In a city where colorful architecture and bold design take center stage on almost every street, one property stands out from the crowd: a fairytale New Orleans “castle” that has become perhaps one of Louisiana’s most recognizable homes during the three years it has been on the market.
The two-bedroom, one-bathroom property, which was featured in multiple social media posts and numerous headlines, first hit the market in July 2023, when it was listed for $500,000.
However, after three years without a buyer – and only a €100 discount offered – the sellers now appear to be taking more drastic action, relisting the property and reducing their original asking by €100,000.
Located in the Irish Bayou, the unusual residence has become a local landmark thanks to its medieval-inspired design, complete with stone walls, turret-style towers, arched windows and an entrance that resembles a drawbridge.
The iconic property known as Fisherman’s Castle was completed in 1978 and was built by Simon Villemarette “to show off the building skills of the original owner” ahead of the 1984 World’s Fair, according to the previous listing.
However, the recent listing, which is held by Eric Hernández from Nola Living Realty, offers more than just the castle.
According to the listing, buyers will receive “two properties for the price of one,” including a separate two-bedroom, one-bath waterfront camp located on the same lot.
The listing suggests the unique setup could make an ideal holiday rental or investment opportunity.
“Two properties for the price of one. You get a two-bedroom, one-bathroom waterfront camp and a unique waterfront castle, which could be good for weekly summer rentals,” the listing said.
While the exterior looks like something straight out of a medieval storybook, the interior blends the home’s whimsical architecture with more traditional living spaces.
A huge great room with castle-style stone walls, oversized arched windows and an impressive spiral staircase.
The spacious kitchen features custom wood cabinetry, while the dining and living areas continue the medieval theme with rustic finishes and decorative brickwork.
The property has undergone some renovations in recent years, some of which appear to still be in progress. Listing images show scaffolding and construction supplies in at least one of the rooms.
The property embraces the bayou setting with direct access to the water for fishing or boating, or simply viewing the tranquil scenery from the home’s elevated vantage point.
The castle’s towers and fortress-like silhouette make it one of the most recognizable houses along the water.
In 2013, the current owners of the house, Charles and Jean Kuhl, opened to local sales point WGNO about their unique property. The structure was built to withstand hurricanes, they said, noting that it survived Hurricanes Katrina and Isaac.
Charles and Jean lived in the building at the time.
“I never thought I would have a castle as a retirement home,” Charles joked.
The duo admitted that the castle needed repairs and explained that they were working on fixing several leaks.
Still, they said the castle’s wear and tear had done little to deter looky-loos.
“People come by every day,” Charles said. “They want to take pictures.”
There have been several Reddit posts dedicated to the property’s unique design, with many commenters expressing their surprise after seeing the castle while driving through the area.
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