I built a small castle

[@courtogionti]

Maybe Laird needs a castle that’s been converted into apartments 😅

[@saiswa987]

I would love to see Laird ruin a castle with contemporary renovations LMAO (not that she doesn't already have enough properties in mind to buy)

[@adak9171]

Yes!

[@FadingDoor604]

yeeeeees

[@qp5337]

Yes! I need to see this build....

[@jayl3322]

Land LORD of the castle

[@heather_bee]

"Disrespect box" is my favorite description of modern additions ever

[@hfbdbsijenbd]

The UK has a rule where extensions to historic buildings have to to be in a different style so that you can tell they aren't original. If you look at old castles you can see the different eras of construction between stone medieval original parts and half timbered/Georgian/Victorian extensions added later. A couple hundred years from now "modern" extensions will just be a piece of that history.

[@senrytook]

I was going to say then same I have watched a few doc where people have restored old buildings and had to do ultra Morden extensions, because that what the planning dept said they had to do. Its apparently also so people can't fraudulently claim its all original. It happens most often on graded building (so building on our historic register, we call these grade 1 or grade 2)

[@steventhetford1755]

I believe it is policy of Historic England that extensions on historic assets must contrast rather than attempt to match it. Usually because any attempt will look like a really bad pastiche as the materials and craftsmanship doesn't exist anymore. This is a particular issue with brick buildings as the clay pits that supplied a city's brickworks has since been built over due to urban growth, and it is very difficult to source a matching source of brick as the colour of the brick will vary greatly on what clay was used. In addition, as you say, it helps identify which parts are the original historical asset, and which parts are the newer extension. It is very much the opposite of "disrespecting" the castle.

[@milenamartins21]

That is so interesting, thanks for letting us know!

[@mollierichardson6335]

It's not a rule. Every case is different and subject to individual review. From Historic England: 'The exterior needs to be carefully designed. You should expect to use matching or complementary materials for walls and roof. However, cleverly chosen contrasting materials in a modern design may work well for some buildings, where the extension can then be clearly ‘read’ as different to the old house. But the effect should not be so different that the extension is more prominent than the main building.'

[@SupergirlUK]

​​@@steventhetford1755I think that's Building grades. My parents have a Grade II listed house (Georgian) and had to make sure the windows were in keeping, no TV dish or Dorma windows 🤷‍♀️ They didn't add an extension though, just wanted to update the windows of the house 🤔

[@arleccio]

As someone from a place with castles the thinking was never "aw, there's already a castle on that hill over there, it'd be so cringe if we built one, too". It was more like "look wife, the neighbour built a castle on their tiny hill, we absolutely need one, too. And bigger, too. And we will put bears in the moat!" Basically if you can see a castle from your castle you're good.

[@mollierichardson6335]

If you can see two castles from your window you're winning in life 😂

[@JosieMae2]

Bears in the moat! Yes!!! 😂 Now that's keeping up with the Jones's!

[@mikamekaze]

"Bears in the moat" Český Krumlov reference???

[@Jockles]

I live very near the inventively named "three castles" which is literally three full-sized castles each within a half days walk of each other. The only reason you can't see between them is the shape of the mountains.

[@arleccio]

@@mikamekaze Hartenfels, Torgau in Saxony has bears in their decorative moat. Does Krumlov have bears today?

[@lifebooksandeverything]

The castle kit's windows not fitting on curved walls seems insane to me. Turrets babe turrets 😭 Edit: Thank you to everyone explaining that traditionally turrets only have small windows and that the cathedral style windows in the pack don't traditionally go on curved walls, I wasn't aware. However I do feel that it would have been nice to have the option to place any of the new windows on curved walls, even if it is not architecturally accurate.

[@suan333]

They put curved glitchy walls and never even bother to add more windows that fit them in the next packs nor did they fix them. But at this point who is surprised, you know

[@tara_hasnoclue]

I used the octagonal ones instead of the glitchy curved walls to make my turrets and most of the windows fit. I learned my lesson the hard way not to use the round/curved walls.

