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Infiltration Forums > US: Mid-Atlantic > Once Abandoned Castle Magically Springing Back to Life(Viewed 892 times)
shadeblanco location:
Southern West Virginia/Western North Carolina
 
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Once Abandoned Castle Magically Springing Back to Life
< on 2/26/2019 7:40 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
If you're from around Durham/Raleigh, you probably know exactly what/where I'm talking about. Even if you don't, it doesn't take more than a few google searches to find out. So let me preface with this: DO NOT GO HERE. The owner has begun renovations, and most of the articles you will read will not account for this. This was once of the first abandoned buildings I ever visited way back in 2016, and it has changed a lot since then.


This is no longer abandoned; it is a man's property, and he intends to renovate and inhabit it within the next few years. I know this because I had the privilege of speaking to him. He's got two children, a nine-year-old girl and an eleven-year-old son. He intends to finish the castle for them because, "what kind of father would I be if I didn't."


Some history: Construction was started on this place in 2005 and ground to a halt around 2008. Though some online articles will say this was due to a spousal death, it was a divorce. On a number of the 2x4's holding up the walls, his daughter loves to practice her penmanship and historical record keeping. She set the record straight stating on one of the beams that her mother was alive and well (I later confirmed this in a phone interview with the architect). Alimony and child support cost a lot y'all. The architect tried once more in 2011 to revitalize his masterpiece by offering to turn it over to Uncle Sam, and allow it to become an architectural museum. Uncle Sam declined and then asked for his tax dollars on the property and unfinished structure residing on it. In 2014, he started a very eccentric (yet befitting) Kickstarter in which recipients received certificates of Knighthood or Princess certificates. While this helped some, it was not enough to matter. Then, after some careful saving and planning, further construction of the castle continued again in the summer of 2018. It stands now, as the roof metal is being replaced, with a two-man team working to finish the project with an estimated price tag of $165k.


THE PICTURES: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmad5mP6


Some style info: The architect is very much inspired by medieval gothic architecture, but has found a way to blend it with surrealism and a variety of other post modern styles. He has had two of his previous projects rejected by the individuals that commissioned his work, yet has maintained his unique, haphazard style. There are 18 spires on this three floor castle tucked away in the hills, complete with copper roofing adorned with wailing faces and screeching gargoyles. Gargoyles are a central part of this man's style, and the 27ish ones he plans to top the house with are inspired by the man's Hungarian great grandfather. They have all been crafted by the architect himself. I can honestly say, I've never been so confused, but also awe stricken by a building.


In conclusion: This building is awesome and holds a sentimental value in my heart, but don't plan on going anytime soon. This is this man's private home, and I was just lucky enough to get in touch with him for permission to enter. The neighbors did come out and question us, all while threatening to call the cops, but a quick call to the owner fixed that.

Personal side note: I'm using this interview to write a paper for one of my classes, and I'm really hoping these photos and the personal interview secure me an A.



Just a college kid with a film camera
Cfourexplore location:
North Carolina
 
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Re: Once Abandoned Castle Magically Springing Back to Life
<Reply # 1 on 2/26/2019 9:51 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
Oh yeah, that place...I've always had this as a possible explore, but have heard recently that it's not as abandoned as it once was. (Clearly the rumors were true)
Well, I thank you for the info, and for the nice writeup; as well as the pics, good job! Good luck on getting that A!
It's always sad to see an unexplored site go, but I'm glad it's being put to good use...especially to make some kiddies happy. 😃



"When you've truly done something right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all."
istone111   |  | 
Re: Once Abandoned Castle Magically Springing Back to Life
<Reply # 2 on 2/26/2019 10:51 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
Awe man
I've known about this place for years, but I never went.
Just like Cfourexplore, I always had this on my list of possible explores, but I never had the chance. At some point, I heard the neighbors starting calling the cops on people they saw and I'm pretty sure someone put up a fence around that time as well. Another thing is that the castle was actually pretty small, but still a shame I never went, at least it's not being torn down and someone is planning to renovate it.



Infiltration Forums > US: Mid-Atlantic > Once Abandoned Castle Magically Springing Back to Life(Viewed 892 times)
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