limited to 217mph should be sufficient for most.’ McLaren's stunning new supercar, the P1 will have a staggering 903bhp The P1 has a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged engine which develops 727bhp. But it also benefits from an electric motor which adds a further 176bhp to the car's total output A spokesman for McLaren has called the P1 the 'most technologically advanced production car ever to come from the UK'

These models, including the American Tesla Roadster, feature the latest technologies, such as electric, hybrid, hydrogen and low-emission petrol and diesel power units. Green: American Tesla Roadster More traditionally, the London-to-Brighton veteran car run takes place tomorrow and celebrates the ‘Emancipation Run’ held on November 14, 1896. That marked the scrapping of the Red Flag Act, which limited the speed of cars to walking pace and required a man to walk in front of vehicles with a red flag. The first car leaves Hyde Park at official sunrise — 7.04am — and the event has attracted 572 entries from around the world, including the first Skoda car produced, a 104-year-old Voiturette dating from 1906. The oldest vehicle on display will be an 1894 Benz from GGermany. Other stars are likely to be the 1904 Darracq and yker from The Louwman Collection — better known as the cars that starred in the 1953 film Genevieve, as driven by John Gregson, Kay Kendall and Kenneth More. The 21st-century cars taking part in the inaugural RAC Brighton-to-London Future Car Challenge today will include the latest electric, hybrid and low-emission cars and light commercial vehicles. Among these are the Volkswagen Golf-e-motion prototype electric vehicle and the Nissan Leaf electric car, as well as Honda’s hydrogen-powered electric fuel cell vehicle, the Clarity. There will also be hydrogen fuel cell hybrids from Toyota and Mercedes-Benz. Vauxhall has entered its Ampera electric hybird car, while the UK-based Ecotricity has its 134mph Nemesis supercar. Starting at Brighton’s Madeira Drive, from 8am today, this event will use the traditional 60-mile veteran car run route, but in reverse. See futurecarchallenge.com and lbvcr.com for details. Small, perky and easy on the eye, the pocket and the environment, Fiat has just launched the TwinAir version of its best-selling 500 super-mini. The low-consumption 875cc two-cylinder petrol engine develops just 85 horse-power. Yet its top speed is still over a ton — 108 mph to be exact — and it will accelerate from rest to 62mph in 11 seconds. Fiat has just launched the TwinAir version of its best-selling 500 super-mini The car comes as London Mayor Boris Johnson removes the city’s Congestion Charge for sub-100g/km CO2 cars. A Fiat spokesman said: ‘The ruling means the 500 TwinAir, which emits just 95g/km CO2, will be one of the few petrol cars entitled to travel across the capital without incurring a charge.’ The new 100 per cent discount scheme for greener vehicles comes into force from January 4, 2011. Owners have to register their car for an annual payment of £10. The low emissions mean there’s no annual road tax (vehicle excise duty or VED) to pay and it averages 68.9 miles to the gallon, managing 57.6mpg around town and 76.3mpg when cruising. The Fiat 500 TwinAir starts at £10,665 for the TwinAir Pop and rises to £16,065 for the convertible 500C TwinAir by Diesel.

UK holiday discount drive sees 20% wiped off cost of a 'staycation' . A new campaign offering 20.12 per cent slashed off bills at participating venues will be unveiled by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday to boost 'staycations'. The scheme includes hotel accommodation, meals, guided tours and entry to attractions, with discounts funded by the industry. Staycation: The London Eye is one of the many attractions in the UK taking part in the 20.12 discount scheme Government officials said more than three million hotel rooms were already lined up under the project, which is being backed by a range of companies, including Butlins. Attractions, such as the London Eye and Alton Towers, are also taking part. Reduced prices will also be offered on stays on the Royal yacht Britannia, now moored in Leith, Edinburgh, and visits to Chatsworth, the historic house in Derbyshire. Tourists will be able to take advantage of the discount by using a dedicated website before the end of the Paralympics on September 9 to make bookings for this year and 2013. Mr Hunt said: 'With the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic Games, this year is the perfect opportunity for more of us to holiday in the UK.   'With so much going on, and this fantastic new 20.12% discount scheme, it's a great opportunity to see what Britain has to offer.' Mr Hunt has travelled the UK, urging companies to take part in the scheme, telling them: 'It's now or never for London tourism. 'We will never have a year like 2012 to show the world that this is, quite simply, the most exciting, vibrant, cosmopolitan city on the planet. 'The inevitable moans and groans in the run up to an Olympics must not cloud the scale of the opportunity - including our biggest ever tourism marketing campaign to make sure we get a lasting benefit from being in the global spotlight.' The scheme will be promoted by a £3 million television advertising campaign – the first of its kind in the UK. The government hopes the 'holidays at home are great' campaign – launched by VisitEngland – will create 12,000 jobs, create 5.3million extra short overnight breaks, and generate £480million in extra spending over three years. VisitEngland’s Chief Executive, James Berresford added: '2012 offers the tourism industry an unprecedented opportunity to grow domestic tourism by inspiring Britons to take a holiday at home. 'Spear-heading the promotion will be a high profile TV campaign and specially devised website offering discounted offers of 20.12% off or better.'

