Massive Stone Castle in the Mojave Desert Needs a Buyer in Shining Armor

realtor.com

On the border of the Mojave Desert in Antelope Valley, just outside the town of Lancaster, CA, a stream of water leads the eye to the front gates of … a castle.

This is no mirage. It’s a bona fide Irish-inspired castle amid the scrub of the high desert. Built in 1924 by New York native Richard Peter Shea, “Castle Ranch,” as it’s known today, was the Shea family’s desert refuge.  The property is currently on the market for just under $5 million.

Shea chose the remote Mojave Desert for a number of reasons. The prominent developer had been enamored with California for years, intrigued by the state’s abundant sunshine and proximity to the film stars of nascent Hollywood.

However, the most important reason this East Coast native chose to build his castle clear across the country was his wife. At the time, Ellen was suffering from a host of health issues (ultimately leading to her death), and Shea thought the change in climate—specifically the region’s clean, dry air—would help her convalescence.

Castle Ranch

Flickr.com

The castle took two years to build, with hundreds of local workers sourcing stone and constructing the fortress. Not long after Shea and his wife moved in, the stock market crashed and Ellen died.

The castle stood as a testament to Shea’s ambition and though it isn’t a registered historical landmark, it’s rich in history.

“It’s really a magnificent treasure,” says listing agent Sam Dehbashi.

Entrance

flickr.com

The walls are built of solid granite. The eight-bedroom, 7.5-bath castle comes with 510 acres, including a 10-acre lake. Also on the property are a helipad and landing strip.

Singing cowboy Roy Rogers once lived there, and a succession of wealthy owners also laid claim to the ranch over the decades.

Fireplace

flickr.com

The castle is now ready to crown a new owner and usher in a revival of sorts.

“With so much space and land, this location is really a blank slate,” says Dehbashi. “All it really needs is someone with a vision for it.”

The original iron gate and fixtures are still intact and the overall structure is strong, but the interior could use an overhaul.

The post Massive Stone Castle in the Mojave Desert Needs a Buyer in Shining Armor appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from DIYS https://ift.tt/2NkyvTk