[@Thatguyinyourclass]

well, castles typically had small windows so it kind of makes sense to not have big windows on the turrets

[@dakloud6817]

Real castles usually does not have big windows in the towers, if there are any they are tall and narrow

[@NawiTheCore]

Those windows aren't meant for curved walls in real life either. Those are Gothic cathedral style windows, not Castle windows. Castle windows are narrow and don't have any glass.

[@paiget6200]

I can't believe James built a castle and didn't add a dungeon

[@Thatguyinyourclass]

Did you know the word dungeon comes from the term "don jon" which was typically the highest point of the highest tower? That was usually the most secure part of the castle, because in order to get there you have to fight through all the defenses. Well, at one point prisoners were moved from the don jon to the basement and thus the term dungeon

[@16taysia]

Yeah that's HORRIFYING 😮🫣😳

[@AlinaProbably]

i can't believe he built a castle and didn't add a fireplace...

[@Thatguyinyourclass]

So, a few things about castles. 1. Most of them were made of wood, they would cover the wood in the lime plaster you mentioned, (it was more fire proof than wood.) 2. This is actually around the size most castles would be. They were for defense and were built in places needed to project power or protection. 3. The crenellation would typically be along the top of all exterior walls. 4. That frieze is called machicolation and would be open allowing archers to shoot directly down. 5. The portcullis would typically be recessed to allow defenders to pour hot oil onto attackers. 6. Typically, the windows along the defensive walls were just small enough to fire arrows out of (the windows on the turret are probably the closest to the current size. 7. There usually wasn't glass in most castle windows. (for obvious reasons.) 8. The sloped terrain actually is kind of accurate, it would make it hard to scale the walls. (usually this was down with the walls but you can't do that in the Sims). 9. Some castles did have pitched roofs (usually they were bigger than this though.) 10. If you do a bigger castle I'd recommend added an outer wall with the turrets so there can be a bailey with smaller buildings on the inside 11. Speaking of smaller buildings, castles were still around with the advent of gunpowder weapons so the armory was often built away from living quarters, I think we all know what happens if an armory catches on fire. I hope this was informative

[@Jjjjjjjjjjj202]

Cool! I love people who know stuff

[@LivinInSim]

Yep it is. The large castles were often at the center of a tiny almost-village, so there were lots of other out buildings inside the protection of the walls. Marmalad built a large castle with stables, cow barn, chicken coops, etc. I imagine there were small dwellings for the important caretakers as well, and a lot of staff and servants lived in the bailey.

[@DrNowsSugarBaby]

These are all such cool facts but for some reason fact 1 is blowing my mind I never even thought about that I always just assumed they were fully stone!

[@nimikina]

You can make terrain more down to walls, if you make a basement and raise it above ground level.

[@Silverfur01]

@@DrNowsSugarBaby stone was probably either a) super expensive or b) would take longer to get. possibly both. wood, on the other hand, is very plentiful and most likely cheaper.

[@wineoneone]

Those llamas are gargoyles! They look like that because they originally are designed to get water out of the castle. But over time they just became decorative. Fun fact, if they don't have a fountain aspect, they're grotesques. Here in the U.S. at the National Cathedral and they had little kids draw the scariest monster they could think of for gargoyle ideas and some kid drew Darth Vader and they were like "you know what sure" and now we have a Darth Vader gargoyle.

[@lwoods507]

I can remember at least 3 episodes of Grand Designs where the people have bought a 16th century folly and rammed a whacking great steel box into the side of it. And then they go bankrupt because the National Trust of Scotland are Not Very Happy and make them adjust it. And the presenter, Kevin McCloud gets to walk around the diasterously expensive building site, saying wise things about architecture and looking UNSPEAKABLY smug. I love smug Kev, he's great.

[@JamesTurnerYT]

🤣🤣

[@anska7475]

They bought an old little castle for the old money vibes and filled it to the brim with highly modern stuff to fit their new money identity. It just needs a fake moat/pool and faux heraldry on the towels. 😅

[@LivinInSim]

Castle Industrial? Is that a thing? I guess it could be...