This rare 1928 Mercedes, unearthed after 60 years sitting in a garage without seeing the light of day, is expected to sell for a staggering £1.5million at auction. Described as the supercar of its generation, the 'S' Type model was one of the world's fastest vehicles when it rolled off the production line in 1928, easily reaching speeds in excess of 100mph. And it’s Ferdinand Porsche designed engine and hand crafted chassis made it one of the earliest luxury sports cars ever mass produced. Incredibly despite having been locked away since the 1950s, it still runs perfectly. Rare find: The unrestored 1928 Mercedes S Type was unearthed after 60 years sitting in a garage Nippy: The S-Type model was one of the world's fastest cars when it rolled off the production line in 1928 easily reaching speeds of 100mph It has been owned by the same family from new and experts have hailed the discovery one of the most considerable automotive finds, with unrestored cars of its type extremely rare. The cobweb clad car - first registered on the roads in May 1928 - is set to go under the hammer at Bonhams’ Goodwood Revival sale on September 15. Automotive expert, Rupert Banner, said: 'At a time when motor cars in original condition and with impeccable provenance are appreciated more than ever, this one-owner car offers an unrepeatable opportunity for collectors. Upholstery: The car's untouched interior. It is now going under the hammer at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival sale on September 15 Find: Experts have hailed the discovery one of the most considerable automotive finds with unrestored cars of this type extremely rare 'It has literally been off the radar. No one knew such an untouched and archaic this old existed. It is an incredible find.' The unidentified owners grandfather - a pioneering British motorist - was one of the earliest buyers of the Mercedes ‘S’ Type, which sparked mass production due to its popularity. And according to the cars unworn handbook, it was sold under the order number 38130 and bought from The British Mercedes Ltd in London. Detail: The unidentified owners grandfather - a pioneering British motorist - was one of the earliest buyers of the Mercedes 'S' Type, which sparked mass production due to its popularity The motors dark battleship grey bodywork was crafted by London-based coachbuilders Cadogan Motors. Described as a time warp, the convertibles original blue upholstery is still intact. The car re-established Mercedes’ reputation for building fast, luxurious and high quality motorcars. Serial number: According to the cars unworn handbook, it was sold under the order number 38130 and bought from The British Mercedes Ltd in London Built to last: Incredibly despite having sat in a garage for 60 years the Mercedes still runs perfectly A spokesman for Bonhams said: 'This newly discovered 1928 Mercedes-Benz 'S' Type Sports Tourer is almost without precedent. 'Motor cars of this type and age have rarely been in the same family ownership from new. 'It is expected to sell for more than £1.5m. In for the long haul? The electric car with a 500-mile range could finally match petrol power for distance QBEAK concept vehicle uses bio-methanol to boost its battery life Novel chassis contains six modules instead of one fixed battery Innovative in-wheel electric motors can deliver top speed of 75mph Green, they may be. But electric cars have struggled to overcome one of the main shortfalls that put buyers off - an inferior range to their petrol-powered rivals.  That may be about to change after a new electric car was unveiled that promises to go 500 miles (800km) before the battery needs recharging. This would be far more than one of the current leaders in the field, the battery/ gasoline Chevrolet Volt, which can do around 375 miles (600km) on one charge-up. Going the distance: The QBEAK electric car which promises to go 500 miles before the battery needs recharging On the horizon: A battery/fuel cell demonstration model of the QBEAK is expected to arrive sometime in 2013. The Modular Energy Carrier concept (MECc), created by three Danish companies, uses bio-methanol to bolster its battery life. Mogens Lokke, CEO of ECOmove, designers of the innovative 'QBEAK' car said bio-methanol was far better than diesel or gasoline because it produces substantially less carbon dioxide. 'In combination with the way we built the car, which is really lightweight (425 kilograms), we can get the 500-mile range,' he told CNN. A bio-methanol/ water is converted by the fuel cell to create electricity, while waste heat from the process powers the car's heating and cooling system. One right royal potential owner: Prince Charles has a look inside one of ECOmove's electric concept cars during a visit to Denmark earlier this year Keen interest: Prince Charles and Camilla were both given the low-down on the new designs when they visited Vitus Bering Innovation Park in May. It also benefits from a innovative chassis design which has really pushed the technology forward. 'Instead of putting in a fixed battery, we have built in (six) modules that can be fitted inside the chassis. We can use battery power in the modules or any other kind of energy source,' Lokke said. The award-winning QBEAK also uses patented in-wheel electric motors to deliver a top speed of 75mph (120kph). The car caught the attention of royalty earlier this year when Prince Charles and Camilla paid a visit to Denmark. Driver: A novel chassis design means it will contain six electric modules rather then a single fixed battery Imminent: The QBEAK project hopes to launch a battery-powered model with a range of 186 miles this year. They both climbed into the QBEAK car when they arrived at Vitus Bering Innovation Park in May. Mr Løkke, introduced the e-car and its many features, while the royal couple listened attentively. Prince Charles promised to follow ECOmove in the future and said that he finds the QEAK-concept very interesting. 