If you’ve ever joked about living in a castle, here’s your chance — no passport required.
Tucked into the woods of rural Valley Township in Allegan County, a 7,500-plus-square-foot, Gothic-inspired castle is now on the market for $2.15 million, offering one of the most unusual residential listings to hit West Michigan in years.
Yes, this is a real castle — complete with secret passageways, swinging bookcases, stone turrets and a spiral staircase — and it’s less than an hour’s drive from much of Southwest Michigan.
Not Medieval — But Intentionally Old-World
The castle was built in 1998, designed to evoke a 15th-century Gothic style, even though it’s very much a modern structure under the stone.
The home sits on nearly 60 acres of rolling, wooded land, providing privacy and a setting that makes the medieval aesthetic feel surprisingly authentic. More than 400 tons of Eden limestone were used in its construction, along with Italian marble floors, slate tile, limestone accents, hand-finished pine walls, and custom wood floors with walnut inlays.
In short, this wasn’t built as a novelty. It was built as a passion project.
The house includes five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, more than 20 rooms total, and four masonry fireplaces. There’s even an elevator, along with radiant in-floor heating across multiple levels — a reminder that while it may look medieval, it’s meant for modern living.
The Fun Stuff: Hidden Rooms and Secret Passages
Where the property really captures attention is in the details.
Several bookcases swing open, revealing hidden passageways and tucked-away rooms. A turret staircase leads to a concealed playroom space, originally designed for children. Gargoyles, stone columns, and dramatic architectural flourishes are found throughout the interior and exterior.
It’s the kind of place where first-time visitors inevitably say, “Wait… what’s behind that?”
The current owners, who purchased the property in 2007 after discovering it while hunting nearby land, have used it primarily as a family retreat and gathering place. Over the years, they added features including a stone entrance, stamped concrete courtyard, decks, and a circular driveway with a fountain.
A Home — Or Something More?
While the listing is residential, it’s easy to see why many observers are already asking about business or adaptive-reuse potential.
With its size, setting and visual impact, the property could lend itself to a number of uses, subject to zoning and local approvals:
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A private event or wedding venue
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A themed bed-and-breakfast or retreat center
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A corporate getaway or creative off-site space
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Or simply a one-of-a-kind private estate for someone looking for something truly different
The listing agent has acknowledged that the home is priced below appraised value, recognizing that properties this unique appeal to a narrower — but often highly motivated — pool of buyers. Interest has reportedly come from both in-state and out-of-state prospects.
A Reminder: Michigan Still Has Surprises
In a region better known for farm fields, lakeshore cottages and traditional homes, the Allegan County castle is a reminder that unexpected stories are sometimes hiding just off the back roads.
Whether it ultimately becomes someone’s private residence, a destination property, or simply a memorable footnote in West Michigan real estate lore, it’s already doing its job — getting people talking.
And during a slow holiday news week, that’s a story we thought was worth sharing!
By the Numbers – Allegan County Castle
Address: 2303 38th Street, Allegan, MI 49010 Redfin
List Price: $2,150,000 Redfin
Built: 1998 Redfin
Style: Gothic-inspired castle-like residence Trulia Real Estate Search
Size: ~7,529 sq. ft. Redfin
Bedrooms: 5 Redfin
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half Redfin
Lot Size: ~59.3 acres Redfin
Fireplaces: 4 masonry fireplaces Trulia Real Estate Search
Special Features: Elevator, spiral turret staircase, secret passageways, hidden playroom, radiant in-floor heat, 3-car garage Trulia Real Estate Search
MLS Listing: #25058523 Redfin
Photos courtesy of Listing Realtor Noel Berg, (616) 402-3404