[@aceunavailable9141]

The Great Gatsby reincarnate

[@ateisate7270]

I mean, castles can be very cheap because upkeep is way too much. Castle around here was sold for 1€ a couple of times because upkeep and maintanance and historic preservation was simply too expensive. In other words: buy a castle, fill it with IKEA.

[@madi7178]

For anyone wondering classical gardening styles to go with their fancy castles: French gardens are geometric and manicured to perfection, everything is placed symmetrically, look up Palace of Versailles. British gardens look like nature, think Edenic, organic placements but “layering” so that it’s low stuff in front and tall stuff in back, different colored plants are coordinated, look up Marie Antoinette’s Chateau at the Palace of Versailles.

[@Jockles]

James not knowing what a gargoyle is is sending me. A traditional gargoyle acts as a water spout to prevent water running down the outside of a building off a roof. The gargoyle that you're probably thinking of from the vampire pack is technically a grotesque, as it doesn't have a throat Gargoyle: from Old French gargouille ‘throat’, also ‘gargoyle’ (because of the water passing through the throat and mouth of the figure)

[@saturnsextilevenus]

Oh interesting! I wonder if that's where the word gargle came from as well.

[@JosieMae2]

I always think it's hilarious how English speakers think Gargoyles are super hero monsters from a 90s cartoon show & have absolutely no idea what they are as a structural feature.

[@Jockles]

​@@saturnsextilevenusit is, in fact, the same root 😊

[@Jockles]

​​@@JosieMae2speak for yourself, I'm English and have no idea what you're talking about 😅 but I do live very near some sweet af Welsh castles (alas, they do not have gargoyles as those are more of a decorative gothic feature, not generally found in the Welsh marches)

[@JamesTurnerYT]

Interesting! I didn't realise the llama was the same as a gargoyle!

[@mollierichardson6335]

In my expert opinion (joking - although I do have a Masters in British Public History and Heritage) Some buildings should be restored to their original 'glory', but... Not every building needs to be a perfect recreation of its past self. Buildings, and objects, and their purpose should evolve over time. Thats a huge part in the history of material culture. If by sticking a glass box on the back of a castle, it is saved from crumbling into dust, and it is loved as a home - thats just as important a part of its history as its days as a 'real' castle. I think the juxtaposition of modern next to ancient is actually quite beautiful and respectful in its own way.

[@beccastevens1588]

Yes! The history museum and the art museum in my city have modern expansions on older stone buildings. It looks fantastic, and trying to match the old materials wouldn’t have been feasible.

[@LivinInSim]

I grew up in a farmhouse that had probably ten foot ceilings, and the cupboards went clear to the top on one wall. Stuff that was stored up there was quite forgotten, lol. It was where Mom put gifts that she wasn't really keen on, but couldn't throw away, doncha know. But the cupboards themselves didn't really look weird to me now that you mention it. Then later in life I moved into another old farmhouse. Same thing. I started putting extra toilet tissue and paper towels up there since the bathroom had very little storage. But I would forget about the treasure trove. When Covid hit, I remembered, and there was a big bonanza of paper products!

[@JosieMae2]

I can fully understand that but from the American squished homestead perspective. My families homestead farm was originally a 1 room stone building built in the 1840s. That 1st room was added onto for decades so when the homestead was electrified in 1958 the process of running wires through the rooms or outside of the structure really showed off just how squished the building was. The cieling of the original stone room was originally only 6.2 feet tall! The average ceiling in America is 9 feet. The homestead kitchen is now that original stone structure. The family decided to knock out the floor of the kitchen & drop the kitchen into the basement storm & root cellar so the kitchen entry has a cieling that nearly hits your head & then you walk down 5 stairs into the kitchen. The waist high windows looking out from the back of the kitchen are at ground level. It's so weird. The old root cellar though still exists as a pantry connected to the kitchen bathroom & is the forever forgotten closet of infinite holding. When Oma died in 1994 it took months to dig out the room & we found stacks of newspapers from WW2, boxes of old preserves that had lost labels, pieces of machinery no one could identify, it was just never ending. I can imagine very up high shelves that require a ladder to access being just as likely to hold old whatever that got stuffed there decades ago & been left forgotten.