'This is indeed a fantastic opportunity for us to spread the message about ECOmove and our e-car QBEAK to a wider audience', he said. According to Mads Friis Jensen from Serenergy, the designers of the fuel cell, bio-methanol is a cheap and abundant fuel with a short carbon chain. Challenging petrol: The award-winning QBEAK also uses patented in-wheel electric motors to deliver a top speed of 75mph (120kph) Green machine: The car's fuel cell converts a bio-ethanol/ water mix into electricity to power the battery. Compared to gasoline, bio-methanol production can cut CO2 emissions by more than 70 per cent. The U.S. Department for Energy (DOE) says direct methanol fuel cells are not hampered by the storage problems that affect other green fuels like hydrogen because as a liquid it's easier to transport and supply through current infrastructure. The QBEAK project hopes to launch a battery-powered model with a range of 186 miles (300 kilometers) later this year. The battery/fuel cell version is expected to arrive sometime in 2013. Wrapped around a tree, nose down in a ditch and dangling precariously over water. Fascinating photos from the 1920s and 30s show the dramatic and tragic side effect of the golden age of American motoring.   The pictures were taken in and around Boston, Massachusetts by Leslie Jones, who was staff photographer at the Boston-Herald Traveler newspaper from 1917 to 1956. Mr Jones captured everything that happened in the city for five decades and when he died in 1967, his family donated a vast collection of 34,000 prints to the Boston Public Library. They included these fascinating photos of vintage car wrecks from the great motoring boom. Motor cars became affordable to the masses for the first time in the 1920s. By the end of the decade a Model T Ford cost $298, just a fraction of the $1,200 it cost in 1909. The introduction of hire purchase also made it much easier for members of the public to buy cars, and by 1929, 20 per cent of Americans were on the road. Ford, Chrysler and General Motors were all competing for the boom in business and by the time the depression hit in 1929, Ford was producing more than one car every minute. Technology meant these early cars were capable of achieving speeds of up to 50 miles per hour - but safety measures were nowhere near as advanced as they are today. Add in the fact drivers didn't need to pass a test before they got behind the wheel, and it's easy to see why accidents were frequent and often spectacular. A rusty 103-year-old electric car rendered obsolete by the invention of the automobile is tipped to sell for £50,000 as it has turned out to be way ahead of its time. While electric cars are being hailed by many as the future of transportation today, a rudimentary version was being manufactured in the early 20th century. Looking like a cross between something from the Wacky Races and a golf buggy, the car had a top speed of just 25mph. Dodo, a 103-year-old Detroit Electric Model D that was thought for a century to be an evolutionary dead end has emerged for auction - and has now turned out to be way ahead of its time The six foot tall recharging station for the Detroit Electric Model D, which gave the car a range of 100 miles on a full charge. It had a range of 100 miles but had to be plugged into a giant 6ft tall charger before every journey. Manufacturing came to an end in the 1920s when the mass production of the petrol car left it trailing in its wake. The 1910 Detroit Electric Model D that has now emerged for sale would have cost £1,500 at the time, the equivalent of £85,000 today. Modern-day electric cars such as the Nissan LEAF are now priced at around £25,000. In the early 20th century, the electric car was preferred over the early petrol versions as it was simple to operate and was a lot quieter. Henry Ford, founder of The Ford Motor Company, bought two Detroit electric cars for his wife Clara for this reason. Rupert Banner, a car specialist at auctioneers Bonhams, said: 'Electric cars are all the rage now but Detroit Electric was doing very well with them 100 years ago. 'The company became the most successful manufacturer of electric cars and this is a very early version of what they produced. 'They were very popular into the 1920s. 'This one still has the same interior it had back then and has been well preserved. 'It's like stepping back in time. 'It has been in a museum for a number of years now. Experts at Bonhams say the car is relatively easy to restore, and could soon be in full working order. 'It's a very interesting car and it still has its original transforming unit with it, which is extremely rare. 'It looks like something you could power an entire grid with these days, it is so big. 'Once the petrol car came in the days of the Detroit Electric Model were always going to be numbered. 'People could go longer distances and there were now no limitations, which especially in a country as big as America, made all of the difference. 