I'm new to this board and domotica

I'm mainly looking to control/dim lights and switch appliances on or off. Later on I'm looking to expand this with: alarm, thermostat, curtains appliances. Receivers may be visible, preferably I would not have my (windows) PC on as a server day and night for all this. Control with a wifi ipad.
-Which system is affordable (would you guys advice) and fits my needs?
-What (server) hardware would I need/ would you advice?
-Any advice on webshops who deliver to the Netherlands?
Any help with this would be much appreciated!
Peter