[@Jockles]

I feel you. I can't live in a house that doesn't have at least 8ft ceilings bc it just feels so tiny, and I'm only 5ft2 so I am *never* getting back the stuff on those top shelves 😂😂

[@LivinInSim]

@@JosieMae2 How interesting that you got to see how your family made the most of a house throughout many years. Is it still there, and in the family? My dad grew up in a sod house on the Kansas prairie. I never saw it, but I doubt it's still standing.

[@some1else477]

How cool would this theme be as an expansion pack? Like a new medieval style world with cross pack gameplay with horse ranch and cottage living. I think this should've at least been a stuff pack to include proper furnishings. A missed opportunity since the wallpapers etc look so good

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

They did so good on the build materials! The lack of decor is a little silly. Just a handful of objects that could be used inside would have made all the difference. Maybe they have a medieval decor kit in the works for later on that could compliment this one? I don’t know, again it’s silly to have basically no decor with a kit that is heavily stylized and meant to represent a specific era.

[@gaatjouniksaanja753]

But you can use some of the older/classic basic items. get together, vampires and even the horse pack... and there is also cc. I understand what you mean but I've seen some people build really beautiful things with those packs. I think the biggest problem are the clothes for people who really want to play in historical/medieval time.....Than the only option is cc.

[@aaly.aaly.oxenfree]

@@gaatjouniksaanja753 For clothes, depending on what era someone's playing, then Get Famous and Vampires (both also have some good B/B assets for castle decor) is your friend. Even Cats and Dogs has this one dress that (when chosen in a particular swatch) looks good for a "peasant" kind of story.

[@Eltyanistah]

​@@aaly.aaly.oxenfree for peasants you could also add some clothes and hair from cottage living, a hairband from strangerville and a skirt, maybe some clothes of jungle adventure and ...batuu... I'll suggest you go for beige and light browns, then search more detailing and colors for aristocracy, heavier and luxurious fabrics, but not necessarily opulent or very rich in colors or shapes, according to your historical era it could be more sober and austere than it seems. Actually it really depends a lot on which era you'd play. Medieval era is the longest, and style changes, influenced by philosophy, cultures, religion, political events, even war, economy, health, etc. (that's were CC are most needed because we can't have accuracy with what we have in game)

[@mauratyson9580]

I love it when James makes jokes about Grand Designs. I love that show but it’s so ridiculous sometimes.

[@Midnight.Shadows]

Now I kinda want to see James do a proper Downton Abbey style period correct estate, kitchen in the basement, grand first floor, suites on the second floor, hidden staircases for the butlers and maids and their quarters in the attic (As it was back then) Just a very grand traditional British estate. I think it would be a bit of a challenge but also a good watch.

[@ChibiRandom13]

I've heard a lot of people call the darker/gradient walls dirty and I just wanna let y'all know that's creosote buildup from all the fires castles used to have going on. Also! James is super right about the wood floors - they would have the wood over top of the stone so it'd be a step up from the stone :)

[@TimothynTn]

Franny is so adorable James. She is going to be spoiled by u and deli. Hope u have a great time playing with the sims 4 castle estate pack.

[@user-PuppyDan]

Some of them were designed just to look good others were used as guttering so the mouth would be open to allow rain water out. So if you had a pitched roof the gargoils would be the drainage point for the room much like modern day guttering. Thet normally sat under freezes or roof trims

[@CelticStar87]

When he was mentioning the llama gargoyles my first thought was Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame. When Quasi pours the molten metal (or whatever it was) to keep the guards from entering, it flows out some of the gargoyles’ mouth. They were a decorative feature but also functional at times. They might have been used as a supportive structure for balconies but I don’t think it was common. Gargoyles were viewed as a protective being which is why a lot of cathedrals used them in the design. They were believed to ward off evil.