'Detroit were unquestionably the most successful at the electric cars though, that is without question.' The 103-year-old Detroit Electric Model D that was thought for a century to be an evolutionary dead end but has now turned out to be way ahead of its time. The car comes with its original charger and experts believe it will provide a straight forward restoration project for the new owner. Detroit Electric was an American automobile brand produced by the Anderson Electric Car Company in Detroit, Michigan. It went defunct in 1939. In recent years Detroit Electric has been in negotiations with companies in China and Malaysia about reviving the brand. The car will be sold at auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, US, on January 17. The 1910 Detroit Electric Model D was a popular vehicle for thousands of motorists in the early years of the 20th century before the widespread production of petrol cars rendered it obsolete. The car, which has been in a museum for the past decade, is expected to fetch £50,000 when auctioned by Bonhams this week. It really is hands free! Self-driving Mercedes-Benz is unveiled - and it should be available within seven years Car will be able to hand control back to the driver in difficult situations Group recently demonstrated autonomous driving on a 100km road Volvo,General Motors, and Volkswagen are working on similar technology Daimler, the maker of Mercedes-Benz and Smart cars, has announced that it will start selling a self-driving car by 2020. It is thought the car will be able to drive on its own in most situations but will still hand control back to the driver during difficult situations such as dealing with traffic lights. The move could help Daimler regain its position as the leading luxury car market from its rival BMW. Scroll down for video... It is thought the car, which will be able to drive on its own in most situations, will still hand control back to the driver during difficult situations such as dealing with traffic lights. ‘We want to be the first to launch autonomous functions in production vehicles. You can be sure: we will accomplish that in this decade,’ said Daimler head of development Thomas Weber. The technology featured at this week's Frankfurt car show but won’t come to market for another 10 years. The German car maker has been working on improving its driverless technology over the past few years and recently became the world’s first car manufacturer to demonstrate autonomous driving in rural and urban traffic. Last month, a Mercedes Benz S 500 Intelligent Drive research vehicle, drove autonomously through a 100-kilometre-long route from Mannheim to Pforzheim in Germany. Last month, a Mercedes Benz S 500 Intelligent Drive research vehicle drove autonomously through a 100-kilometre-long route from Mannheim to Pforzheim in Germany The driverless S-Class was able to deal with some difficult situations involving traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrians, cyclists and trams particular challenge for autonomous vehicles is the way in which they communicate and interact with other cars. Coming to an agreement with an oncoming vehicle on who should proceed first around an obstruction is something that requires a very great deal of situational analysis. 'Where a human driver might boldly move forward into a gap, our autonomous vehicle tends to adopt a more cautious approach,' said  Prof Ralf Herrtwich, head of driver assistance and suspension systems at Daimler. 'This sometimes results in comical situations, such as when, having stopped at a zebra crossing, the vehicle gets waved through by the pedestrian – yet our car stoically continues to wait, because we failed to anticipate such politeness when we programmed the system.' The research vehicle was equipped with production-based sensors for the project. Developers taught the technology platform to know where it is, what it sees and how to react autonomously. With the aid of its highly automated 'Route Pilot', the vehicle was able to negotiate its own way through dense urban and rural traffic. The driverless S-Class was also able to deal with some difficult situations involving traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrians, cyclists and trams. Existing technology already partly automates driving to assist during, for instance, traffic jams, by maintaining a safe distance with the car in front. In July, the UK government said it will allow driverless cars on public roads for the first time during trials to take place this year. During the ground-breaking road tests, an expert will have to remain in the driving seat. Scientists at Oxford University are working with Nissan in Sunderland to create ‘robotcars’ that can drive themselves independently using details of the road they are driving on stored in on-board software. The Nissan self-drive Leaf electric car is controlled by an iPad, and the Oxford team behind it claim the technology could be installed in mainstream cars as a £60 option. Mercedes unveils S500 Intelligent Drive The future: Most big car-makers are already developing self-drive technology and incorporating elements of it into cars already on the road Cameras and lasers built into its chassis map a 3D model of its surroundings when it is driven manually, which is fed into a computer stored in the boot. The car can then ‘remember’ routes. It prompts the driver via an iPad on the dashboard to engage the autopilot and, at a touch of the screen, the car assumes control. A laser at the front scans 164ft ahead 13 times per second for obstacles, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other cars in an 85-degree field of view. If it senses an obstacle, it slows and comes to a controlled stop. The driver can tap the brake pedal to regain control of the vehicle from the computer. Sweden’s Volvo, Vauxhall’s U.S. parent General Motors, and Germany’s Volkswagen are also working on the technology.

