Fortress or folly?
You must weigh the evidence.
It’s still beautiful.
Castell Coch* (Red Castle) in Tongwynlais, near Cardiff, Wales, was taken over by the Marquis of Bute during the Victorian era and remodelled by William Burgess. Some have claimed it to be a folly, but the exhibition within the castle suggests that it was a Norman fortress before being remodelled into the fairy tale castle of today.
The misty look at the right hand side of the photograph is just that. If not mist, it is low cloud; it was raining quite heavily during our visit. The castle seems to attract such mistiness. As can be seen in the image, it stands on a hillside in a small forest.
* Pronunciation tips for non-Welsh speakers:
- The ll sound is made by forming an l, and blowing over the sides of the tongue.
- The o is sounded long as in post, in this instance.
- The best description I can give of the ch sound is that it is like clearing the throat!
Harcourt 51 
I love how you take me places 🙂 So beautiful!!!
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🙂 Thank you, Simone. It is a pretty place.
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it is beautiful and looks magical
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Your children would love it, Beth.
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I need you to get a little closer, Michael. I have no doubt that this is a mesmerizing place to be near.
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It’s a dreamy place, Audrey.
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You know…yeah, I have no doubt. I would get lost where you are, Michael. Wind taking me away with each step. I am so envious of the beauty you’re surrounded by.
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What is amazing, Audrey, is that you can see this castle from two of the busiest roads in the area. It is on the edge of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales; less than 5 miles from the centre and Cardiff Castle, itself. But that’s the beauty of this area. From the main highway, you take a little, winding, single track road for a mile or so, and you are into a place like this! It really is breathtaking. Strangely, I had to leave and come back before I could appreciate it.
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What matters, Michael, is that you appreciate that castle. Even the winding road sounds intriguing. I’m so easy to please. Ha. Cardiff sounds like my kind of place.
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🙂
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These Victorian follies are so fascinating, aren’t they? Great shot, Michael.
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Thanks. I’m glad you like it. I think they can be even better in the rain as it was when we visited.
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