[@ThumperE23]

A gargoyle is the water spout, and the grotesque is the decorative. But it's the Sims use it how you like.

[@Thatguyinyourclass]

@@CelticStar87 yeah, but most gargoyles were added to Gothic architecture as a decorative feature that was used as a water spout and not for defensive purposes. A gargoyle on a castle would only appear after the 15th century, and that's only if a castle was being built after the proliferation of gunpowder weapons (cannons). While castles and fortifications still exist, siege warfare greatly changed after 1453 (fall of Constantinople) and new castles of this size would not be built. Forts with earthworks that could hold a garrison would be built. A castle this size would be the norm for a lot of the middle ages and would typically used as a way to control a pass or project power. Gargoyles would not be part of architecture design for about 400 years. (any earlier and this would be probably been a moot and bailey)

[@JosieMae2]

Not enough people understand that gargoyles were old timey poop-shoots.

[@user-PuppyDan]

@@JosieMae2 before that the toilets just drained out holes in the floor. They were small rooms which jutted out the side all it housed was a wooden bench with a hole which you sat over and did your thing.

[@mroutro7206]

Laird definitely needs to purchase this and rent it out

[@adrianahenza7659]

I've enjoyed watching your sims videos for a while now, but you're one of my cat's favorite youtubers too. Whenever I play your videos, if I don't have my headset on, Coco'll come running to watch too.

[@shawnilouisemummybee8948]

The bigwallet family crest would look so cool on the wall piece 😊

[@mariaesteves3023]

I think Column Bigwallet’s castle deserves a renovation now that this kit is out!

[@Sirindol]

Just a detail, real old castles usually have a fireplace in every bedroom and livingroom, since it was the only heating they had and the castle was really cold. 😁

[@zebrathinker]

I would love to see more grand designs style renos! It's really fun to watch an old castle get mucked up by modernity lol. (I would also love to see your take on a cheap and trendy house flip, maybe if Laird ever gets into single unit rentals)

[@LadyPoing]

The castle in my home town actually has one of those ugly glass boxes added. It's an eyesore but they had to add it when they converted the castle to a museum to add an entrance for people with disability.

[@NoDecaf7]

I really like how creative you got with this. In my mind, the modern addition is built where a crumbling wall once stood. I like this build a lot. I really want to Vampires the heck out of this build.

[@BrightEyesEm]

I have family friends who live in a 200 yr old cottage in England, its absolutely gorgeous and in really good condition. They then added a huge glass box extension which connects to the original house by a glass corridor. It's double the size of the original cottage and really tall even though it's just one floor. I absolutely hate it, but it's so grand designs 😂

[@hakudoushinumbernine]

"I feel like we dont have enough items to furnish a castle" We do. We have a lot of stuff that fits the aesthetic... the "Mega" line of wood furniture is all very medieval/tudor.

[@maggielaush]

In architectural preservation (or conservation in the UK) it’s actually an important principle to make any additions clearly differentiated! You still want the materials and general form to be compatible (eg massing, ratio of solid to void in the fenestration) and ideally it’s minimally visible for the public, but if we CAN see the new addition…you def don’t want it to be fake historic. Defend the pop-out! It IS respectful!

[@playwitherica]

Deli should furnish this too! I think it would be a fun challenge to give her the empty castle and see what she does with it.

[@AlyssaSharm]

I can’t even lie I LOVE this build🤣 It would be a nice place for sims to get married and have their honeymoon at. I don’t have the castle kit because I’m not a builder but I might buy it just so I can download this 😭

[@aljakrajnc5967]

The Sims is what dreams are made of, and I think that's really special ☠

[@LivinInSim]

Who am I to dis a greee??

[@bookcat123]

Spouse 1: We will live in a castle and rule our kingdom together! Spouse 2: Yes, dear. As long as there’s plenty of light in my kitchen. Spouse 1: Yes, dear.