Stunning vintage car was later owned by Warner Brothers It appeared in films such as Inside Daisy Clover and The F.B.I. Story Will go under the hammer at Blenheim Palace this Saturday A car which belonged to one of the biggest names in the history of Hollywood cowboy films is set to fetch more than £130,000 when it goes under the hammer in a UK auction. With its impressive Hollywood history and a whopping a 7.7L engine, the incredible Rolls Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster is expected to cause a stampede of interest from film buffs around the world. Auctioneers estimate the hammer will fall in excess of £120,000 for the 1927 model once owned by Tom Mix, one of Hollywood’s finest stars during the 1920’s. Star car: This stunning Rolls Royce Phantom I Playboy Roadster, which belonged to silent movie cowboy Tom Mix, is expected to sell for £130,000 at auction Cowboy Tom was the biggest names of the Hollywood silent film generation, appearing in a staggering 291 films between Between 1909 and 1935. He bought the car in 1933 and  spruced it up with the latest features to ensure that it was special enough to be driven by a star such as himself. Former owner: Actor Tom Mix appeared in a staggering 291 films between Between 1909 and 1935 The headlights were lowered, the wings underwent a radical updating, a fog light was added and an ultra-modern radio was built into the dash. Despite being 85 years old, the beautiful motor still has a top speed of 90mph enough to send any bidder sailing happily into the sunset. The lot is due to go under the hammer at Coys specialist motor auction this Saturday at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, and has been drawing lots of attention from film fans with enough cash to splash. Potential bidders have also been impressed by the chance to own a car with such a dazzling Hollywood history outside of the US. Tom was fatally injured in a car crash with his other classic car, a Cord L29 in 1940 but this was not the end of the Rolls’ big screen roles. Warner Brothers snapped up the car after Tom’s death and it spent the next three decades making appearances in some of their classic films. The Hollywood great Robert Redford got behind the wheel of the Rolls Royce in the 1965 film Daisy Clover. Since then two collectors have carefully maintained the Phantom to the pristine condition that it’s now being sold in. Coys’ auctioneer, Chris Routledge said: 'The valuation on this car is about what we’d expect but because of the brilliant history that comes with it, the sky really is the limit for how much this car will sell for. Stampede: With its impressive Hollywood history and a 7.7L engine the vintage motor is drumming up a lot of attention from film buffs around the world The beautiful car will go under the hammer at Coys specialist motor auction this Saturday at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire Horsepower: The Roller's massive 7.7L engine is in pristine condition At the wheel: The car was driven by Robert Redford in the 1965 film Daisy Clover Custom job: Film star Mix personalised the car by lowering the headlights and updating the wings. A fog light was added and an ultra-modern radio was built into the dash Film producers Warner Brothers snapped up the car after Tom's death and since then two collectors have carefully maintained the Phantom 'It’s the only car of this type in the world so we’ve had a lot of interest from Japan and America. 'The only reason that we have this car is because it’s coming from a deceased estate, otherwise it’s unlikely that anything of this sort would ever come up for sale. 'It’s always fascinating in this line of work when a car like this comes up for sale. 'It’s very exciting especially because of it’s California and Hollywood links.' THE TRAGIC DEATH OF HOLLYWOOD'S FIRST WESTERN MEGASTAR Thomas Edwin 'Tom' Mix  was Hollywood's first western megastar appearing in an incredible 291 films between 1909 and 1935. A real-life cowboy, he worked as a ranch hand and was an excellent shot and and expert with a lasso. His first film The Cowboy Millionaire, was released on October 21, 1909 after which his popularity exploded. As his fame grew he was able to command hefty sums for his appearances. Screen cowboy: Tom Mix riding his horse in 1925 after he had become Hollywood's first western megastar Married five times, his style would go on to define the Hollywood western genre and influence future screen cowboy's such as Ronald Reagan and John Wayne. It was on the afternoon of October 12, 1940, that the 60-year-old Mix, was driving another of his cars, a 