Key Takeaways:
- A unique three-storey stone castle has been built in a suburban cul-de-sac in Warrnambool, Victoria, as a home for the builder’s son.
- The castle features a keep, a moat, and medieval design elements, including wrought-iron fencing, entry-way doors from an old church, and Axminster carpet from England.
- The project was a labour of love for the builder, Ray Hollingsworth, who wanted to create a special home for his sons, who are fans of medieval and fantasy stories.
- The castle serves as a home base for the Hollingsworth family and is also the headquarters for their tabletop war-gaming business.
- The project took three years to complete and features unique elements, including a games room dubbed "the dungeon" and 3D-printed gargoyles that shoot water from their mouths when it rains.
Introduction to the Castle
The phrase "a man’s home is his castle" has taken on a whole new meaning in the south-west of Victoria, where a unique three-storey stone building has been constructed in a quiet suburban cul-de-sac. The castle, complete with a keep and a moat, is a standout feature in the coastal city of Warrnambool and has the potential to become a minor tourist attraction. For Ray Hollingsworth, the builder and owner of the castle, it is a labour of love and his most personal construction project to date.
A Family Affair
Ray built the castle as a home for his eldest son, Richard, but it serves as a home base for all of his three sons, who grew up with a love for medieval and fantasy stories. The family’s love for all things medieval is evident in the castle’s design, which features elements such as wrought-iron fencing, entry-way doors from an old church, and Axminster carpet from England. The Hollingsworth brothers have even started their own tabletop war-gaming business, which operates out of the castle’s basement. Ray says that he wanted to create a special home for his sons, where they could pursue their passions and interests.
Medieval Design and Unique Features
The castle’s design is a testament to Ray’s creativity and attention to detail. The project took three years to complete, and almost every corner of the building has a story to tell. The entry-way doors, for example, come from an old church in a nearby town, while the Axminster carpet took months to arrive from England. The castle also features a games room dubbed "the dungeon", where skeletons hang in leg irons and chains from Melbourne’s infamous Pentridge Prison. The exterior of the castle is adorned with 3D-printed gargoyles, designed and printed by Richard’s brother Nicholas, which shoot water from their mouths when it rains.
A Dream Come True
For Ray, the project has been a dream come true, allowing him to showcase his skills as a master builder and create something truly unique. He says that he has always loved taking on one-of-a-kind creative projects, and this one was no exception. The castle is a testament to his skill and craftsmanship, and he is proud to have been able to create something so special for his sons. Richard, who moved into the castle with his wife a few months ago, says that it is the perfect home for them, and they cannot imagine living anywhere else.
A Labour of Love
The project has been a labour of love for Ray, who wanted to create a special home for his sons. He says that he has always been a close-knit family, and this project has brought them even closer together. The castle serves as a home base for the family, and Ray is proud to have been able to create something that will be a part of their lives for years to come. As for Richard, he says that the castle is a dream come true, and he and his wife feel lucky to be able to call it home. The castle is a testament to the power of family and the importance of pursuing one’s passions and interests.