[@slwrabbits]

relationship goals

[@shutterbug8860]

My golden rule for curved walled rooms is don’t try to put objects against the wall, have the pathways around the outside with everything in the middle. The toilet & sink from Eco Lifestyle are designed to sit freely on the ground so they are good for this purpose, though not really the right aesthetic here.

[@CamillaKali]

This looks beautiful! I totally see the glass box as a reception booth for a Museum or Library that is currently functioning inside an old castle, maybe with some posters and signs of upcoming events and exhibits hanging on the front. Or the castle being a place for parties and weddings, with the glass box being an office or a dance floor. Its the glass pyramid at the Louvre: some love it, some hate it for being modern lol

[@lionmcmuffin4751]

instead of residential homes, i think it would be cool to try a community lot, like maybe the castle has been renovated into a library/book shop (I've seen a few around europe) ☺

[@steventhetford1755]

I'd say stacking cabinets on top of each other to reach the ceiling looks significantly worse than having a gap between the cabinets and ceiling. In fact, the latter is very common in kitchens, especially in taller kitchens, and it just feels so odd to me to fill a kitchen with "unreachable" cabinets. Tangibly related, but it also annoys me when SimTubers insist on sticking windows between counters and cabinets - if a cabinet is high enough that you can look out of a window, it is too high to be used as a cabinet.

[@MommaHami]

The entire vampire pack is castle interior and you used a toilet and the tapestry… For how brilliant of a builder James is, this build feels like rage bait, I mean he did say several times about the disrespectful modern building out but the castle itself makes zero sense. I will admit the name is spot on.

[@_cosmic_void]

I think he forgot about the vampire pack 😂

[@_cosmic_void]

Nope he just used it for the bathroom 😅

[@LivinInSim]

Arthur from the Garden Club: Oooh, what a lovely garden! Bessie from the Garden Club: Your roses are...sublime... Homeowner: Thank you! Right this way to the back garden... Arthur: (sees addition) OH, that's unfortunate! Bessie: (clutches pearls) What...is...this... monstrosity. (Faints.) Homeowner: You obviously don't watch Grand Designs...

[@dalila6048]

Was looking for this comment!

[@beccastevens1588]

I like mixing old and new, even in real life. It feels like acknowledgment that life is about change and that just because something is old doesn’t mean it has to be stuck in the past.

[@katd9798]

James you should build a castle for the Bigwallets! Have it be something that's been passed down from generation to generation and each generation added something to it based on their pack 😊

[@lifebooksandeverything]

HI FRANNY😭😭❤️❤️Please give that good girl a kiss on the forehead from all of us❤️

[@JamesTurnerYT]

[@purrpawl]

I was waiting for this❤❤ Edit: OMG little Frannie is so cute😍

[@JamesTurnerYT]

[@halloweendream1588]

I love those shows that remodle old structures/castles. If memory serves the new additions have to be modern looking so it's obvious it's an addition so no one can pass it off as original architecture? Or something like that. At least in the UK shows I watched.

[@mollierichardson6335]

In the UK, It's not always a 'have to' and more of a general understanding that modern is easier to achieve than historical accuracy. Sometimes planning permission in the UK will call for very specific things - like the type of roof covering or materials used. And I'm sure there have been cases where a planning committee wants the original structure to remain obvious so there is no confusion over new and old. But then, there are also planning committees who would insist upon using the exact same stone and materials as the original building. Each case is unique, and every building is different - but I think a large reason lots of 'castle' renovations use very modern additions, is because it's simply easier and cheaper than restoration.

[@Quatra87]

Castles and Keeps had different levels for floor and stairs as a trip hazard for people who raided.. people who lived there knew every dip and step, so they didn't fall themselves.

[@izabelajamsek9640]

I love this build and how James was talking about it, but my feet are so cold looking at all the cold tile and not a lot of rugs!! Haha😂

[@sarahcoleman5269]

Okay, so I was watching every James Turner video before, but now I definitely have to watch every James Turner video for glimpses of Frannie being adorbs.

