JK Rowling

Famous “Harry Potter” author JK Rowling got approval last week to move forward with her plans to create large tree houses for her children in her own garden.

JK Rowling is 47 years old and lives in a stunning 17th-century mansion, located in an Edinburgh, Scotland suburb along with her husband and three children.

Inspired by the style of Hogwarts Castle in the extremely popular Harry Potter movies, Rowling plans for each tree house to measure bout 40 feet (12 meters) high. They will each have tall conical roofs and turreted windows.

Receiving approval for the tress houses was not without problems. The City of Edinburgh Council gave the go ahead despite several complaints from JK Rowling’s neighbors. The main issue was that the tree-houses may be visible from the road and affect the area’s landscape.

City of Edinburgh Council granted Rowling’s request, after determining that the development would not have a negative impact on the conservation area.

The council received artist impressions of the planned tree houses, detailing them to be built on wooden stilts and connected together by a rope bridge. The Rowling tree houses will also include decorative lanterns above the doors, balconies, steel slide, trap door and an impressive spiral staircase.

Ashford Castle – Hogwarts Halloween

As summer winds down, before you know it Halloween will soon be here. If you are looking for an unforgettable Halloween experience, consider the amazing Ashford Castle.

Historic Ashford Castle in Ireland, is hosting a “Hogwarts Halloween” celebration. It’s a place where Harry Potter’s magical world of witches and wizards will come to life.

Ashford Castle dates back to 1228 and is located on 350 acres of County Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong in Ireland. Ashford Castle is surrounded by a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river and mountains.

Ashford Castle offers a variety of secret rooms, hidden alcoves, and mystical surroundings of secluded woodlands that make Ireland’s Ashford Castle the perfect location for magicians in the making. After all, sorcery and magic at the historic castle date back 700 years. It will be anybody’s guess what may happen at the “Hogwarts Halloween” celebration.

From October 28th through November 6th, there are two different “Hogwarts Halloween” packages to choose from:

October 28, 30; November 1, 3, 5
Noon – “Forbidden Forest” treasure hunt for entire family
3pm – Visit to the hiding place of Dingle, Ashford Castle’s resident owl (supervised)
4pm – Afternoon “Chamber of Art” painting class (supervised)
5pm – 6:30pm: Kids’ dinner in the Ardilaun Suite (supervised)
6:30pm – 9pm: Harry Potter movie evening (supervised)
From 7pm – George V Table d’Hote dinner for Mom and Dad

October 29, 31; November 2, 4, 6
Noon – “Hidden Garden” treasure hunt for entire family
3pm -”House Elves” cooking class (supervised)
4pm-5pm – Afternoon “Chamber of Witchcraft & Wizardry” (supervised)
5pm – 6pm – Kids’ dinner in the Ardilaun Suite (supervised)
6:30pm – 9pm – Harry Potter movie evening (supervised)
From 7pm – George V Table d’Hote dinner for Mom and Dad

Author J.K. Rowling was named “Entertainer of the Year” by Entertainment Weekly. Her success with the “Harry Potter” series of books is staggering.  Revenue from all “Harry Potter related sources is about $15 billion. 400 million books sold worldwide. $4.5 billion in worldwide box office ticket gross sales, for all five of the “Harry Potter” movie films. A truly incredible feat.

What J.K. Rowling has done to drive such strong growth in book reading is undeniable. Children of all ages are hooked on her books.  Far beyond the words she offers in her books, one can find an enriched culture wrapped around “Harry Potter” and the ensemble of lively characters.

What’s next for Rowling? She has a few ideas in mind – one involves children and one for adults. Based on her successful past, whatever comes next will most likely be another hit. Full article