Absolutely insane, I had heard about this house a few years back.... part palace, part mausoleum... what will happen it now, he's going to the 'big house' for a few years?

Perhaps an asylum for the criminally insane - just like what happened to many grand mansions in the UK

A larger version of the equally pompous Sliabh Russell Hotel outside the village of Ballyconnell Co. Cavan.

http://www.ukpalaces.com/images/hx_illu1.gif

Why is it that deeply unpleasant and often criminal wealthy people always opt for classicism?

For the nouveau riche they think it makes you look like old money....

I haven't seen a decent detailed picture. Is it a 'good' interpretation of a neo-classical house or poorly designed?

Hard to tell, it being unfinished. There was a firm of architects involved who I'd never heard of - certainly not any of the leading contemporary classicists. They had the grace to sound a bit embarrassed about their jailed client. Tough on them, though - that's the last they'll see of any fees.

Looks like Hoogstraten (who it is said did the preliminary sketches himself) wanted a version of Blenheim. I'd say he's no Vanbrugh.

Will it ever be finished now?