A custom-built Gothic castle has hit the market in the United States for an eye-watering price tag of US$35 million.
Completed in 2010, Chris Mark Castle is located in Connecticut and comes complete with a moat, drawbridge and dungeon, along with towers that rise almost 40m into the air.
Inside the 5000sq m mansion is a breathtaking entry hall leading to grand public spaces including a common area with fireplace and circular bar, and a basement which offers a raised stage and auditorium.
There are nine bedrooms to accommodate extended family and friends, along with seven full-sized bathrooms, three half-sized bathrooms and 12 fireplaces.
The Daily Mail UK explains the fairytale castle is owned by Christopher Mark, who is the great-grandson of Chicago steel tycoon Clayton Mark Sr.
Mr Mark reportedly built the home for his two daughters, who liked to dress up as princesses, with construction taking almost seven years to complete.
Its design inspiration is drawn from the castles of Europe, and the home cost $4.1 million to build.
Prior to commencing construction of the property, Mr Mark spent two years travelling Europe, where he gathered materials from French chateaux, old churches and cathedrals, that he then shipped back to the US.
“During the seven-year build process, more than 100 artisans, mainly from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic, were flown-in to help with the construction,” listing agent John Pizzi of Randall Realtors Compass told the Robb Report.
“The craftsmanship is just astonishing.”
The fairytale home is situated on 30-acres of land, with the castle positioned on a peninsula surrounded by a pond.
Over the years, its striking design has seen the property attract plenty of attention, according to Business Insider.
At one stage it accommodated a personal zoo complete with llamas, ponies, emus, camels, and a donkey.
At another point it was reportedly home to a modelling agency. Last year, it was also used as the setting for Hallmark Classic’s film One Royal Holiday.
Now, the property even has its own TikTok account, which has attracted more than 300,000 followers and six million likes, along with a dedicated website.
But despite its fairytale appeal and highly unique character, the one-of-a-kind residence has not proved easy to sell.
The Daily Mail notes the castle was initially listed for $45 million back in 2014 before being removed from the market in 2016 after the asking price was dropped to $32 million.
It was put back on the market again in November 2021, and is included among the listings on the Sotheby’s International Realty website.
There, the home is described as fit for a king or queen, offering a “stunning one of a kind property built to amaze and capture the imagination of the individual who relishes outstanding craftsmanship and superior design”.