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton,on Arizona State Route 79 near Florence. He had been visiting Pima County Sheriff Ed Nichols in Tucson but had stopped at a gambling and drinking den the Oracle Junction Inn, He was reportedly driving at around 80mph when he rolled the car into a gulley. On the package shelf behind him was an aluminum suitcase containing  a large amount of cash as well as traveller's cheques and jewels. It reportedly slammed into back of the head, shattering his skull and breaking his neck. He was killed instantly. There is a small memorial stone marking the site of his death and the nearby gully is named 'Tom Mix Wash'. Mix famously appears on the cover of the Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band designed by Peter Blake. Tom Mix on the cover of the Beatles album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band designed by Peter Blake New Jaguar soft top roadster on sale from next Spring from £55,000 Porsche rival is 14ft 8in in length and does 0-60mph in four seconds F-Type being seen as 'spiritual successor' to E-Type of the Sixties Jaguar today unveiled its sexy new two-seater F-Type roadster – the spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type sports car of the 1960s. The uncompromising convertible designed to take on the might and performance of Germany’s Porsche is to have its official unveiling at next week’s Paris Motor Show, some fifty years after the car which inspired it. Jaguar Land Rover bosses say their British challenger will  go into direct competition with the likes of  Germany’s Porsche 911 – causing some to dub it the ‘Porsche-buster.’ The 'Porsche buster': Jaguar's new two- seater F-Type roadster, the spiritual successor to it's iconic E-Type sports car, has been released 50 years after the original went on sale Shrouded in secrecy: The new F-type as disguised prototype at Goodwood. The official reveal in Paris next week is heralded as a 'truly significant day' by the motoring giant The scintillating  sports car with contemporary styling and a particularly cute rear will offer drivers a  choice of two 3-litre V6 or an even more powerful 5-litre V8 engine fitted to an eight-speed gearbox offering blistering performance and superb handling. New Jaguar F-Type Price: From £55,000 On sale: Soft top roadster from next Spring Hard-topped coupe from 2014 Built: Castle Bromwich, Birmingham Length: 14ft 8 inches Width: 6ft 4 inches Height: 4ft 3 inches Weight: 1.6 tonnes Seats: 2 Engines: 3 options Supercharged 5.0 litre   V8 (495PS) Two supercharged 3.0 litre V6 (340PS and 380PS) Top Speed: around 190mph 0-60: Just over 4 seconds. MPG:  circa 30mpg C02: from around 200g/km The F-Type is being seen as the ‘spiritual successor’ to the E-Type of the 1960s, but is pitched as a truly 21st century car in terms of design, technology and performance. It will sit in size below the  larger XK grand-tourer sports car but is expected to give a massive ‘halo’ effect to the whole Jaguar brand. The higher performance F-Type  models  will accelerating from 0-62mph in less than five seconds and have top speeds well  in excess of 155mph and in some cases nudging 190mph. The open-topped roadster  will cost  from  around £55,000 when they goes on sale in Spring. A hard-topped coupe version  is expected to follow in late summer 2014. Jaguar released some early official photographs after some of the images and details leaked out. Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar global brand director, said the F-Type's launch in France will be a ‘truly significant day’ as the firm returns to the sports car market. He said: 'As its sporting forebears did in their era, the F-Type will break new ground by delivering stunning sports car performance while vividly demonstrating Jaguar's cutting-edge engineering technologies and world-class design excellence. Ian Callum, director of design who created the car and has promised to buy one for his heirs out of his own money , added: ‘A true sports car needs to be pure in both its purpose and its form; to have the opportunity to produce such a car for Jaguar has been a privilege both for myself and for my team.’ Iconic: The original Jaguar E-Type was manufactured by the car giant between 1961 and 1974 A 'proper' sports car: The original Jaguar E-Type was 'pure in both its purpose and its form'  Lean, green, speedy machines: Porsche and BMW unveil hybrid supercars that are built for racing - but are MORE efficient than a Toyota Prius The Porsche 918 Spyder can reach 60mph in less than 2.8 seconds, while the BMW i8 takes 4.4 seconds to reach the same speed