[@thesquigglyone]

Here (Ireland) there are quite a few small castles that are really a single square or rectangular tower. There are larger ones too but most of them are still relatively modest in size. Because of the prohibitive cost of restoration most are either falling to ruin or have been restored by the state.

[@markabele8794]

Nice build James, but you should've added a fireplace or two. in the older sections of this castle.

[@Mallbia]

I really miss all his giant sims 3 builds, those were the days. Still one of my favorite youtubers. I legit fall asleep to the sound of his voice or background noise while I play. He's inspired me to build and give copious amounts of money to ea

[@troebeliewoep]

James' storytelling is amazing and very fun, but I feel he really shines when doing builds. Makes me really curious what he would do in the Houseflipper 2 sandbox mode.

[@AKA_Studios]

For roof access, the HSY ladder might have worked on the exterior!

[@OneGirlGames]

I never thought twice about this kit but seeing this I actually do fancy getting it now and making a traditional castle

[@UnidentifiedSimmer]

I was skeptical in the beginning when you started using the term modern, but it actually turned out quite nice!

[@FiveOnAFriday]

This came out better than I expected, and the landscaping I'd beautiful!

[@debradavis3935]

Who else can totally picture James and Deli sitting around on their time off watching home design and castle design episodes on TV? I love your take on the modern extension and renovation of a castle! Franny is looking fat and happy-what a cutie pie! Glad you’re back, James… I missed you. 💛💛💛

[@zararobnett8284]

I actually really like it. Travesty or not , it all looks so instagram worthy and the bathroom with the stone walls is perfect 👍

[@emmab982]

the new pupper is freaking adorable!!!

[@kuntalayir6023]

you should have to put a witch's cauldron up there, unaccessible, no explanation

[@seriliaykilel]

I 100% agreed that it would be horrid for someone to do this in real life, but if it gives the castle a second life then why not. Looks epic in the Sims - did not expect this to be so successful.

[@amberwarden2130]

"The Sims is what dreams are made of" got me :D I guess it's time to watch the Lizzi McGuire Movie.

[@Nishrees]

So many new videos 🤩 Thankyou James! 🕺🏼

[@annehudnell]

This kit would also be good for making a cathedral type of wedding venue

[@Rocannee]

I would like to see you build an old church thats been renovated to be a home, also in Grand Designs style

[@lifebooksandeverything]

Every beautiful castle needs a Disrespect Box™️

[@mirrortherorrim]

It's not a castle, it's a palace, may be a chateau, but not a castle. It looks castle-y but isn't a castle. I dare you to build an actual castle - defended from a siege, with battlements, a murderhouse, may be a bailey, a motte, a chapel, possibly a donjon. A toilet in a turret, opening into a motte. Watch Shadiversity at least.

[@kylecalvert5056]

petition to renovate chaz ricks farm with the castle kit

[@NawiTheCore]

It's not a castle. It's a keep.

[@marieduran6286]

Maybe you can make that modern section into a sunroom, if it was slightly bigger, with a glass roof and fancy windows. I wanted to add that in the kitchen you can use the small cabinets above the regular-sized ones, and it will not take up the whole wall, I usually like to put items on top of the cabinets to make it look lived-in. Would it be possible to build Leap Castle? The castle in Ireland whose current residents are trying to restore it to its original state.

[@lemondroppe]

You're back!!!!! I'm so happy! I hope everything is going well and you and deli are enjoying time with the new puppy!!

[@JustAndreaEdna]

I just love watching the progression of your feelings towards this build.

[@TD-cl3eb]

Omg this needs a wine cellar

[@shockmummygaming2306]

We love a 1am video drop when you can't sleep ❤❤

[@Mdog9200]

I feel like James needs to make a shell and then have Deli come in after and furnish/decorate it after!

[@Itshannahkowalski]

Tempted to buy the castle kit solely so I can get this build and do a "Rags To Riches in an Abandoned Castle" playthrough.

