Long ago castles were constructed to both defend and impress. In more peaceful times manor homes continued the tradition of impressing positions of wealth and power.
The need to impress will never go away but it's nice to spend a little while dining in a fabulous structure looking out over an even more beautiful land and seascape. For a few hours at least, lording over it all.
Photo: Robert Rath, 'Lording Over It All', 1/30s f/7.1 ISO640 17mm