A historic Pennsylvania castle with a price tag of $1.5 million is hitting the auction block – but its new owners may be left disappointed with the amount of land surrounding the property.
Located in Ambler, the Lindenwold Castle boasts a staggering 24,000 square feet of space and a rich history tied to an asbestos magnate.
The beautiful castle used to be surrounded by plush gardens and ample outdoor space – but the ornate property is now sandwiched between other residential buildings.
The bargain property, listed by Paramount Realty, was once owned by Richard Mattison, a pharmacist and cofounder of Keasbey & Mattison Co.
Ever since, the castle has transformed from a Victorian mansion to an orphanage and even a movie set.
However, the property’s legacy is also involved with Ambler’s industrial history, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The town was once known as the ‘asbestos capital of the world’ – which adds controversy to the property’s appeal.
It was originally purchased by Mattison in 1888 and dramatically renovated in 1912.
Still today, the castle features original marble fireplaces and gilded wallpapered ceilings that hint at its glamorous past.
‘It’s hard to put a value on this property just because it is so unique,’ Adam Gillespie, a principal at Avison Young, who is listing the property, told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
‘This can set up well for an office use, an apartment conversion, even just a single-family use, which it was in the past.’
But Gillespie also said some ‘parts of the building are in shell condition.’
‘Now it’s just a matter of finish detail,’ he told the outlet. ‘There are some rooms that are in great condition with the original wallpaper, very ornate woodwork, and there’s some parts of the building that are in shell condition.’
The estate was featured in the 1966 movie ‘The Trouble with Angels’ and was later owned by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who operated an orphanage there.
Recent investors Aquinas Realty Partners have even pumped over $3 million into upgrades, including electrical system improvements and a fire suppression system.
The auction to buy this gorgeous historical castle is running from November 16 to December 19. As of now, no bids have been placed – but that’s expected.
‘It’s not the easiest path to redeveloping this, just because it is so ornate on the inside,’ Gillespie told the outlet. ‘But I guarantee you, when it’s done, it’s going to be immaculate.’