The service where all the pictures are hosted for this thread is shutting down. I have reposted all the pictures at a different site, but GardenWeb does not allow me to edit my posts to change all the links. Here's a page with all the pictures on it. Don't miss the tiny "page 2" link at the top of the page. Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures for this thread

Yikes! You do well in describing the walls imposing stature, but the first Photo is the fatal stab in the heart. A very nice easy read that has enough unique twists to keep my attention through to the end. It could have easily gotten stuck in a "STOP THE WALL!" theme, but you avoided that nicely and probably kept the new lords appeased, which may have been wise in light of how easy it would have been to drop one of those boulders... Two and a half thumbs up! Poppa

I found some at Dal Tile that fit perfectly. I want a box cap in matte black but so far I have an off-white V-cap that lines up perfectly with the hex. Same thickness. Of course I plan to slope the counter slightly into the sink. I plan a white hex field with a pattern we will make ourselves using loose black and "bayberry" tiles. There are some terrific colors available. Dal has great rich colors in hex. Have you seen them? The woman who owns Designs in Tile (California) makes period designs to order. (Anita??) Pricey but nice. I looked into this during my bathroom remodel a few years ago but decided to stay simple (and economical). I wouldn't use a wood edge but I'll bet you could be creative with the pieces you find. I'd hate to give up a water-tight counter by incorporating wood. There was little available (especially in my budget) when I did my bath. I came up with something creative for the baseboards when we couldn't find the "right" piece. It's been 7 years and I'm still happy with our clever baseboard. I will absolutely post mine when I have something to post! What are you looking for with your counter project? Is it a period project or something quite different?

Actually - having been inside the castle, I found it oppressive and a bit depressing. The heavily faux-textured walls were dreary. In order for the interior to live up to the exterior hype, I think there would have to be some updating and there would need to be a whole heckuva lot more in the way of furnishings. One could have fun with the house, given an unlimited budget, a vivid imagination, and a modicum of taste. Well, the last part would be entirely subjective I suppose. But it could be done up better than it currently sits.