BMW's hybrid supercar can do 113 miles per gallon and Porsche's can travel 72 miles on the same fuel

Porsche said its car is the fastest street-legal car to complete the 12.8 mile Nurburgring track but it is over five times as expensive as the BMW

Supercars are not usually known for their fuel efficiency, but both Porsche and BMW have debuted hybrid vehicles that are less thirsty at a petrol pump than a Toyota Prius. Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show, the Porsche 918 Spyder can reach 60mph in less than 2.8 seconds, while BMW's futuristic i8 takes less than 4.4 seconds to reach the same speed. But the sleek sports cars are designed to be fuel efficient as well as fast. Porsche's Spyder can also do 72 miles per gallon and is almost a third more fuel efficient than the Toyota's Prius, while the BMW i8 is even less thirsty as it can manage 113 miles per gallon.

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Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor show, the Porsche 918 Spyder can reach 60mph in less than 2.8 seconds proving its racing credentials. But the sleek sports car can also do 72 miles per gallon and is almost a third more fuel efficient than the Toyota's popular hybrid model - the Prius

BMW has finally taken the wraps off its much-teased hybrid supercar, which has a top speed of 155mph and is capable of doing 113 miles per gallon. The futuristic i8 is the car manufacturer's 'most advanced' sports car

PORSCHE 918 SPYDER SPEC

Top speed: 211 mph but 93mph when purely electric

Acceleration: 0-62mph in 2.8 seconds

Body: The two-seater car is made of carbon fibre

Drivetrain: The model is a parallel full hybrid comprising a 4.6 litre engine and hybrid module with electric motor

Engine: The V8 provides 608 horsepower and together with the electric capability has 887 horsepower

Energy supply: Lithium-ion battery and mains-compatible plug-in charger

Range: 18 miles when purely electric

AC charging times: Less than 7 hours using a household socket and 2 hours on an industrial socket

Price: £537,000

Porsche's £537,000 offering is a carbon fibre supercar with a plug-in hybrid drive, making it the latest racing car manufacturer to try and make more eco-friendly cars sexy.

The company said: 'Never before has a supercar designed for everyday use offered such an impressive dynamic performance combined with the fuel consumption of a compact car.'The car was designed from scratch to be a high-performance hybrid and is 'virtually silent' like most electric vehicles.

It combines a combustion engine with an electric motor system to boost its performance.

The Spyder has a top speed of 211 miles per hour - 93mph when solely using the electric motor  - and has a V8 engine, which combined with its electric capability, provides 887 horsepower.

Wolfgang Hatz, member of the Porsche AG Board of Management in charge of research and development, said: 'We promised a great deal with the 918 Spyder, namely to redefine performance, efficiency and driving pleasure. We have kept our word.'

Porsche 918 Spyder unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show

The Porsche 918 Spyder is displayed at the 65th Frankfurt Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany. The car has a plug-in hybrid drive, making Porsche the latest sports car manufacturer to try and make more eco-friendly cars sexy

Wolfgang Hatz, member of the Porsche AG Board of Management in charge of research and development, (not pictured) said: 'We promised a great deal with the 918 Spyder, namely to redefine performance, efficiency and driving pleasure. We have kept our word'

When let loose around the famous racing circuit, Porsche said that the 918 Spyder completed the 12.8 mile track in just six minutes and 57 seconds.

The hybrid car shaved 14 seconds off the previous Nurburgring record for a street-legal car, making it the fastest super car built for normal roads to race the course.

Dr Frank Walliser, head of the 918 Spyder project, said: 'The radical hybridisation of the 918 Spyder from the very outset is what made this record possible.

'The Nordschleife is and remains the toughest measure of a super sports car. Posting a time of 6:57 minutes, we have achieved a result of which the development team and everybody at Porsche can be rightly proud.'

Porsche CEO Matthias Mueller, left, and former rally driver Walter Roehrl show off the 918 hybrid sports car at the motor show. When let loose around the Nurburgring, Porsche said that the 918 Spyder completed the 12.8 mile track in just six minutes and 57 seconds

The 918 Spyder hybrid car shaved 14 seconds off the previous Nurburgring record for a street-legal car, making it the fastest supercar built for normal roads to race the course. Chairman of the board of Porsche AG, Matthias Mueller is pictured in the car

HOW DO THE CARS COMPARE?

• The Porsche goes from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds, while the BMW takes 4.4 seconds
• The BMW is more fuel efficient travelling 113mpg, while the Porsche can do 72mpg
• With a top speed of 211mph, the 918 Spyder is faster than the i8, which is limited to 155mph
• The largest difference is the price. Porsche's 918 Spyder costs £537,000, while BMW's i8 costs £99,845

BMW has finally taken the wraps off its much-teased hybrid supercar, which has a top speed of 155mph and is capable of doing 113 miles per gallon.

The futuristic i8 is the car manufacturer's 'most advanced' sports car ever and is powered by a relatively small 1.5 litre turbocharged engine which, combined with an electric motor, generates 362 brake horsepower.

This gives the plug-in hybrid a 0 to 62mph time of just 4.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

While it is fast, the i8 also claims to be 'green' and emits just 59g/km of carbon dioxide as well as being fuel-efficient for a sports car.

Power from the petrol engine goes to the rear wheels while the electric motor goes through the front.

The car is capable of being driven in electric mode for 22 miles at a top speed of 75mph and BMW claims the i8 can have its battery charged from zero to 80 per cent in less than two hours. 

The i8 is powered by a small 1.5 litre turbocharged engine which, combined with an electric motor, generates 362bhp. This gives the plug-in hybrid a 0-62mph time of just 4.4 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph

When fully charged and with a full tank of fuel, the four-seat i8 can be driven for around 310 miles before needing to be topped up.

