Saturday, August 8, 2009

"The Castle"

Every town should have a castle! After all that is where fairy tales begin...
Once upon a time in the year 1861 Dr. Johnson built this beautiful mansion overlooking the water.

But then the war happened and the house was confiscated by the Union Army and utilized as Hospital #6.

After the war was over Dr. Johnson was one of a few locals able to reclaim his property but not without paying the hefty sum of $2,000!
(the house is currently on the market for $4 million+).

The home resides on a full city block surrounded by ancient oak trees as well as a pair of olive trees that Dr. Johnson brought from the Mount of Olives in the Holy Land.

Although the home was built in 1861 it's completion was not official until 1989 when these back stairs were finally added. Before that time one had to avoid using the back door-the first step was a doozy!

One of the original outbuildings some say was used as the morgue when the house was a hospital during the war.

Hmmm...wars, hospitals, morgues...that could only mean one thing!
Ghosts!
Yup, the Castle is one of the most notably haunted houses in town.
Many say the house is haunted by a little French dwarf named Guernache. Although very friendly to the children that have resided in the house, he is a bit of a prankster with adults.

Many families over the decades have lived happily in this lovely old home surrounded by ancient oaks clad with Spanish moss overlooking the marshes just beyond it's lawn.
Where else could a fairy tale take place but in a castle by the water's edge...

11 comments:

Paula said...

Dear Kim,

This was beautifully written and photographed! I enjoyed reading the history of "The Castle" so much! It looks very beautiful. I love that the olive trees came from the Holy Land. Thank you so much for sharing!

Have a wonderful day!
Love, Paula

Sweet Old Vintage said...

I have had my tale for the day complete with lovely photos... What a treat....

Anonymous said...

What a neat story. I rode around my town yesterday, picking out home to photograph, but I will need to go back when there is not so much traffic. Nothing like modern traffic and signs and so on to take away the romanticism. Thanks for this story.
QMM ♥♥♥

Deanna said...

So enjoyed the Castle. Interesting reading.
Can you imagine the government coming and taking over your palace for their use then having to pay them to live in it again?

Beautiful place. Having mature trees would be so very nice.

Glad to read this post and see the pics.

Always a pleasure to read your blog,
d

Elizabeth Bradley said...

I don't know which I like about stately old homes more, the house itself, or the mature trees and landscapes.

crochet lady said...

Wow that is quite a place. Thanks for sharing that interesting castle. I love that I can go on a great tour and never have to leave my house!

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

4 Million huh? Well, I bought some Lottery tickets tonight. If I win, I'll call you for the directions on how to get there!
It's a lovely home Kim!!! You couldn't use all of your tricks on getting us in to see the inside of this one??? ;)
Such great history...you live in a wonderful place!
everything vintage

sepiadreams said...

Hey if I had 4 million to spare I would buy it-dwarf ghost and all....Love Tiina...

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Kim,

Love the history around your Town and must be so lovely to be surrounded by so many beautiful homes.
Thank you for sharing the Castle with us.

Have a happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

Unknown said...

What a beautiful building...oh, and it even comes with a legend. What a treat. Thanks for sharing! :)

DollsAndSpooks said...

wow, my favorite topic, ghosts! i love the pictures, the castle looks gorgeous and the story behind it is amazing. thanks for posting this!

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