A Note about Tower Houses

Tower houses, which are really small castles, are found in many parts of the world. Although we now have rather romantic ideas about living in castles, tower houses were originally built for defensive purposes in areas that were considered to be particularly dangerous. The best known today are those that were built in the British Isles, particularly Ireland and Scotland, from the 15th through the 17th centuries. Many are still inhabited.

The one I'm building would originallly have had a wooden ladder leading up to the doorway on the second floor; the ladder could be drawn up in times of danger. Also, there would not have been an exterior doorway on the ground floor. The stone staircase and ground floor doorway, as well as the half timber addition (not yet built) would have been added in later, more peaceful times.

I haven't yet decided on the period for the interior furnishings. Stay tuned!