BMW has been teasing the arrival of its more eco-friendly supercar for a long time with drawings of concept cars, but has now confirmed the car will go on sale in July next year and will cost £99,845.

Making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the distinctive car looks like a new member of the BMW family but has upwards-opening scissor doors and daring details like its 'iBlue' neon trim on the grille, 'side skirts' and back bumper.

While it is fast, the i8 also claims to be 'green' and emits just 59g/km of carbon dioxide as well as being fuel-efficient for a sports car. When fully charged and with a full tank of fuel, the four-seat i8 can be driven for around 310 miles before needing to be topped up

Talking about the design, the company said: 'The structure of overlapping and interlocking surfaces contributes to the unmistakable appearance of the BMW i8. This layering principle allows aerodynamic forms to be wrapped up in a progressively styled package.'

The body is made of carbon and aluminum and the mixture of colours apparently show off the way the air flows over the car, while its shape means there is no need for a spoiler.

The company said: 'The new BMW i8 combines the performance of a sports car with the fuel consumption of a small compact car, boasting impressive efficiency and sustainability without forfeiting driving dynamics.

Talking about the design, the company said: 'The structure of overlapping and interlocking surfaces contributes to the unmistakable appearance of the BMW i8. This layering principle allows aerodynamic forms to be wrapped up in a progressively styled package'

'No compromises, but rather the optimal combination of driving pleasure and responsibility.

'The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that brings together the advantages of electro-mobility and innovative engine technology.

'The result is an extraordinarily dynamic driving experience - with extremely low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.'

The i8 began its life as a pure concept car six years ago and there were no plans for production, according to Top Gear.

The interior is as edgy as the exterior of the new car. The i8 has 'glass cockpit all-screen instruments' and lightweight seats as well as the distinctive neon blue trim seen on the outside of the car

Officers examine a car that has wrapped itself around a tree, spilling its interiors onto the street in Boston in 1933

Passersby try to figure out how this car ended up nose-down in a trench in Boston's West End. A glance at the rough, dirt-covered road provides a clue

The scene of an accident in 1935. Information with the photo reveals a car stolen by joyriding children crashed into a lawyer's car, killing him

Giving a rare glimpse of the day's fashion, a group of men look over a crumpled car that sits by the side of a residential Boston street

Crowds pose for photographer Leslie Jones alongside a mangled and burnt out wreck in Boston in 1933

A police officer poses next to a car that flipped over manoevring around corner in Roxbury, Massachusetts in 1935.

This truck stood no chance when it came into contact with a tree on a rural Mass. road, disintegrating on impact - leaving just the steering wheel intact.

A fireboat struggles to haul a car out of the Fore River in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1933. They succeeded, but couldn't save the three passengers, who drowned

This car came out loser in a battle of wills with a trolley bus on Boston's South End in 1932

Children peer out of the undergrowth as photographer Leslie Jones captures a nasty wreck smoulding by the side of the road in Hingham

Crowds watch in awe as a car is winched out of the Charles River in Cambridge, Mass in 1933. close to the Harvard University campus

Taken in 1934, this photograph shows a truck balancing on a bridge in Dorchester by just one wheel. Workers from the Walter Baker & Co chocolate factory rushed out of the building in the background to watch

Another angle from the same accident shows how close the truck is from toppling into the water

This car remarkably survived a collision with a utility pole in Cambridge, Mass - with just a mangled bumper to show for the crash

The driver of this car was unlikely to have survived this collision. The wreck is wrapped entirely around a tree, which sits in the driver's position

The shell of a truck is pulled from the Charles River after it careered off the Harvard Bridge

Photographer Leslie Jones had to part crowds of onlookers to capture this accident in downtown Boston. An out of control car collided with a shopfront, smashing windows and ending up on its side

Local businessman Byron Harwood and Byron Grover were hurt when their car collided with a bus in Waltham, Mass. in 1921. They were lucky to survive this nasty looking wreck. Their car certainly didn't

Taken in 1934, this photo shows a car that skidded out of control on ice-covered roads and wrapped around a tree in Auburndale, Mass.

A truck collideded with a bus and flipped over in south Boston, stopping just before it smashed into a cafeteria storefront

Another view of the same accident shows eager children posing with the upturned truck. it also demonstrates how close the vehicles came to nearby buildings

A Cudahy Packing Co. truck is hauled out of Fort Point Channel, which separates South Boston and downtown Boston

Even public servants weren't immune to accidents. An early mail truck came out loser in this battle with a tree on the tree-lined Commercial Avenue, Boston

Sitting in a Boston wrecking yard, this cross section of a wreck shows how basic car interiors were in the early days of motoring.

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