For sale: Helderberg Castle
You know, the problem with most modern castles is that they're so... intact. They're a classic fixer-downer situation. Not only do you have to buy the castle, but you have to spend all that time and effort and money turning it into a proper castle ruin.
That's not the case with the "Helderberg Castle" in New Scotland, which is up for sale. From the RealtyUSA listing:
Historic Helderberg Castle on 4.5 acre lot, chance to own a unique piece of history. Nestled privately in the Helderbergs, this property features fantastic old limestone ruins, hand built in 1935 by Bouck White. Property has church ruins, tower ruins,main home ruins - with 2500sf home situated atop stone ruins of 2 other buildings. Property also has 1500sf 2 car garage w/ workshop w/ electric and woodstove. Home has lrg bedrooms, porch, stone alcove, deed spring rights with neighboring property.
See, it's a ruin-ready castle. Here's a photoset, and satellite view of the property. List price is $179,000.
And, as with any good castle ruin, the Helderberg Castle has a colorful history. As the property listing notes, it was built in the 1930s by Bouck White, whose Wikipedia entry describes him as "a Congregational minister, an American socialist, a Jesusist, an author, a potter, and a recluse." From a short bio of white by Paula Lemire:
[B]y 1932, he was back in New York and running a pottery studio in an Albany carriage house. In 1934, White bought six acres in the Helderberg Mountains. He was attracted to the lonely cliff by a belief that it was where Hiawatha supposedly experienced visions that lead to the founding of the Iroquois Confederacy. White had long claimed Mohawk ancestery, saying, "I don't know how much of the blood of Hiawatha is in my veins, but my heart is Indian."
White constructed a "castle" using the plentiful limestone. He worked as independently of technology (which he distrusted as much as wealth) a possible. He described his building style:
"The stones are not hacked or broken to form a window opening of some perceived pattern; they are allowed....to build a window of any form whatsover...A new resource for the architect is here emerging, provided their clients be animated by a spirit of natural beauty."
A few weeks ago, YNN's Geoff Redick had a story about the castle being for sale, which includes some more bits about its history. As the listing agent said then: "There's not one thing that's, uh...normal about this house. I don't even know how to put that, I really don't!"
[via Upstater]
Earlier on AOA:
+ For sale: castle overlooking Lake George
+ Sold: Amsterdam Castle
+ The crumbling castle
photo: The Capital Team / RealtyUSA / CRMLS
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Comments
Such a nifty property, honestly. Like the realtor said, this is an unusual home. It's going to have to be a cash deal for sure, because how on earth would any appraiser be able to "comp it out"?
... said Pirate Jeni on Oct 31, 2013 at 9:19 AM | link
Well one can never have enough ruins in their life!
KK
... said Preppy Pink Crocodile on Oct 31, 2013 at 1:10 PM | link
It truly is a one of a kind property and will require a just as unique buyer.
... said brian brosen on Oct 31, 2013 at 1:13 PM | link
Interesting that Bouck White placed Hiawatha's vision on the Hedlerberg escarpment. Most people place it at Cohoes Falls.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Peacemaker
... said Duncan Crary on Oct 31, 2013 at 2:31 PM | link
Interesting article from the NY Times on Bouck White from May 2921:
http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=F10D1FF9345B1B7A93C2AA178ED85F458285F9
... said Jamie on Oct 31, 2013 at 2:32 PM | link
It would be great is somebody bought this and turned these evocative ruins into a space open to the public on even a limited basis -- meditation center, outdoor theater.
... said chrisck on Oct 31, 2013 at 2:46 PM | link