[@lenaa19020]

it looks really nice, never thought about a modern spot in a castle :D

[@byQtween]

I love hearing James complaining, it soothe me 😂

[@junerussell6972]

The llama wall things are gargoyles. "Gargoyles originated in medieval Europe and were incorporated into the design of churches and cathedrals to serve a practical purpose. As rainwater management systems, they were designed to channel water away from the building's walls and foundations, thereby preventing damage caused by erosion and water infiltration."

[@suan333]

My european soul is suffering, not gonna lie 😂😂😂

[@ashpes1397]

I had trouble watching the "modern" construction parts hahaha

[@usdutchkitty]

@@ashpes1397 I can hear those British housing committees on those house restrorations shows just going "NOooooooooo!"

[@suan333]

I've never seen anything like that, thankfully. And maybe those episodes are banned in Europe so we don't boycott or something 🤣🤣

[@usdutchkitty]

@@suan333 Oh if you want money for the restoration or to even have the property, you have to go through the housing committee if it is a "historical" building of some type. I mean, they'll go as early as 1940s. They have guidelines and they will fight the buyer/owner tooth and nail on what they deem as appropriate for the restoration to "keep its historical qualities".

[@suan333]

@@usdutchkitty ? I don't know what you are talking about. I'm not even British

[@KuzuHime]

I really like the mix of the modern furniture with the historic castle feeling. I think you did great here !

[@RainbowAra]

As a European, my BIG problem with the kit is that the standard swatch is the beige/sandstone coloured swatch which instantly makes it not look like medieval castle but like a historicist university or library from the 1880s or something

[@shelbysteele6596]

with James’s builds it’s always trust the process but it always turns out so good

[@griffijy]

Your castle design approach is the best I have seen using the new pack. It really looks amazing

[@korimm3020]

People getting weirded out by modern extensions on castles is so funny cause in Europe it’s not uncommon. Cause who is gonna sell you last century’s building materials to extend and renovate )))

[@mollierichardson6335]

People do sell the materials and there are even trades people who specialise in historical styles of building.... But my goodness the price!!!!

[@kiyasthriftycrafts]

This was chaos and I loved every bit of it 😂😂 I have a love hate relationship with the modern additions but I love that it seems to ensure that some of the history and charm of the building is preserved lol

[@milenamartins21]

Yeah, the problem I see with this pack is the interior: maybe you want to be really historically accurate, but that won't work "properly" in The Sims; maybe you want the old look, but to have all the sims needs met, but then the castle will be weird with a modern bathroom; if you want the outside as a castle and the inside as a normal house once you get to the bedroom and actually have appropriate furniture options for the time it's too tempting not to lean into that... I think only CC will help

[@jiamoonlight]

This castle screams "My husband's great*8 aunt Grethel the IX left him her vacation Castel and I NEED to infuse my style💃💃"

[@abdullahenani9670]

My Tuesday is saved 😍

[@sashazukiwskyj3071]

Castles are generally small, its palaces that are large...

[@syrasha_]

Franny is absolutely amazing! 😍😍

[@MichelaShaw-et6nm]

The castle kit will be great for building a old church

[@astrumperemor]

this is gonna pair so well with the gothic revival cc set in my save file!

[@anonknitter]

I appreciate the "Fran" service 😍

[@kelsihughes]

Only thing missing is a secret tunnel system or secret room. All castles have secrets, would be a fun add on!!

[@E4mj]

To be fair, castles that have been modernised DO have really awkward layouts!

[@heathercansky6843]

from now on going to be including a "disrespect box" in all my builds 👍thanks james

[@SailorIda3]

I think, the llama wall things fill two functions. They may work as suport for a balcony but I belive their main function historicly was to redirect water. If you look at dessigne of notre dame for example they have statues with a waterfunnel buildt in to their base. It looks like thats what it is suposed to be but you can in the sims, for sure use it as balcony suport as well :D

[@violettemilena5699]

Omgoodness Franny is so cute. I love her coloring.